Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office

Often called Metro or MDPD, the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office traces its roots back to 1836, making it one of the oldest law enforcement bodies in Florida. This massive agency stands as the largest sheriff's office in the southeastern United States. Its duties extend beyond standard county policing to include municipal services for independent cities under contract, security for the Port of Miami, and specialized operations at Miami International Airport.

The MDSO operates independently from the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department, which handles jail management. Instead, the Sheriff's Office focuses on courthouse security, investigative units tackling complex crimes like narcotics and financial fraud, and community engagement through active social media channels. The agency maintains international accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies while employing thousands of deputies across a network of precincts. [edit]