Miami-Dade sheriff: How we are making the transition to an independent, modern office | Opinion

As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reflecting on what truly matters: family, community and the safety of the people we love.

This time of year always brings joy but can also bring challenges. Shopping centers are crowded, traffic is heavy and unfortunately, criminals look for opportunities to take advantage of those who are distracted. That is why I want to share both a message of gratitude and a reminder to stay safe.

This season is especially meaningful for me because I was elected sheriff a year ago this November. I have been deeply humbled by the trust you placed in me. We have set the tone for what the Sheriff’s Office represents: an agency rooted in service, integrity and accountability.

From the beginning, I promised to fight corruption and protect residents from schemes that target the vulnerable. Over the past year, we have expanded our Public Corruption Section, made it easier for residents to report concerns and brought cases against individuals who abused their positions for personal gain.

We also launched a new system for reporting homeowner association and condo fraud, and we are working closely with community and federal partners to make sure justice is served.

Keeping families safe remains at the heart of everything we do. I am proud that violent crime has decreased this year in unincorporated Miami-Dade County.

Our detectives have closed more homicide cases, bringing long-awaited answers to grieving families. We also launched new initiatives like our “Senior Safety” campaign to help older residents avoid scams and cybercrimes.

Our deputies continue working around the clock to prevent threats, whether that’s enforcing traffic safety, cracking down on handicap placard fraud or increasing security at houses of worship due to rising hate crimes.

But just as important as fighting crime is listening to you. That is why I started “Share with Sheriff Rosie” events across the county and created the “Ask Sheriff Rosie” tool on our website.

Hundreds of residents have already shared concerns, ideas and feedback with me. I treasure those conversations, whether it was handing out roses at the Little Havana Activities & Nutrition Center on Valentine’s Day, meeting with church members in Richmond Heights or chatting with families at a food truck festival. These moments remind me that public safety is not just about statistics — it is about people.

We are also building a stronger sheriff’s office from within. We’ve updated our training, expanded wellness programs for deputies and staff and created more opportunities for peer support. Law enforcement is demanding work, and I believe caring for the well-being of our employees helps us better serve you.

I am also proud of the smooth transition we’ve made as a new, independent sheriff’s office. We had quite a challenging budget season, in which we were able to resolve a shortfall to adequately fund our public safety duties. I want to thank the citizens of this county for standing behind us.

By honoring the proud legacy of the Miami-Dade Police Department while shaping a modern agency, we are laying the foundation for a safer future.

As the holidays draw near, please remember to take precautions. Lock your car doors, keep packages out of sight and pay attention to your surroundings.

Our deputies will be out in force as part of our Holiday Safety Initiative, “Grinch Busters,” providing extra patrols at malls and shopping centers. But safety is always strongest when we work together, and I encourage you to remain alert and look out for one another.

I want to thank you — the residents of Miami-Dade — for allowing me the privilege of serving as your sheriff.

This first year has been one of progress, partnership and learning, and I look forward to continuing that work in the year ahead.

From my family to yours, I wish you a joyful, peaceful and safe holiday season.

Rosie Cordero-Stutz is the sheriff of Miami-Dade County.