Rolando “Roly” Riera Jr., a 19-year veteran of the Miami-Dade Police Department, announced his candidacy today for Miami-Dade County Sheriff in the 2024 election. The Miami-Dade County primary is scheduled for August 20, 2024, while the general election is November 5, 2024.
A Miami native, Riera has served in various roles within the Police Department, currently assigned to the Miami Lakes Municipal District. He is committed to strengthening community safety, celebrating Miami-Dade’s diversity, building trust between law enforcement and residents, combating violent crime, and bringing transparency and accountability to the Sheriff’s office.
Riera’s path to law enforcement began unexpectedly when he witnessed an armed bank robbery as a young bank teller. Rather than retreat in fear, the traumatic experience inspired him to dedicate his career to protecting and serving the public. He graduated from the Miami-Dade Police Academy in 2005.
Over nearly two decades on the force, Riera has navigated diverse communities across Miami-Dade County, from bustling urban areas to quiet suburbs. This experience gives him unique insight into the complex public safety challenges facing Miami-Dade residents.
“It would be the honor of a lifetime to serve as Sheriff and lead the dedicated men and women of the Miami-Dade Police Department,” said Riera. “I believe my decades of experience on the force, passion for public service and intimate understanding of our community make me uniquely qualified for this position.”
Riera emerges as a candidate with an unparalleled perspective on evolving the Miami-Dade Police Department to meet the county’s needs today and tomorrow. His extensive knowledge of county patrol operations sets him apart as the ideal choice to usher in a new era for Miami-Dade law enforcement.
At least 10 candidates are expected to compete to become Miami-Dade’s first elected Sheriff since 1966. Riera believes his comprehensive experience in county law enforcement makes him the most qualified choice to lead Miami-Dade into the future.
