Miami-Dade Sheriff Reflects on Historic First Year

Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz touts crime drops, transparency, and prepares for major events

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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In her first year as the first woman elected Sheriff in Miami-Dade County, Rosie Cordero-Stutz is reflecting on her agency's achievements, including decreased crime rates, greater transparency, and preparations for high-profile events like the FIFA World Cup. However, the Sheriff also addressed the tragic death of Deputy Devin Jaramillo in the line of duty, a somber moment that shaped her first year in office.

Why it matters

Sheriff Cordero-Stutz's tenure represents a historic milestone for Miami-Dade County, as she is the first woman to hold the position. Her focus on transparency, community engagement, and public safety preparedness for major events could set a new standard for law enforcement leadership in the region.

The details

During her first year, Sheriff Cordero-Stutz has overseen an 18% drop in homicides and a 13% decrease in property crimes in areas served by the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office (MDSO). She attributes these improvements to positive community engagement, providing deputies with necessary resources, and a culture of professionalism. The Sheriff has also emphasized transparency, including the launch of a Crime Data Dashboard that allows the public to monitor crime trends in real-time.

  • Sheriff Cordero-Stutz took office in 2025.
  • Homicides were down 18% in 2025 compared to 2024.
  • Property crimes were down 13% in 2025 in areas served by MDSO.
  • The Sheriff's agency will have a strong presence at the upcoming FIFA World Cup matches at Hard Rock Stadium this summer.
  • The G20 summit is coming to Miami-Dade County in December.

The players

Rosie Cordero-Stutz

The first woman elected Sheriff in Miami-Dade County, who took office in 2025 and is reflecting on her historic first year in the role.

Devin Jaramillo

A Miami-Dade Sheriff's Deputy who was shot and killed in the line of duty, a tragic event that shaped the Sheriff's first year in office.

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What they’re saying

“I think we have had an exceptionally good year.”

— Rosie Cordero-Stutz, Sheriff (CBS News Miami)

“I want to talk a little bit about the culture change within the county to begin with. That's new. You mentioned the Crime Data Dashboard for all of our community to be able to know in real time where we are with our numbers, whether they're good, trending neutral, or negative. It's important for the community to understand that this is the tool that we use to get plans in place.”

— Rosie Cordero-Stutz, Sheriff (CBS News Miami)

“I would argue that we have to be afraid of the fear-mongering. If you're doing the right thing, if you're not breaking the law, we're going to make sure that you have a safe and secure game and that you enjoy it.”

— Rosie Cordero-Stutz, Sheriff (CBS News Miami)

“Deputy Jaramillo was a bright light, always. Everyone who knew him, who had been around him, really knew that he had an amazing future. He loved this agency.”

— Rosie Cordero-Stutz, Sheriff (CBS News Miami)

What’s next

The Sheriff's agency will have a strong presence at the upcoming FIFA World Cup matches at Hard Rock Stadium this summer, working closely with federal partners to ensure a safe and secure event.

The takeaway

Sheriff Cordero-Stutz's first year in office has been marked by a focus on transparency, community engagement, and public safety preparedness, setting a new standard for law enforcement leadership in Miami-Dade County. However, the tragic loss of Deputy Jaramillo has also shaped her tenure, underscoring the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement officers.