If you’re driving through the canopy-lined streets of Miami Lakes, you might notice something a little different about the patrol cars. They don't just say "Miami Lakes." They carry the distinct shield of the Miami-Dade Police Department. It’s a quirk of local government that confuses newcomers and even some long-time residents who wonder why the town doesn't have its own independent force like Hialeah or Miami Gardens.
Basically, the police department Miami Lakes relies on is a "contract" municipality.
The Town of Miami Lakes was incorporated in 2000. Instead of building a police station from scratch, buying a fleet of cars, and managing a massive pension fund, the town leaders made a deal. They pay Miami-Dade County to provide dedicated officers who only work within the town's boundaries. It’s a hybrid model. You get the resources of one of the largest police departments in the country, but the feel of a small-town precinct.
Who Really Runs the Show?
Commander Javier Ruiz currently leads the Miami Lakes Town Foundation as the local chief. It’s a specific role. While he reports to the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) hierarchy, he’s also accountable to the Town Manager and the Town Council. This creates an interesting dynamic. The town gets to set its own priorities—like focusing on school safety or traffic enforcement on Miami Lakes Drive—while the County handles the heavy lifting of forensics, aviation, and specialized homicide units.
Currently, the town maintains a staff of roughly 48 sworn officers.
That number fluctuates based on the budget, but it’s the sweet spot for a town of about 30,000 people. If there’s a massive emergency, they aren’t alone. They can pull in the Northwest District’s resources in minutes. It’s basically like having a giant insurance policy that you only pay for when you need it.
The Crime Reality vs. The Perception
Miami Lakes is often called "The Jewel of North Dade." Because of that reputation, people freak out when they see a crime report. But let's look at the actual data. Most of what the police department Miami Lakes deals with isn't "Miami Vice" stuff. It’s property crime. We’re talking about "porch pirates" stealing Amazon packages or people leaving their Mercedes unlocked in the driveway.
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Vehicle burglaries are the most common headache.
"People move here because it's safe, and then they get complacent," is a sentiment you’ll hear echoed in every Town Council public safety meeting. The town consistently ranks as one of the safest in Florida, but that doesn't mean crime is zero. The police spend a huge chunk of their time on "quality of life" issues. Speeding in school zones. Noise complaints near Main Street. Checking on elderly residents.
Where to Find the Police Department Miami Lakes
If you need to walk into the station, don't go looking for a massive, standalone fortress. The policing unit is located right within the Town Hall complex at 6601 Main Street.
It’s tucked away. Honestly, if you aren't looking for it, you might walk right past it while heading to a coffee shop.
For non-emergencies, the number is (305) 827-4020. But here’s a tip: if you call that number, you’re talking to local administrative staff. If you need a cop to actually show up at your house for something that happened an hour ago, you still have to call the county’s non-emergency dispatch at (305) 476-5423. It’s a bit of a bureaucratic maze, but that’s the price of the contract model.
Specialized Units You Might Not Expect
Despite being a small town, the contract allows for some cool niche services.
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- The Motors Unit: They are the guys on motorcycles you see hiding behind the trees on Fairway Drive. They are strictly about traffic.
- K-9 Sweeps: They occasionally run these through local schools and parks.
- LPR Technology: This is the big one. Miami Lakes has invested heavily in License Plate Readers. These cameras sit at the main entrances and exits of the town. If a stolen car or a vehicle associated with an AMBER Alert enters town limits, the police get an alert on their laptops before the car even hits the first stoplight.
It’s a "digital fence." Some residents find it a bit "Big Brother," but the town credits this tech with a significant drop in stolen vehicles over the last five years.
The Budget Breakdown: What Residents Pay
How much does this cost? A lot.
The police contract is usually the single largest line item in the Miami Lakes budget. We’re talking millions of dollars annually. Every few years, there’s a debate in the town square about whether the town should form its own independent police department. Proponents say it would give the town more control.
But the math rarely works out.
Starting an independent department means buying a dispatch system, building a jail holding cell, hiring a legal team for internal affairs, and managing long-term police pensions. For a town of 6.5 square miles, the overhead is staggering. Most experts agree that the contract with Miami-Dade County is the most efficient way to keep the police department Miami Lakes functioning without tripling property taxes.
Community Involvement and the "Coffee with a Cop" Vibe
The police here try hard to be visible. They do the "Coffee with a Cop" events at local cafes. They have a Youth Activities Task Force. It’s a very different vibe than what you’d find in the downtown Miami core.
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There is a heavy emphasis on "Community Policing."
This means the officers are encouraged to get out of their cars. You’ll see them at the Fourth of July fireworks at Picnic Park West or the annual Veterans Day Parade. The goal is for residents to know their names. When you know the officer on your beat, you’re more likely to report that suspicious van idling at the end of the cul-de-sac.
Actionable Steps for Miami Lakes Residents
If you live in or are moving to the area, there are a few things you should actually do to stay in the loop with local law enforcement.
- Register your cameras: The MDPD has a program where you can register your Ring or Nest cameras. They don't get a live feed—don't worry—but if a crime happens on your block, they know exactly who to ask for footage.
- Use the Community Patrol: If you are going on vacation, you can actually notify the town. They won't sit in your driveway, but they’ll put your house on a "watch list" for the patrolling officers to swing by more frequently.
- Follow the "9 PM Routine": This is a social media campaign the department pushes hard. Every night at 9 PM, lock your car, bring in your mail, and turn on your porch lights. It sounds simple, but it prevents about 80% of the crime the town sees.
- Attend the Public Safety Committee meetings: These are held at Town Hall. It’s the best place to complain about that one neighbor who speeds or to ask why there aren't more patrols near the parks.
The police department Miami Lakes operates on a model of efficiency and technology. By leaning on the massive infrastructure of Miami-Dade County while maintaining a localized, small-town leadership structure, they’ve managed to keep the town one of the most desirable places to live in South Florida. It’s not a perfect system—no government contract ever is—but it provides a level of security that many surrounding areas struggle to match.
To stay truly safe, the responsibility is a split between the guys in the patrol cars and the people living in the houses. Lock your doors, stay observant, and use the resources the town is already paying for.