Opa-locka introduces new police chief

Jeffrey Keys named chief of Opa-locka Police Department

OPA-LOCKA, Fla. – Two cars were broken into Wednesday morning a few feet away from the news conference that introduced the new Opa-locka police chief.

"I think I have what it takes to come in and do a good job," said newly named Opa-locka Police Chief Jeffrey Keys.

"It's obvious that we have our work cut out for us," said city manager Kelvin Baker, who hired Keys

In 20 years, Opa-locka has had 12 police chiefs. The department has also faced numerous corruption complaints, including a captain accused of having knowledge of the killing of a Brinks guard and doing nothing

"I always said Opa-locka was the best training facility in Dade County," said Keys. "There's going to be a total assessment done in the department."

Keys started his law enforcement career in Opa-locka, moved to the North Miami Police Department, then returned as police chief.

Baker said he never publicly advertised the job opening.

"It was originally my intent to spend a little more time on this process," said city manager Kelvin Baker.

Keys said he may bring police commander Peter Cruz as his deputy chief. The two worked together in North Miami.

"He's a viable candidate, [a] strong candidate," said Keys.

Sources at the North Miami Police Department told Local 10 Cruz' record includes insurance fraud, insubordination, and perjury.

Keys officially starts as chief of the Opa-locka Police Department on Monday.