Meet Samantha Ross: Orlando's top cop for the month of May

Create: Thu, 06/19/2025 - 17:10
Author: Henry
Photo for Headline Surfer / Orlando Police Officer Samantha Ross is shown with her boss, Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith, who recognized her as the Orlando Police Department's Patrol Officer of the Month for May.

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Orlando police officer Samantha Ross has been named Patrol Officer of the Month for May.

"Officer Ross is known for her adaptability and dedication, consistently stepping up in the Parramore area with an exceptional work ethic," the Orlando Police Department wrote in a social media post congratulating her for being named its patrol officer for May.

Since November 2024, she has made over 140 self-initiated proactive contacts and 16 arrests, including follow-up investigations, narcotics violations, proactive stops, and calls for service.

In May, Officer Ross conducted a proactive traffic stop that led to the seizure of a trafficking amount of MDMA and ultimately resulted in an arrest warrant. She was also instrumental in the arrest of a suspect involved in a battery and attempted rape case.

Since November 2024, she has made over 140 self-initiated proactive contacts and 16 arrests, including follow-up investigations, narcotics violations, proactive stops, and calls for service.

In May, Officer Ross conducted a proactive traffic stop that led to the seizure of a trafficking amount of MDMA and ultimately resulted in an arrest warrant. She was also instrumental in the arrest of a suspect involved in a battery and attempted rape case.

The OPD wrote: "Congratulations, Officer Ross, and thank you for your outstanding service!"

Did You Know?

MDMA, also known as ecstasy or Molly, is primarily being researched for its potential use in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It's being explored in psychotherapy, where it's used alongside therapy sessions. There's also an investigation into its potential in treating social anxiety in autism spectrum disordermajor depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder

MDMA is not a medication approved for general use or a standard treatment for any condition outside research settings. Its use in psychotherapy is still experimental, with ongoing clinical trials. 

Henry Frederick press card / Headline SurferAbout the Byline Writer: 

Henry Frederick is an award-winning journalist who launched Headline Surfer in 2008. The site serves the greater Daytona Beach, Sanford, and Orlando areas via HeadlineSurfer.com in Lake Mary, Florida. Frederick earned his Master of Arts in New Media Journalism from Full Sail University in Orlando. He was a breaking news reporter (metro cops & courts beat) for the Daytona Beach News-Journal for nearly a decade, and before that, the same beat with The Journal-News/Gannett Suburban Newspapers in Rockland/Westchester counties, NY, dating back to 1989. Having witnessed the execution of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Florida's death chamber and covering other high-profile cases, Frederick has appeared on national crime documentary shows on Discovery ID, Reelz, and the Oxygen Network series "Snapped" for his analysis. Assisting Henry Frederick with Headline Surfer is Sera King, who writes sports and feature stories, takes photos, and shoots video. •  Bio: https://henryfrederick.com/.