Today’s criminal threats are more complex and sophisticated than ever, requiring a public safety strategy built upon innovation and intelligence. At the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), our investigative divisions work around the clock to solve complex cases and hold offenders accountable.
When the most serious threats to life and public safety occur, the detectives of BSO’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID) respond with expertise to investigate violent crimes, homicides, robberies and cases involving missing or vulnerable individuals. Detectives use advanced technologies, including cellular tracking, social media monitoring tools and statewide alerts, to locate missing persons, identify offenders and support investigations.
The division also features specialized investigators dedicated to cold cases. In 2019, I established the Cold Case Unit to advance public safety and deliver justice by bringing renewed focus to unsolved cases dating back to 1963. Detectives in this unit collaborate with BSO’s Crime Laboratory to use advanced forensic techniques, including forensic genealogy and family tree analysis, to generate leads, solve decades-old crimes and provide long-awaited answers for victims and their families. Since its inception, the unit has closed 29 homicide and sexual battery cold cases and is currently investigating 38 additional cases. Last year, the unit’s partnership with the Crime Lab included forensic analysis of evidence from 17 cases, generating new investigative leads.
The success of these investigations relies heavily on the evidence analyzed by BSO’s Crime Laboratory. The Crime Lab provides vital forensic services for every law enforcement agency in Broward County, analyzing DNA, firearms, fingerprints, toxicology and other critical evidence. By delivering accurate scientific evidence, the lab strengthens investigations across our community and has become the first crime laboratory in the nation to earn international accreditation.
In some cases, local crimes can evolve into multi-jurisdictional threats. BSO’s Strategic Investigations Division (SID) works proactively to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks through robust partnerships with municipal, state and federal agencies. Detectives target organized crime, narcotics trafficking, gang activity and financial schemes through intelligence-led policing and digital forensics. Last year, detectives seized thousands of pounds of illegal narcotics, recovered more than $700,000 in illicit funds and conducted more than 1,200 digital examinations to uncover critical evidence.
Protecting our kids from modern threats is one of BSO’s highest priorities. BSO’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit investigates online child exploitation, internet enticement and the production, possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. BSO serves as the ICAC South Florida Task Force leader and analyzed more than 23,400 CyberTip reports last fiscal year, helping identify and prosecute offenders involved in child exploitation and human trafficking.
While the work of these dedicated professionals may not always be visible, their impact is vast. Their expertise strengthens public safety and helps protect the more than two million residents across Broward County. Learn more about the work and impact of BSO’s investigative divisions by reading the 2024-2025 Annual Report at https://www.sheriff.org/sherifftony/report/.
Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony
Service Equals Reward
Certain Broward cities like Coconut Creek, Hallandale Beach, Pembroke Pines, Sunrise, Plantation, Davie, Margate, Miramar, Lauderhill, Lighthouse Point, and Coral Springs maintain their 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, West Park, Pompano Beach, Port Everglades, Tamarac, Weston, and unincorporated West Broward.
