Miami-Dade County Combat Gun Violence Operation Summer Heat 2021 Florida

For countless families in Miami-Dade County, the early months of 2021 were defined by an epidemic of gun violence, which disproportionately took the lives of young, innocent residents who had their entire lives to look forward to. The string of tragedies we suffered as a result of this spike in gun violence was also an affront to our commonly held belief that your zip code and neighborhood must not determine whether you may live a safe and happy life. Originally scheduled to end after just 12 weeks, the early success of Operation Summer Heat led us to renew and rename the program, now known as Operation Community Shield, and fund it through February of this year. The latest data we have on the success of Operation Community Shield is truly astounding. Since launching 8 months ago, this initiative has led to the removal of 1,238 firearms and a dramatic decrease in shootings throughout Miami-Dade County. This includes a 53% decrease in the Northside District, a 59% decrease in the Intracoastal District, and a 57% decrease in the South District. The front displays Miami-Dade County law enforcement badges arranged in a circular pattern around a central sheriff's star, while the reverse features a tactical skeleton mask with weapons and ammunition representing Operation Summer Heat 2021.