With the departure of Chief Matthew Castillo to the Doral Police Department, the big question became, “Who will be the next Miami Springs Chief of Police?”
The answer to that question is Deputy Chief Albert Sandoval is being promoted as the new Chief of Police.
Miami Springs City Manager, J.C. Jimenez issued the following statement:
I am pleased to formally announce the appointment of Deputy Chief Albert Sandoval as the next Chief of Police for the City of Miami Springs, as of June 13, 2026.
Chief Sandoval is a lifelong resident of Miami Springs, a graduate of Miami Springs Senior High School (Class of 1999), and a devoted husband and proud father. He holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Miami Dade College and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Florida International University. His deep roots in our community, combined with his personal and professional commitment to public service, uniquely position him to lead our Police Department.
Chief Sandoval brings more than two decades of distinguished service to the Miami Springs Police Department, having begun his career in 2001. Over the course of his tenure, he has advanced through nearly every rank and operational assignment within the department, including Public Service Aide, Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, K-9 Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Deputy Chief of Police. His leadership experience includes overseeing agency operations, personnel management, budgeting, fleet and technology initiatives, policy development, and strategic planning. He has directed critical public safety operations, managed major incidents and investigations, and implemented department-wide initiatives that have strengthened service delivery, accountability, and organizational effectiveness.
A 2024 graduate of the prestigious Southern Police Institute, Chief Sandoval has demonstrated a commitment to executive-level leadership development and best practices in modern law enforcement. He also brings more than 15 years of specialized K-9 experience, serving as both an operational handler and a certified instructor responsible for training and developing K-9 teams. In addition, he is a certified firearms and TASER instructor and has served with distinction as a member of the department’s Honor Guard.
Throughout his career, Chief Sandoval has received numerous commendations and awards recognizing his leadership, professionalism, innovation, and commitment to community engagement. His dedication to modernizing departmental policies and aligning operations with contemporary standards has further strengthened the Miami Springs Police Department.
I am confident that under Chief Sandoval’s leadership, the Department will continue to build upon its strong foundation of excellence and service to our residents. Please join me in congratulating him on this well-deserved appointment.
