BSO Fire Chief Ken Kronheim and members of Fire Rescue Station 37 joined with community members at the Lauderdale Lakes Swimming Complex. Together, they were ?Uniting Broward? by raising funds for Breast Cancer Awareness. Photo Courtesy BSO.
A Message from Sheriff Scott Israel:
The Broward Sheriff’s Office is thriving; violent crime has plummeted since 2012, morale is up and transparency and accountability have never been greater. Yet our successes are not ours alone. Thanks to our Uniting Broward initiative, citizens from all walks of life are playing a critical role in keeping our communities safe by providing vital input, innovative ideas and key support.
Together, we’re building bridges and opening up new channels of dialogue through this progressive and ground-breaking program, which actively unites Broward’s diverse communities together by better understanding the special things that make us different. By uniting neighbors to work together, we can find local solutions to local issues and achieve public safety goals.
Our county’s 1.8 million residents are comprised of people from many races, religions and cultures, each with different needs. I realize there is no one-size-fits-all approach to public safety, especially in a minority-majority county like ours. That is why I have made it one of my top priorities to bridge the gap between communities and law enforcement by earning your trust and extending the lines of communication.
I hear you loud and clear and your opinions matter. With the community’s input, we have made significant strides in reshaping the mission of BSO as an agency determined to be proactive rather than reactive. BSO has proven this by implementing high-profile initiatives, such as the progressive body-worn camera and civil citation programs.
Yet equally important is Uniting Broward—an initiative that has already led to a transformational shift in community policing and has provided a voice to the once voiceless. Since becoming sheriff, I have made it a point to be front and center, interacting with members of the community and listening to their concerns firsthand. In addition, BSO has played an active role in scores of community events for important organizations that share ideas and information for Broward’s varied communities.
We have also forged strong partnerships with the vast and diverse communities of faith through our Department of Community Outreach and the chaplain’s office. As a member of a blended family of Jewish and Christian faiths, religion plays an important role in my life. While the beliefs of various religions may differ, I know they all strive to strengthen society and humanity. I have learned through my attendance at many different religious services and secular events, what matters to each community and how best to respond.
The spirit of inclusion also runs deep throughout the agency. While we hire and promote our hardworking men and women based on their talents and abilities, we encourage ethnic pride, religious heritage and cultural inclusiveness. We also recognize and celebrate the positive impact of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Join me as we celebrate diversity, safety and security at the Uniting Broward event from 10 a.m. – 3p.m. June 11 at Miramar Regional Park. The event is an exciting opportunity for law enforcement and residents to listen understand and build connections. The celebration will include demonstrations from the Aviation Unit, K-9, SWAT Team, Fire Rescue, Bomb Squad and Police Athletic League Boxing Program.
BSO is much more than a law enforcement agency; we’re part of the community. By working together to teach, inspire and motivate each other, we all do our part in Uniting Broward.
Sheriff Scott Israel
Certain Broward cities like Pembroke Pines, Sunrise, Plantation, Davie, Miramar, Lauderhill and Coral Springs maintain their own police departments, however, BSO does provide communications and dispatch services to the following cities: Central Broward, Cooper City, Dania Beach, Deerfield Beach, Ft Lauderdale-Hollywood Int’l Airport, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Lauderdale Lakes, North Lauderdale. Oakland Park, Parkland, Pembroke Park, West Park, Pompano Beach, Port Everglades, Tamarac, Weston and unincorporated West Broward.
