Gainesville City Manager Cynthia Curry has selected interim Chief Nelson Moya to step into the permanent chief role for the Gainesville Police Department (GPD).
In a Friday press release, the city said a national search took place from July 22 through Aug. 22, netting 45 applications. Of those, seven applications were sent to Curry for review.
“Nelson Moya was one of the seven, and it became clear that, in this applicant pool, he was far and above the most qualified candidate to meet the needs of our agency,” Curry said in the press release.
Moya started as assistant police chief with GPD in May 2023. Previously, he served as chief of police in Palm City and oversaw justice intervention programs in Suffolk County, New York.
Moya stepped into the interim chief role in March following the forced resignation of former Chief Lonnie Scott, who had officially entered the top position in July 2022.
Moya told local media that entering the role brings happiness but also the anxiety of a new role.
“I’m elated to continue to serve. This capacity allows me to continue through some of the things that we already have placed in motion over the last couple of years,” Moya said.
He’s a really good guy. Glad to have him permanently chosen.
I would like to say why wasn’t the citizens allowed to vote on the new police of chief as they allowed to vote on the new sheriff of alachua county. I’m sure more people would like to know also
That’s not how it works for police chief. The sheriff is an elected position. Police chief is not.
The Florida State Constitution lays all this out: Article 6 Section 8 (d) COUNTY OFFICERS. There shall be elected by the electors of each county, for terms of four years, a sheriff, a tax collector, a property appraiser, a supervisor of elections, and a clerk of the circuit court. Unless otherwise provided by special law approved by vote of the electors or pursuant to Article V, section 16, the clerk of the circuit court shall be ex officio clerk of the board of county commissioners, auditor, recorder and custodian of all county funds. Notwithstanding subsection 6(e) of this article, a county charter may not abolish the office of a sheriff, a tax collector, a property appraiser, a supervisor of elections, or a clerk of the circuit court; transfer the duties of those officers to another officer or office; change the length of the four-year term of office; or establish any manner of selection other than by election by the electors of the county.
Police Chiefs in Florida (I believe) are appointed by the mayor or city commissioners whereas sheriffs are ELECTED OFFICIALS as they have duties that encompass all of the county. Nothing nefarious.
Didn’t we have a national search for police chiefs in the past that included local candidates?
They need to get rid of the entire internal affairs. They all are unethically and unprofessional for the truth. The prosecutors office is the same. God has a way to right all the wrongs. Sadly people have to go through bad things because of dishonesty. Helping friends they grew up with or know. I pray for them all.