Chief Miguel Iglesias
Retired NYPD Chief
Chief Miguel Iglesias, a retired Chief of the New York Police Department (NYPD), devoted more than three decades to serving his city with unwavering dedication and a deep sense of
responsibility Born in Panama City, Panama, he immigrated to the United States and joined the NYPD in 1991. Throughout his distinguished career, he ascended through the ranks to the highest levels of leadership within the department, earning recognition for his commitment to justice, integrity, and public safety. His leadership in various roles, mainly overseeing internal affairs and guiding crucial investigations, has left an enduring impact on the NYPD and the communities it serves Miguel’s path to success in law enforcement was shaped by his commitment to personal growth and continuous learning He began his journey with the NYPD as a patrol officer, and in 2001, he was promoted to Sergeant He recognized that higher education would be key to advancing his career, so he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from St. Joseph’s College in 2005 He later completed a Master’s in Human Resources Management from Seton Hall University in 2008 These academic accomplishments enhanced his leadership skills and provided him with the tools needed to navigate the increasingly complex responsibilities of his various roles
Early Steps in Law Enforcement
Miguel’s connection to law enforcement began long before he joined the NYPD After moving to Brooklyn in 1974, he experienced firsthand the challenges of growing up in a neighborhood that was grappling with rising crime and gang violence These experiences had a lasting effect on him and motivated him to pursue a career in law enforcement After graduating from Aviation High School, he chose to serve his community as a police officer, joining the NYPD in 1991 to make a positive difference
As a new officer, Miguel quickly displayed leadership potential. His promotion to Sergeant in 2001 marked a key moment in his career, pushing him to seek further education and leadership development. With the support of the NYPD, he continued his academic journey, earning degrees that would prepare him for the responsibilities of higher-ranking positions His ability to balance practical law enforcement experience with academic knowledge would become a hallmark of his leadership style.
Climbing Through the Ranks
In 2005, after completing his Bachelor’s Degree, Miguel was promoted to Lieutenant, reflecting his strong work ethic and leadership ability As a Lieutenant, he oversaw operations within his Precinct, ensuring that officers were adequately trained and equipped to serve their community. His leadership was focused on fostering teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, skills that would serve him throughout his career
By 2010, Miguel had risen to the rank of Captain As Captain, he took on the responsibility of overseeing larger areas of operations and managing teams of officers across multiple precincts His focus on reducing crime and strengthening community relationships led to tangible results, with crime rates dropping under his watch His leadership in these years demonstrated his ability to manage people and resources effectively, and his reputation as a dedicated and strategic leader continued to grow.
In 2014, Chief Miguel Iglesias NYPD was appointed to one of the most critical positions in the NYPD: Commanding Officer of PSA2 and the 73rd Precinct. The area was notorious for its high crime rates, and his leadership proved to be a game-changer During his tenure, the 73rd Precinct saw a remarkable 52% reduction in shooting crimes and an overall 13% decrease in crime. These results reflected his ability to lead with foresight, innovation, and dedication to making his Precinct safer
Expanding Leadership and Specialization
Miguel’s ability to lead effectively in high-pressure situations was further tested in 2016 when he was appointed to the Brooklyn Narcotics Division. In this role, he focused on the fight against drug trafficking, gang activity, and organized crime His work in this area was instrumental in dismantling criminal operations and preventing violence in the community The scope of his work expanded even further in 2018 when he was named Commanding Officer of the Intelligence and Analysis Unit, where he oversaw efforts to combat terrorism and track emerging threats to public safety.
In these specialized roles, Miguel demonstrated a keen ability to manage complex investigations and collaborate with other agencies. He worked alongside local, state, and federal law enforcement organizations, ensuring that intelligence was shared and coordinated efforts led to practical results His success in these positions highlighted his capacity to lead in areas requiring critical thinking, coordination, and strategic planning.
Executive Officer in the Detective Bureau
2019 Miguel’s career reached new heights when he was appointed Executive Officer of the Detective’s Bureau This role was a natural extension of his previous work, as he was responsible for overseeing high-profile investigations, ensuring that detectives were well-supported, and managing resources effectively He played a key role in solving significant cases, particularly those involving gang violence, organized crime, and narcotics trafficking
Miguel’s leadership in the Detective’s Bureau was defined by his ability to motivate his officers, maintain ethical standards, and drive complex investigations to successful conclusions His attention to detail and ability to stay calm under pressure allowed the bureau to solve some of the city’s most challenging and high-profile cases
Chief of Internal Affairs
Miguel’s final role with the NYPD was as Chief of Internal Affairs, a position he held from 2022 until his retirement in 2025. As Chief of Internal Affairs, he oversaw investigations into potential misconduct within the department His leadership in this role was crucial in maintaining the NYPD’s credibility and integrity He implemented reforms to strengthen the department’s internal processes, ensuring that officers were held accountable for their actions and that the public could trust the NYPD to police itself
Under his leadership, the Internal Affairs Bureau made significant strides in addressing corruption, misconduct, and other challenges within the department His commitment to
transparency, fairness, and accountability helped restore public trust in the NYPD, and his work continues to influence the department’s culture.
Legacy of Service and Dedication
Miguel remained committed to furthering his education and leadership skills throughout his career In addition to his academic degrees, he completed several executive programs, including those at the Harvard Kennedy School and Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs These programs helped him refine his leadership abilities and provided him with the knowledge to address the evolving challenges of law enforcement
Chief Miguel Iglesias retired from the NYPD in 2025, leaving a legacy of dedicated service, ethical leadership, and a commitment to justice His impact on the department is immeasurable, inspiring law enforcement officers and leaders nationwide. His career is a testament to the power of perseverance, education, and service to others His leadership has shaped the NYPD into a stronger, more transparent, and more accountable organization, and his legacy will continue to influence law enforcement for generations to come