Mayor Littmann Addresses Former Annapolis Police Chief’s Removal at Caucus of African American Leaders Meeting
Mayor Jared Littmann addressed the recent removal of former Annapolis Police Chief Ed Jackson at a meeting held by the Caucus of African American Leaders last night, speaking to about 150 attendees on the leadership transition and the city’s path forward.
According to a statement issued by Carl Snowden, Convener for Caucus of African American Leaders, Littmann terminated Michael Lyles, the former City Attorney, and Chief Jackson, both African Americans within his first 100 days in office.
“During Black History Month, we wanted to celebrate the achievements of African Americans. To have the second Black chief of police fired on the second day of Black History Month is a poignant reminder that the struggle continues,” Snowden said.
Several meeting attendees spoke passionately to the mayor about his decision to remove former Chief Ed Jackson, raising concerns about departmental direction, accountability, and efforts to strengthen trust between law enforcement and the community.
The mayor reminded the crowd that he was limited in what he could share due to personnel-privacy regulations.
“We are very disappointed in the manner in which this was done,” said a meeting attendee who spoke to Report Annapolis News under the condition of anonymity. “They say there are two sides to every story, but I’m not sure if we will ever know what truly happened that led to Chief Ed Jackson losing his job, and that is concerning.”
Mayor Littmann acknowledged the significance of the leadership change within the Annapolis Police Department and emphasized the city’s commitment to maintaining stability, transparency, and public safety. Some community leaders, however, questioned the city’s steps to ensure continuity of operations, including the appointment of interim leadership and the process for selecting a permanent chief.
According to a press release from the Mayor's office, Chief Jackson was removed from command of the Annapolis Police Department due to differing approaches to management. Jackson has served as chief since August of 2019. Mayor Littmann immediately appointed Capt. Amy Miguez as the City’s Acting Police Chief.
"The Mayor relieved the Chief of duty," a city spokesperson told Report Annapolis News. "As acting, the Mayor is not putting Miguez forward to council at this time for permanent confirmation."
Mayor Littmann thanked Chief Jackson for his service to our residents. “I admire and respect his work on diversifying the force and command staff and his work on reentry and cold case investigations," Littman said. "These efforts are important to our community, and I want to see these initiatives continue. Leadership transitions are never easy, but my goal is to maintain strong governance across all departments as we continue serving Annapolis.”
Mayor Littmann said that Miguez meets the necessary City Charter requirements to serve in the role. Miguez currently serves as Administrative Services Captain and has held leadership roles across nearly every major departmental function, including patrol, investigations, community outreach, and public information. She began her career with the department as a police dispatcher in 2000 and has steadily risen through the ranks.
Acting Chief Miguez is known for her strong commitment to procedural justice, transparent communication, and community engagement. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and has completed a master’s in public safety leadership and administration at the University of Maryland, College Park. She is also a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police.
“Chief Jackson’s leadership opened doors at the Annapolis Police Department and strengthened a culture that values equity and opportunity,” Miguez said. “His support for a workforce that reflects the community we serve made it possible for leaders like me to step forward. I am deeply grateful for his mentorship and for the foundation he built, and I am honored to continue my service to our residents.”
Mayor Littmann has asked Acting City Manager Victoria Buckland and Acting Human Resources Manager Lasan Crispin to prioritize hiring a City Manager before announcing a search for the next Annapolis Police Chief.
“I have full confidence in Acting Chief Miguez,” Littmann added. “Public safety is a priority of my administration, and I want the public to know that APD will continue to serve our residents in the same dedicated and community-focused manner they expect and deserve.”
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