Miami Police Chief Manny Morales Faces Removal Calls After Appearing in Commissioner Christine King Campaign Advertisement

Complaint alleges political activity while in uniform, raising policy questions and renewed tensions at City Hall

Miami Police Chief Manuel “Manny” Morales is facing scrutiny after appearing in a political advertisement supporting City Commissioner Christine King’s re-election campaign. The episode has prompted at least one formal complaint and has fueled calls from a commissioner for Morales’ removal, centering the dispute on whether the police chief engaged in prohibited political activity or allowed his official position to be used for electoral purposes.

The advertisement includes footage showing Morales in full police uniform with his arm around King, as they face the camera and wave. The clip was presented in a “Re-Elect Christine King” television ad that was paid for and approved by King’s campaign.

A complaint filed with internal affairs alleges Morales violated multiple City of Miami policies and Miami Police Department orders that restrict political activity by employees, particularly while on duty or in ways that could be construed as using official influence for political purposes. The complaint also questions whether the chief authorized the use of his image and title in a campaign context.

What the rules generally prohibit

The complaint references city and department rules that, in general terms, bar employees from participating in political activities while on duty and prohibit the use of office influence for political reasons. It also points to restrictions on public statements, appearances, or endorsements that could be interpreted as representing the police department without authorization. Another provision cited in the complaint addresses limits on using an employee’s photo, name, or title in testimonials or advertisements without written approval by the police chief.

In this case, the dispute turns on two core questions: whether the segment constituted an endorsement and whether the chief’s uniformed appearance in a campaign ad is permitted under applicable rules.

Campaign response: “Not an endorsement”

A spokesperson for King said the clip was not intended as an endorsement and described the ad as a compilation of prior public footage. The spokesperson said the recorded moment was not connected to political activity and characterized it as part of an official event rather than a campaign appearance.

The clip appears to have originated from a City of Miami event in May 2023, based on social media posts showing King wearing the same outfit alongside Morales at a public gathering.

Why it matters for Miami politics and policing

The controversy arrives in the context of intense scrutiny of governance and political conduct at Miami City Hall, where the lines between official roles and electoral politics can become a flashpoint. While the outcome of any internal review has not been confirmed, the complaint raises broader issues about safeguards meant to protect the police department’s neutrality and public confidence.

• Whether a uniformed appearance in campaign materials creates the appearance of institutional endorsement
• Whether approvals were sought or required before campaign use of official imagery
• Whether internal policies are enforced consistently, regardless of rank

At issue is whether the public presentation of a police chief alongside a candidate, in official attire, can be separated from the political purpose of the advertisement.

No official finding has been publicly confirmed regarding disciplinary action or whether a formal internal affairs investigation has been opened. The matter remains a live political and administrative dispute, with potential implications for department leadership and city oversight.