Part 8/11:
As the murder rate spiked and the opportunity crystallized for policing reforms, the Miami Police Department faced immense scrutiny for its role in the chaos. It became embroiled in one of the most notorious police corruption scandals in U.S. history, dubbed the "River Cops" scandal. An investigation revealed many officers engaged in drug theft, bribery, and other organized crime, leading to widespread arrests and a dark chapter in the department's history. At one point, nearly 10% of the police force faced repercussions for their involvement, leaving a disgusted public grappling with a shattered trust in law enforcement.