Miami-Dade police director makes history as first woman and first African American woman in charge

In Miami, Florida, after a distinguished career spanning nearly 33 years, Stephanie Daniels is poised to retire as the Police Director on January 5, 2025. Her tenure is notable not only for her length of service but also for her groundbreaking achievements as she is the first woman and the first African American woman to hold this position in the history of the Miami-Dade Police Department. Daniels' career began in the early 1990s when she was only 22 years old, and she quickly rose through the ranks of the department, ultimately assuming the role of Director following a challenging transition period. Her appointment unfolded in the wake of former Director Freddie Ramirez's traumatic incident, where he survived a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Throughout her distinguished career, Daniels has encountered numerous challenges, but she cites stepping into the role of Director as her most daunting day. Faced with the responsibility of leading the department, she felt immense pressure not only to maintain her own composure but to support her officers and the community. Despite never initially aspiring to the position, Daniels embraced the role with a sense of preparedness and commitment. Her leadership is significant, as she helped navigate the department through turbulent times while making strides toward inclusivity and representation within the police force. As she reflects on her journey, Daniels expresses pride in her achievements and asserts that she leaves the job with her name in good standing. She is now oriented towards a new chapter in her life, one where she aims to work on her own terms and distill the lessons learned throughout her career. Her decision to retire not only closes a personal chapter but also marks the end of an era for the Miami-Dade Police Department, which is transitioning to a sheriff's office structure next year, thus making her the last director of the agency. Daniels looks forward to this new phase in her life; she openly thanks her colleagues for the joy and challenges that shaped her along the way and reassures them that her departure is more of a new beginning than a farewell. As Miami-Dade Police Department prepares for its transformation, there is a significant emphasis on maintaining continuous community engagement and support, something Daniels has prioritized during her time in leadership roles.