Support Services – Miami-Dade Schools Police Department

Motor Unit

The police motorcycle unit is responsible for a range of duties that focus on traffic enforcement and community safety. Each day, officers in the unit patrol high-traffic school zone areas and enforcement zones, targeting speeding, reckless driving, and other moving violations to promote safe driving practices. The mobility of motorcycles allows officers to navigate through congested areas quickly, making them highly effective for responding to traffic incidents, accidents, and emergencies.

Beyond enforcement, motorcycle officers assist with school security, escorting dignitaries, escorting the President and Vice-President of the United States of America, and providing a visible presence to deter traffic offenses. They are often involved in community outreach, career days at schools, educating the community on road safety and assisting citizens in need on the road. Additionally, the unit collaborates with other law enforcement divisions to manage traffic around incidents and secure areas during emergencies, working to maintain order and safety in a variety of situations.

police officers

K-9 Unit

Since its establishment in 1995, the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department(MDSPD) K-9 Unit has been a vital part of our mission to keep schools safe. Led by Sergeant Reinaldo Perez, who helped create the unit and continues to oversee its operations, our team consists of five skilled K-9 Officers and their highly trained canine partners.

Our K-9s—Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers—are more than just police dogs. They’re expertly trained in firearms, narcotics, and explosives detection, working alongside their handlers to help keep our students and staff safe.

The MDSPD K-9 Unit not only supports our own department but also assists other law enforcement agencies when needed. Whether conducting area searches, buildingsweeps, or contraband detection, our teams train year-round to ensure they’re always prepared for any situation.

Beyond law enforcement, our K-9s play a key role in building relationships with students. They participate in school visits, student events, and educational demonstrations, helping to bridge the gap between police and the community in a positive and engaging way.

At MDSPD, we’re proud of our K-9 Unit’s dedication, hard work, and commitment to both safety and community engagement. These teams don’t just protect our schools—they help connect us to the students we serve.

Traffic Enforcement Unit

The policy of the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department (MDSPD) is for all officers to aggressively enforce traffic violations in and around school safety zones. In response to a high number of pedestrian traffic injuries, the MDSPD created the Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU).

The TEU is a group of officers directed to target school safety zones via traffic enforcement. Areas chosen are addressed on a priority basis dependent upon:

where dangerous incidents have occurred
potentially dangerous areas which have been identified
complaints of aggressive driving received by citizens and staff
to supplement the enforcement actions of patrol officers

Law enforcement should target high-visibility locations; including school zones and adjoining neighborhood streets where children travel to and from schools. Extra focus is placed on extreme speeders who regularly drive 10-20 miles above the speed limit. In order to minimize risk to children and other pedestrians, it is critical to enforce speed zones in these areas.

This unit is predicated on the devastating effects of speeding throughout our communities, particularly in school zones. The ultimate success of this unit will be determined by the reduction of traffic violations and accidents in the targeted school zone areas. This will be determined through statistical analyses as interpreted by the Police Support Information Technology supervisor.

Bicycle Patrol Unit

bicycle patrol unit

The Miami-Dade Schools Police Department’s Bicycle patrol is a problem-solving bicycle policing unit that proactively patrols school sites and prevents crime in surrounding residential areas in an attempt to establish a police presence. Since its deployment, the Bicycle Patrol Unit (BPU) has successfully reduced crime on campus. Bicycle Patrol Officers are highly motivated individuals that strive to be leaders by engaging the school community to mutually solve problems.

The mission of the BPU is to use the advantage of bicycle patrol to complement and enhance the quality of safety and service, already provided by school resource officers to the school sites. Bicycle patrol officers have the advantage of being able to traverse any area in the city and on campus at any time. Bicycles are capable of maneuvering swiftly and safely through congested vehicular and pedestrian traffic and therefore, are a proactive tool for School Resource Officers to utilize. Bicycles are often silent and difficult to see, providing the bicycle patrol officer with an advantage when attempting to apprehend offenders who are in the process of committing crimes and to patrol areas that are not otherwise accessible to police vehicles.

Lastly, the BPU enhances the approachability of officers by students and members of the public, providing the officer with the opportunity to make positive contacts with youth and citizens.

Police Explorer Program

The Police Explorers Program is a volunteer program sponsored by MDSPD and governed by the rules of the Learning for Life Organization. Our program is designed to provide high-school age youngsters, ages 14 to 18, and a minimum of a 2.0 GPA, with the opportunity to learn about a career in law enforcement. Following an extensive training program, held every summer, police explorers gain insight into police work through first-hand experience, assisting police professionals in a variety of departmental and community activities. Police explorers are non-sworn, unarmed civilian volunteers with no arrest or enforcement powers.

MDSPD Police Explorers are exposed to several aspects of the law enforcement profession to include the importance of giving back through the involvement of community service.

The MDSPolice Explorer Program is an integral part of the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department, and is operated out of the Community Outreach Unit.

Currently the largest number of Police Explorers in Miami-Dade County, Florida participate within the MDSPD Police Explorer Program throughout several Post being hosted at several High Schools throughout Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

For information on the MDSPD Explorer Program email Officer Colleen LaBarrie at CLaBarrie@dadeschools.net

police explorer program pic

Emotional Support K9 Unit

The MDSPD Emotional Support K9 unit provides emotional support and comfort to officers, staff, students and the community. These units are often deployed during critical incidents, traumatic events, or community outreach programs. They also respond when the schools request the Miami Dade Schools Crisis Teams. The therapy dogs help alleviate stress, reduce anxiety, and foster communication, creating a positive atmosphere. They assist with community relations by engaging the public, promoting mental health awareness, and enhancing the overall image of the Miami Dade Schools Police force.

Therapy dogs in schools offer numerous benefits that enhance the educational environment and support students' emotional and psychological well-being. Therapy dogs can help alleviate anxiety and stress among students, particularly those facing challenges such as exam pressure, bullying, or personal issues. Their calming presence can create a more relaxed atmosphere. For most students this is also the first time they are able to interact with a “police dog” and it’s creates an officer student relationship that stays in the memories of our children.

By providing emotional support, our therapy dogs can help students focus better, which may lead to improved concentration and academic performance.

Therapy dogs can encourage socialization among students, especially those who may struggle with social anxiety or communication challenges. In times of grief or crisis, our therapy dogs provide comfort and support to students and staff dealing with trauma or loss, helping them cope with their emotions.

K9 Officers, receive training on how to work effectively with the therapy dog. This includes understanding the dog's body language, ensuring their well-being, and knowing how to facilitate interactions with individuals in schools and hospitals. Continuous training and assessments ensure that therapy dogs maintain their skills and adapt to any new challenges. Regular evaluations help handlers identify areas for improvement and reinforce positive behaviors. Their training prepares them to respond effectively in crisis situations while providing much-needed support to those in need.

Overall, the benefits of our therapy dogs in these settings extend beyond mere companionship. Not only do they promote emotional healing, foster connections, and help individuals cope with their experiences in a nurturing and non-judgmental way, but it is arguably the best job in our police department.