Miami-Dade Elects First Sheriff in Decades

Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz reflects on her first year in office

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Miami-Dade County has elected its first sheriff in six decades, Rosie Cordero-Stutz, who is still settling into her new role as the county's top law enforcement officer. Local 10's Calvin Hughes recently sat down with Sheriff Cordero-Stutz to discuss her first year in office, which has had its ups and downs as the department transitions from the Miami-Dade Police Department to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office.

Why it matters

The election of Miami-Dade's first sheriff in over 60 years represents a significant shift in the county's law enforcement structure and leadership. As Sheriff Cordero-Stutz works to establish the new sheriff's office, her experiences and perspectives provide insight into the challenges and opportunities involved in this transition.

The details

Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz was elected in 2025, becoming Miami-Dade County's first sheriff since the 1960s. She is currently overseeing the transition of the department from the Miami-Dade Police Department to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, a process that involves reorganizing personnel, policies, and operations. In her interview with Local 10's Calvin Hughes, Cordero-Stutz discussed both the successes and difficulties she has faced during her first year in office.

  • Rosie Cordero-Stutz was elected as Miami-Dade County's sheriff in 2025.
  • The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office was established in 2026, over 60 years after the previous sheriff's department was dissolved.

The players

Rosie Cordero-Stutz

The newly elected sheriff of Miami-Dade County, responsible for overseeing the transition of the law enforcement agency from the Miami-Dade Police Department to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office.

Calvin Hughes

A reporter for Local 10 news who conducted a one-on-one interview with Sheriff Cordero-Stutz to discuss her first year in office.

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What they’re saying

“It's been more than a year since Miami-Dade County voters elected its first sheriff in six decades.”

— Calvin Hughes, Reporter (local10.com)

What’s next

The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office will continue its transition process, with Sheriff Cordero-Stutz working to establish the new department's policies, procedures, and personnel.

The takeaway

The election of Miami-Dade's first sheriff in over 60 years represents a significant shift in the county's law enforcement structure, with Sheriff Cordero-Stutz leading the charge to build a new sheriff's office from the ground up. Her experiences and perspectives provide valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities involved in this historic transition.