Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Scott Rakow was shot and killed during a pursuit of a suspect following a major undercover drug sting in which an undercover detective was going to sell $100,000 worth of cocaine. During the sting, the drug dealers had spotters in high-rise buildings who observed the police sting and alerted the suspects, who then attempted to rob the undercover detective. One of the men fled in the undercover vehicle, while the other fled in the vehicle they arrived in. As other officers pursued the undercover vehicle, Officer Rakow began to pursue the other vehicle until it crashed at the intersection of NE 83rd Street and Bayshore Drive in Miami. As the suspect fled on foot, he opened fire on Officer Rakow, striking him in the head. The man was arrested a short time later after jumping into a nearby canal. The suspect and an accomplice were convicted of first-degree murder, armed robbery, weapons violations, and drug trafficking. They were sentenced to life in prison. Officer Rakow had served with the Miami Beach Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, daughter, parents, and siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-FL-02ED4554- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Rakow gave the Miami Beach Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Miami Beach community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Rakow.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Scott Richard Rakow is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In FL, 539 of 1,008 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53.5% of this state's fallen. That is 0.7 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Miami Beach Police Department, 4 of 10 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 40% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Scott Richard Rakow's cause is highlighted.
How Scott Richard Rakow Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Scott Richard Rakow is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Scott Richard Rakow was killed by handgun; 9 mm.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Miami Beach Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
