City of Sunny Isles Beach Official Website
By George “Bud” Scholl, Mayor
(Sunday, January 26, 2020) – Every day I am reminded why I live in this beautiful city. The weather, views and activities are all driving factors, but the safety of the City of Sunny Isles Beach is unparalleled. Our police department serves the community around the clock and it is no surprise that the city is regarded as one of the safest municipalities in Miami-Dade County. In 2018, our total crime index was 336, down 8 percent from 2017. And out of the 336 crimes committed, 89.9 percent were nonviolent property crimes. The department’s clearance rate, the rate at which a crime is solved, is 29.8, which means we are in the top tier of clearance rates compared to the rest of the county.
Led by Chief Dwight Snyder, our police department is composed of 56 sworn officers, 13 non-sworn personnel and 37 lifeguards, all committed to the safety and well-being of the Sunny Isles Beach community. Trained at the highest caliber, our officers assume the responsibility of protecting the city above all. I’m sure you have seen our officers patrolling the streets or at our city events, but they are also active in our community in a multitude of additional capacities.
Last holiday season, the department participated in the annual Police Officer Assistance Trust (POAT) holiday gift drive at the Aventura Mall, where they collected donations for children of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. In November, several officers delivered turkeys and produce to Sunny Isles Beach families in need as part of the Miami-Dade County League of Cities Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive.
Twice a year, the Police Department hosts a Shred-A-Thon and DEA Drug Takeback Day, where residents can bring confidential documents to safely shred or dispose of old or unwanted prescription drugs. Throughout the year, PD offers bicycle helmet fittings and car seat installations for individuals and families. For those of you with children at the school, you probably know or have seen Sergeant Gonzalez, our school police resource officer. She is on campus every school day to ensure the safety of our students.
Since its inception in 1998, the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department has developed into a force of award-winning and highly skilled officers and staff. As we enter a new decade, our police department is stronger than ever in their pursuit to keep our city safe.