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Former Miami-Dade Commissioner Joe Martinez isn’t letting a still-pending criminal trial hinder his ambition to be the county’s top cop.
The decorated former police lieutenant filed this month to compete in a crowded race for Sheriff.
He told Florida Politics his No. 1 goal, if elected, will be to bring back community policing, which studies have shown benefits residents across racial and ethnic groups while reducing crime.
Martinez, whom Gov. Ron DeSantis removed from office in 2022, is set to defend himself against two felony charges for unlawful compensation.
He said the charges were “politically motivated” and denies any wrongdoing.
– Jesse Scheckner, Florida Politics