Jeffrey Key was introduced as Opa-locka's new police chief by Mayor Myra Taylor and other city officials at a news conference Wednesday. NBC 6's Julia Bagg reports.
An officer who trained with Opa-locka Police more than two decades ago has been named the city's new police chief.
Jeffrey Key was introduced as the new chief by Opa-locka Mayor Myra Taylor and other city officials at a news conference Wednesday.
"The son has come back home," Key said. Key said he had trained with the department more than 20 years ago and had been encouraged to go to the police academy by the chief at the time.
Key will take over duties on March 25. City officials said they spoke to several candidates and picked the best man for the job.
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While Key will have an uphill battle trying to combat crime in the city and within his department, he said he's prepared to make some changes.
"We're gonna see what we need to do and we'll re-wire things," Key said. "There has to be a total assessment."
Coincidentally, as Key made his remarks Wednesday a thief broke into two cars, smashing glass and stealing purses just 50 yards away.
"It is unfortunate and it's obvious that we have our work cut out for us here," City Manager Kevin Baker said.
Two years ago, veteran Opa-locka police Captain Arthur Balom was arrested on charges related to his participation in distributing cocaine, Ecstasy and Oxycodone. He pleaded guilty to the charges in October.
Key said despite the issues, he's excited to get to work.
"There's some good officers here," he said.
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