Hallandale Beach to swear in first female police chief

Sonia Quinones has been with Hallandale Beach Police Department for 24 years

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Hallandale Beach police is set to swear-in the department’s first female police chief next month.

Sonia Quinones has served the department for 24 years and is currently a major. She was selected from a field of over 60 candidates.

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On Oct. 1, she will succeed Chief Dwayne Flournoy and lead the agency of 143 sworn officers and civilian staff

During her time with Hallandale police, Quinones  started as a road patrol officer before she scaled up the ranks to sergeant,  then captain and was promoted to major in 2015. She also participated in undercover investigations with the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Quinones has a master's in public administration and a bachelor’s in public administration.

She earned both of her degrees at Barry University. 

Quinones graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, in 2012.

 "I'm excited to announce a new era in policing for the city," Quinones said in a news release. "I'm very excited and blessed for this amazing opportunity." 

Quinones is tasked with promoting further transparency and states she will focus on enhancing public safety, public trust and increasing employee engagement and morale.

City Manager Roger M. Carlton said Quinones is the best fit for the job.

"She's distinguished herself and has a vision of where our police department needs to go," Carlton said. "She will be respected by the entire police department and she is the best fit for the job."