Commissioner Pardo’s Account
For years, residents who reported reckless riders on Biscayne often heard the same answer: the riders had already moved to another street.
At the October 8, 2026 City Commission meeting, District 2 Commissioner Damian Pardo shared his own experience reporting reckless riders on Biscayne. He said Miami Police Chief Edwin Lopez responded right away. The department deployed its drones, located the riders, and handled the situation. Pardo stressed how important it is for residents to see this kind of behavior addressed, because it directly affects whether people feel safe.
That story was one of many shared as Chief Lopez presented a report on his first 100 days leading the department. He opened with gratitude and introduced the leaders of the department's many units, which together include about 1,400 personnel.
What the Numbers Say
The report compared June 15 to September 22, 2026 with the same period in 2025, using citywide data from the Miami Police Department's records system.
Overall crime is down 3%, from 4,350 incidents to 4,223. Violent crime is down 7%, from 851 to 794. Homicides fell from 10 to 7, robberies dropped 24% from 83 to 63, and assault and battery dipped 2% from 700 to 683. Property crime is down 3%, from 2,852 to 2,760. Stolen vehicles dropped 25% from 285 to 215, while larceny and theft held nearly steady at 2,118, down from 2,134.
| Category | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total crime | 4,350 | 4,223 | -3% |
| Violent crime | 851 | 794 | -7% |
| Homicide | 10 | 7 | -30% |
| Robbery | 83 | 63 | -24% |
| Assault / Battery | 700 | 683 | -2% |
| Property crime | 2,852 | 2,760 | -3% |
| Stolen vehicles | 285 | 215 | -25% |
| Larceny / Theft | 2,134 | 2,118 | -1% |
June 15 to September 22, 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. Source: Miami Police Department, citywide.
Targeted traffic enforcement operations, including on the Miami River, resulted in more than 25,000 citations and over 1,000 traffic-related arrests.
How They're Doing It
The Drone First Responder program has become one of the department's most important tools. Drones are used daily, helped keep FIFA events safe, and support traffic studies. With launch sites including Central, Little Haiti, Flagler, Little Havana, and Coral Way, the Chief said drones can now reach neighborhoods across the city.
The Chief also focused on community partnerships, aligning public perception with data, and building trust through events in every commission district, including Coffee with a Cop. He highlighted the department's community policing work, from bike patrols and the Environmental Crimes Unit to the Homeless Empowerment field team, along with the SWAT, aviation, and marine patrol units.
For downtown, the department took a closer look at its urban policing team and redeployed resources to increase visibility through foot and bike patrols. A federal COPS grant received in 2025 is adding 24 officers to the East District.
The Chief, who started his career as a school resource officer, has increased police presence in schools. The department is also prioritizing officer wellness, with attention to both mental and physical health.
What Commissioners Are Hearing
Commissioner Christine King recalled approaching officers near her home with a troubling message from a constituent. Without realizing who she was, the officers listened, read the message, and gave her advice. She said that experience reflects the community spirit she sees in Miami's officers.
Commissioner Ralph Rosado added that he is hearing directly from officers that morale in the department is very high.
The Chief's Approach
The Chief described his leadership style as connection. He attends roll calls, honors retirees, joins officers at events, and uses his platform to highlight the good work officers do every day. He acknowledged that the work is not perfect, but said he has been impressed by the professionalism of Miami's officers and by how deeply this community cares about its neighborhoods. He said he is grateful to have been welcomed to Miami and looks forward to the next 100 days and beyond.
BHA saw that approach firsthand from the very beginning. Shortly after being sworn in, Chief Lopez joined us at our BHA Summer Breakfast Briefing in June, his first BHA event as Chief, to connect directly with condo leaders and residents. One hundred days later, we're glad to see that commitment to connection continuing across the department.
Congratulations to Chief Lopez and Miami PD
Congratulations to Chief Edwin Lopez and the men and women of the Miami Police Department on an encouraging first 100 days. BHA appreciates your commitment to public safety, community connection, and service to Miami’s neighborhoods. We look forward to continuing to work together for Brickell.
Watch the meeting highlights on the City of Miami's YouTube channel.
