Mayor Keith A. James Names Tony Araujo West Palm Beach Police Chief

Published on February 03, 2025

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February 3, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Larry Ganns, Interim Director of Communications
City of West Palm Beach – Mayor’s Office
lganns@wpb.org

(561) 822-1411 (TTY: 800-955-8771)

 

Mayor Keith A. James Names Antonio “Tony” Araujo West Palm Beach Police Chief

Appointment confirmed by City Commission

 

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (Monday, February 3, 2025)– Antonio “Tony” Araujo was appointed the new West Palm Beach Police Chief after confirmation by the West Palm Beach City Commission. The appointment is effective March 3, 2025.  Mayor Keith A. James selected Chief Araujo after serving as the interim Police Chief since October 1, 2024.

 

Chief Araujo is a nearly 43-year veteran with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office who stepped into the interim West Palm Beach Police Chief role when allegations surfaced of financial improprieties and violation of training policies on a police pursuit. Mayor James discharged the former chief and, working with Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, asked then Colonel Araujo to step in as interim chief. The Mayor also asked the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office to investigate the alleged improprieties.

Mayor Keith A. James with new West Palm Beach Police Chief Tony Araujo

Mayor Keith A. James and new West Palm Beach Police Chief Antonio “Tony” Araujo

 

Mayor James announced this morning that he was submitting Chief Araujo’s name for City Commission confirmation. He cited several improvements implemented by Chief Araujo, including:

 

  • Implemented a shift in the city’s policing model to increase officer accountability and strengthen police-community relationships.

  • Set clear employee expectations to create a clear culture of value-driven services to grow the public’s trust in the department.

  • Reorganized the department’s top team, including hiring a new Assistant Police Chief and promoting a new major and several sergeants.

  • Engaged the nationally known Colina Group to do a complete review of the department from the chief’s office to line officers.

  • Considering the alleged training policy violations, Chief Araujo reorganized the training division.

  • Increased safety and security around major City events.

  • Secured a federal grant to purchase nine new electric bicycles and expand the bike unit from the downtown Entertainment District, Historic Northwest, and North end to the Tamarind and Broadway corridors.  

  • Also, he has expanded community outreach by attending multiple community meetings to learn the residents' concerns with the department.

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About The City of West Palm Beach

The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic city on Florida's Atlantic coast. With a rich history, thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region and the central City of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing waterfront City that seamlessly blends the business advantages available in the area with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working, making it an exceptional destination for both residents and professionals alike. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit our official website or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and LinkedIn.

To contact the City of West Palm Beach, please dial (561) 822-1200 (TTY 800 955-8771). For information about the City of West Palm Beach, please visit: https://www.wpb.org/home

 

 

 

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