Mario Knapp announces run for Miami-Dade Sheriff

MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (FLV) – Republican Mario Knapp, a 27-year retired veteran of the Miami-Dade Police Department, announced a run for Miami-Dade County Sheriff Thursday.

Knapp joins a field of five candidates running for sheriff.

Republican Jaspen Bishop, Republican Ruamen J. de la Rua, Democrat Rickey Mitchell and Democrat Freddy Ramirez have filed to run.

In a press release, Knapp said he never imagined he would run for office, but realized that the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Department will need “strong, experienced leadership to protect and serve the residents of Miami-Dade County.”

“As Sheriff, I will strengthen our community policing practices, ensure officers have the best available
training and technology, re-establish respect and accountability in the police department, and work with
other elected officials and municipal law enforcement to ensure that Miami-Dade is the safest place to
live, work, and have a family,” Knapp said.

Knapp has a track record of “operational experience and exemplary leadership,” according to the press release.

Throughout his career, he oversaw both uniformed and specialized units, trained all levels of personnel, and was instrumental in writing Miami Police Department’s protocols for mass casualty events and active shooters.

Knapp has also previously served on the Board of Directors for the Miami-Dade County PBA and the
Hispanic Police Officers Association Advisory Board.

Knapp is also currently the president of Tactical Rope Safety, a company that provides law-enforcement and military personnel training on firearms, tactics, and rappel training.