About Chief Miguel Iglesias

Chief Miguel Iglesias, a retired NYPD Chief with over 30 years in law enforcement, is a shining example of dedication to community service. Born in Panama City, Panama, Iglesias joined the NYPD in 1991 and embarked on a remarkable career in public service roles. His rise to one of the highest-ranking, uniformed members of the New York Police Department is a testament to his unwavering commitment to local and national security. From undercover operations to Commanding Officer in several precincts and from the Detective’s Bureau Executive Officer to the Chief of Internal Affairs, Miguel’s dedication to community service is unparalleled. His leadership in the police department’s anti-corruption efforts has significantly increased public trust and reduced civil rights violations.

Iglesias’ promotion to Sergeant in 2001 was his incentive to obtain the higher education requirements needed to join the NYPD executive ranks. He worked long and hard to earn his Bachelor’s Degree from St Joe’s in 2005 and his Master’s from Seton Hall in 2008. However, Miguel’s dedication to following established procedures, systems, and policies paved the foundation for his success. His resolute commitment to implementing city and state regulations and laws while utilizing empathy and positive communication skills earned him the respect of the community and colleagues.

Early Career with NYPD

Chief Miguel Iglesias’s NYPD career began when he came to New York in 1974 and established residence in Brooklyn, a community that was experiencing an ethnic and cultural transformation. He graduated from Aviation High School at a time when he witnessed an increase in gang activity and a decline in community safety. These events left an indelible imprint on Miguel and cemented his decision to join law enforcement in 1991 to positively contribute to the community. He quickly rose in duty and rank, being promoted to Sergeant in 2001. He had an overwhelming desire to make a difference inside and outside the NYPD, so he began taking steps to reach the executive level.

Miguel received his Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from St Joseph’s College in 2005, leading to his promotion to Lieutenant. In this mid-level supervisory role, Iglesias oversaw a team of officers and managed daily operations within his Precinct. In 2010, he was recognized for his ability to lead and inspire the rank and file, which led to his promotion to Captain’s rank. As commanding officer, Miguel would oversee all police operations within his assigned area, including supervising officers and managing investigations.

By 2018, Iglesias was promoted to fill the Commanding Officer position in some of the most pressing areas of New York City, including PSA2 and the 73rd Precinct (2014). These positions led to Miguel’s promotion to the Brooklyn Narcotics Division (2016) and Commanding Officer of the Intelligence and Analysis Unit (2018). While Commanding Officer of the 73rd Precinct, the city experienced a 52% reduction in shooting crimes and an overall 13% crime reduction, a testament to Iglesias’s effective leadership and the NYPD’s commitment to public safety.

Detective Bureau Executive Officer

Throughout his career as an NYPD officer, Iglesias demonstrated an exceptional ability to motivate his staff and aid them in accomplishing stressful and complex assignments within tight deadlines and budget restraints. He encouraged professional development among his officers and himself. In 2019, he was assigned to the Detective’s Bureau as Executive Officer, demanding high ethical and moral responsibility. He supervised detective personnel and investigations of major events while reporting to higher command. This leadership position also entailed allocating resources and setting investigative priorities.

Iglesias played a pivotal role in closing many local and international criminal investigations. He is most proud of his work in both gang and narcotics investigations, a critical piece of the justice system that works to reduce gang-related crime and violence. His role demanded he work closely with outside agencies on task force operations and multi-jurisdictional cases. In 2018, Miquel was again promoted to Commanding Officer of the Intelligence and Analysis Unit. This Unit analyzes and investigates individuals and groups that engage in terrorist activities.

Retired Chief of Internal Affairs

In 2022, Iglesias’s over 30 years of integrity, dedication, and proven leadership over some of the city’s busiest and most dangerous commands gained him one of the highest-ranking positions in the NYPD, Chief of Internal Affairs. In this role, he implemented methods to maintain departmental credibility, ensuring the conduct within the ranks was compliant with departmental policies and procedures. His exceptional attention to detail and deep understanding of legal and departmental policies have been key to his success. He has been instrumental in fostering a culture of transparency and ethical conduct within the NYPD, instilling confidence in the public about the integrity of law enforcement.

Iglesias continued his higher education goals throughout his career, which was key to his numerous promotions. He earned his Master of Science in Human Resources Management from Seton Hall University. Chief Iglesias also completed the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Program and Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs Programs. Chief Miguel Iglesias retired in 2025 as a highly decorated officer and Chief of Internal Affairs, NYPD.