Miami's Police Chief Out As New Mayor Steps In

CHRISTINE ARMARIO

MIAMI (AP) — Miami's police chief, a nationally recognized leader dubbed "America's Best Cop" by Esquire magazine, stepped down as one of his critics — the city's new mayor — was sworn into office.

Chief John F. Timoney, who was previously top cop in Philadelphia, said he had fulfilled his mission by reducing crime and lowered officer-involved shootings.

Miami's new mayor, Tomas Regalado, said Wednesday he instructed the city manager to ask the chief to step down, saying crime was rising and officer morale was low.

"We are very happy that we are past the chief of police issue," Regalado told The Associated Press.

Timoney was chief in Philadelphia from 1998 to 2002. Before that, he rose through the ranks of the New York Police Department, eventually becoming second-in-command.

In Miami, Timoney was credited with improving a department scarred by violence and scandal — while maintaining a high public profile. He often spoke about homeland security issues and in 2000, Esquire wrote a cover story on him titled, "America's Best Cop." In 2007, the New Yorker profiled Timoney.