About the Policing Unit

About the Policing Unit

Welcome to the Palmetto Bay Policing Unit page.  Since incorporation, the Village of Palmetto Bay has contracted with the Miami-Dade County Police Department (MDPD) for policing services. MDPD Officers assigned to the Village work primarily for Palmetto Bay under an inter-agency (interlocal) agreement.  These officers are dedicated to ensuring that our community is a safe and enjoyable place to live.
 
 The Palmetto Bay Policing Unit was conceived through an interlocal agreement between the Village of Palmetto Bay and Miami-Dade County. The Department officially began its operations with the Village on July 14, 2003.   Daily operations and administration are overseen by the Village Commander.

Main Areas of Responsibility

  • charged with the primary responsibility to protect, the unit is fully committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the Palmetto Bay community
  • community-oriented policing
  • traffic safety
  • maintaining order
  • providing for the safe and expeditious flow of residents and visitors

Department Goals

  • Continue to evolve the Community Outreach programs
  • Continue to present crime prevention and safety programs to children attending schools and park programs in the Village
  • Identify hazardous streets and address traffic issues with particular emphasis on speeding throughout the Village limits
  • Increase police presence in the Village parks
  • Reduce targeted crimes in the Village

Get to Know Our Policing Unit Commander, Major Maria Guerra


Major Guerra has been part of the Miami-Dade County Police Department force for 32 years.  She first came to the Village of Palmetto Bay in the capacity of Lieutenant, and became a Major and the head of the Palmetto Bay Policing Unit in 2018.  

Here's more about Major Guerra and her philosophy on community policing: