Sheriff Gregory Tony
A Message from Sheriff Gregory Tony:
This year is shaping up to be an exciting one for the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
As we continue to provide the highest level of public safety services to Broward County, we’re thrilled to welcome the new year with some compelling initiatives on the horizon. We are launching a comprehensive strategic plan aimed at effectively addressing and overcoming challenges related to the safety and well-being of our community. Our state-of-the-art training facility will open, allowing for expanded training opportunities and increased educational opportunities for our employees. In addition, we plan to further enhance our innovative crime-fighting units. Our direction is part of our blueprint to remain at the forefront as a progressive and effective public safety organization.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
This year, we will implement our four-year strategic plan, which will help us proactively address the public safety challenges of tomorrow. A committee of BSO employees across the organization formulated the plan. Working together, we looked at areas of our organization to strengthen, processes to consolidate for a more efficient workflow, and opportunities to support the mission of safeguarding our community. I look forward to sharing more about this plan in the coming months.
RAISING TRAINING TO NEW LEVELS
BSO’s Research, Development, and Training Center (RDTC) will be the cornerstone of our organization’s commitment to preparedness. The facility is the first dedicated onsite training center in our organization’s 109-year history. It will elevate our preparedness, enhance our public safety services, and consolidate all BSO’s training under one roof. The center will include classrooms, simulation labs, tactical firing ranges with vehicle access, simulated scenario ranges and a cutting-edge wellness center.
The BSO Training Division is also in ongoing talks with several educational institutions to offer additional employee development programs at the RDTC. These courses will focus on personal, supervisory and executive leadership. The skills learned will help employees as they progress through their careers at BSO.
HIGHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Our commitment to education will continue. It’s a challenge I take personally. In 2024, I will complete my Ph.D. in criminal justice and organizational leadership. Yet, this thirst for learning is not mine alone. Educational advancement is now part of the spirit of our organization. Through partnerships with Nova Southeastern University and Lynn University, we offer employees degree programs that teach social responsibility and civic engagement, ultimately imparting a better understanding of public service. These programs not only help instill our staff with the skills and knowledge to best serve our communities, but they also aid our deputies in achieving a level of formal education not traditionally sought after in a law enforcement career. We are proud to see these programs inspiring and empowering employees to achieve their educational goals.
FORENSIC TECHNOLOGY RECEIVES A MAJOR UPGRADE
Our Digital Forensic Unit analyzes and investigates potential evidence from electronic devices. This unit is responsible for processing nearly 1,800 pieces of evidence a year and helps solve significant crimes, including homicide, sexual abuse, child abuse, and many others. In 2024, new state funding will provide an opportunity to upgrade vital equipment to better review evidentiary items. An innovative review platform will also be acquired to share valuable information more easily with other agencies.
PROACTIVE POLICING GETS A BOOST
Our Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) utilizes technology to proactively stop crime and aid our first responders as incidents occur. Due to their continued success, we have secured state funds for a significant expansion, allowing additional space and personnel for partner agencies to join our investigative intelligence operations. Accompanying this expansion will be further upgrades in technology. With access to more than 18,000 cameras, the team has provided live intelligence during more than 5,600 incidents.
As an organization, we are heading into 2024 with a firm plan for success. The future looks brighter than ever.
Sheriff 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.
Send your news to Tamarac’s #1 Award-Winning News Source, Tamarac Talk.
