New police chief in North Miami Beach is a lifer who’s served most major posts
Richard Rand grew up in North Miami Beach. And in the more than two decades he’s worked for the city’s police department, he’s served in almost every important capacity.
On Friday, Rand reached the pinnacle when he was named chief of police in North Miami Beach.
“It’s certainly an honor for me to make the appointment given Chief Rand’s years of service to the community, his vision of the department and the level of respect he garners within the community,” said Assistant City Manager Horace McHugh.
Rand replaces Chief William Hernandez, a 26-year Miami-Dade police veteran who has been at the helm in North Miami Beach since 2015. He officially retired Wednesday.
Rand, who began his career with North Miami Beach in 1997, has an undergraduate degree in criminal justice from Union Institute & University and a Master’s from the University of San Diego.
He was named sergeant in charge of field operations in 2007 and promoted to captain in 2014. Named a major two years later, Rand has been a patrol officer and overseen the department’s gang unit and criminal investigations.
He couldn’t be reached for comment.
North Miami Beach Commissioner Barbara Kramer called Rand’s appointment “well deserved” in a post on Facebook.
“For a man who grew up in North Miami Beach, has worked here over two decades and dedicated himself to the city with his invaluable people skills, and which citizens and the PD look upon him with great respect, I couldn’t be happier,” she said.
This story was originally published March 19, 2021 at 2:00 PM.
