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PROTECTING OUR STUDENTS, EMPOWERING OUR YOUTH
August, 2025
At the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), school safety is not just a responsibility—it’s our mission. Every student deserves to feel secure in their classroom, and every parent deserves peace of mind that comes from knowing their child is protected.
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ONE YEAR OF PROGRESS AT THE R.D.T.C.
July, 2025
One year ago, on July 11, 2024, a bold vision became reality with the official opening of the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) state-of-the-art Research, Development and Training Center (R.D.T.C.). This purpose-built facility stands as a beacon of progress, elevating every aspect of training, preparedness and professional development. Through the ongoing training conducted within its walls, we are not only preparing for a safer, more resilient Broward County—we are building it.
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HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
June, 2025
As Florida prepares for the 2025 hurricane season, the safety our residents remains our top priority. The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) plays a vital role in this effort, with our dedicated High Water Response Task Force (HWRTF) standing ready to respond.
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ADDRESSING OPIOID ADDICTION AND MENTAL HEALTH TOGETHER
May, 2025
Broward County, like many communities across the nation, has been affected by the opioid crisis. Over the years, we have witnessed the tragic effects of addiction, leading to countless lives lost and families torn apart. Understanding that addiction cannot be effectively addressed without mental health awareness and support, the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) has adopted a multifaceted approach that prioritizes both addiction recovery and mental well-being.
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LEADING THE WAY IN EMERGENCY MEDICINE
April, 2025
On January 8, 2025, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue responded to an emergency at a home where an elderly woman was found unconscious. Upon arrival, firefighter/paramedics assessed her condition and determined she was suffering from dangerously low blood pressure and shock due to internal bleeding. Recognizing the urgency, the team made a critical, life-saving decision to administer whole blood on-site.
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ELEVATING PUBLIC SAFETY: A NEW ERA IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE
February, 2025
Facing increasing demands and complexities of modern emergencies, the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) has taken steps to enhance its capabilities through a transformative investment in three state-of-the-art helicopters for both the Department of Law Enforcement Aviation Unit and the Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services Air Rescue team.
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BREAKING THE SILENCE
January, 2025
January marks National Human Trafficking Prevention Month—a month set aside to raise awareness about a pervasive crime that often occurs in plain sight within our communities. While many envision victims as children or women sold into slavery or the sex trade, the reality is far more complex. Human trafficking transcends age, gender and race, encompassing both forced labor and sexual exploitation.
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THANK YOU, BROWARD COUNTY
December, 2024
I am incredibly grateful for the faith and confidence you have placed in me and the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO). Your voices have been heard, and our mission advances because of your support. Reflecting on our accomplishments over the last six years, I'd like to highlight a few of the notable successes that have propelled us forward.
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USING TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICE
November, 2024
Technology plays a crucial role in safeguarding our community. To stay ahead, the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) continuously adopts innovative technological solutions to deliver the highest level of public safety services to Broward County. A recent example is the arrest of 12 students by our Threat Management Unit (TMU) at the start of the school year for making online threats.
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HOMELESSNESS IS NOT A CRIME
October, 2024
In the coming weeks, cities and counties throughout Florida will enact new ordinances to remove homeless persons from public parks, streets and buildings. These ordinances are in response to a state law, HB 1365, that made it illegal to camp or sleep in public spaces and placed the burden on cities and counties to enforce the new law or face legal consequences from the state attorney general and citizen-initiated lawsuits.
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THE MEANING OF SERVICE
September, 2024
In early 2020, while driving home, I came across a car that failed to move after the traffic light turned green. Despite the honking of other drivers and myself, the vehicle remained stationary. Recognizing a potential emergency, I acted quickly.
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TRANSFORMING PUBLIC SAFETY
August, 2024
Serving as your sheriff is a great honor and a tremendous responsibility. Since taking command in 2019, the over 5,500 men and women of the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) have worked tirelessly to bring the best public safety services to our county. We have implemented significant reforms, enhanced operational efficiency, forged stronger community connections and prioritized accountability and transparency, establishing ourselves as national leaders in public safety.
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A VISION OF SUCCESS
July, 2024
I've always kept a vision board listing my goals. Even as a boy living in a tiny rowhouse in the Philadelphia projects, I was preparing to achieve my dreams. I knew I didn't need to do everything; I only needed to do the next thing. Through planning and preparation, I became the first member of my family to graduate high school and then college. I soon joined law enforcement and, with greater planning, rose through the ranks to become the Coral Springs Police Department's first black sergeant.
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TRAINING WITH PURPOSE
June, 2024
As public safety professionals, we understand the protection of our community hinges on the expertise, preparedness and dedication of our first responders. I've prioritized training, with the cornerstone being our state-of-the-art Research, Development and Training Center (RDTC), set to open its doors in early summer.
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THE BSO PILLARS
May, 2024
Shortly after becoming sheriff, I introduced the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) Pillars, six initiatives designed to enhance our ability to protect and serve the community. These pillars outlined BSO's vision to establish one of the nation's most progressive, transparent and efficient public safety organizations. Most importantly, each was created with a focus to ensure the safety of every Broward County resident. I am excited to share with you the progress we've made so far
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The Next Four Years
April, 2024
When I assumed command of the Broward Sheriff's Office in 2019, I assembled the most qualified and talented team of individuals at every level of the organization. It was one of my best decisions as sheriff. These accomplished men and women have been instrumental in achieving my vision for BSO—Excellence in Service. We have prioritized public safety and established ourselves as a respected organization our residents can trust, and fellow public safety professionals can emulate.
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BSO TRAILBLAZERS: WOMEN SHAPING THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC SAFETY
March, 2024
In 1929, Sara Freeman was hired as a bookkeeper at the Broward Sheriff's Office with an annual salary of $1,800. Her initial duties involved recording and organizing the agency's financial data. Sara eventually became the jail matron, monitoring female inmates at the Broward jail. These subsequent duties led to Sara becoming BSO's first female deputy.
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STAYING TRUE TO OUR PURPOSE
February, 2024
No one event had a more profound impact on the Broward Sheriff's Office than the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas (MSD) High School on February 14, 2018. The loss of 17 innocent lives at the Parkland school is the reason I arrived at BSO, with the vow that we would do everything in our power to ensure that what occurred that day would never happen again.
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FORTIFYING PUBLIC SAFETY THROUGH PROGRESS
January, 2024
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.
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BSO – RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE
November, 2023
The Broward Sheriff's Office has recently garnered national and international recognition for exceptional performance across all aspects of our public safety operations. These awards and accolades indeed boost our morale but, more importantly, exemplify our organization's commitment to excellence in service.
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PLACING EMPHASIS ON MENTAL HEALTH
October, 2023
An innovative BSO crisis response pilot program has been changing lives, ensuring the safety and well-being of our community and setting a new standard for effective mental health support.
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INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITY
September, 2023
Investing in our community is paramount to public safety. Children's Harbor is a non-profit organization that serves as a home for kids without a family and keeps foster siblings together. While caring for these at-risk youth, this organization also guides them toward independence, building academic success, life skills and confidence through mentorship programs. The foundational values of Children's Harbor are aligned with our own at the Broward Sheriff's Office.
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COMBATTING FINANCIAL SEXTORTION
August, 2023
A new cyber-criminal enterprise is on the rise, inflicting emotional anguish and financial damage on victims. Sextortion is a cybercrime where predators use social media networks, apps or gaming platforms to establish contact and build relationships with their victims. Posing as a teen, the predator pretends to spark romantic interest the victim, who is often a teen themselves, and manipulates them into sharing explicit photographs or videos.
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LEARN HOW BSO IS WORKING FOR YOU
July, 2023
As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability, the Broward Sheriff's Office has published the 2021-22 Annual Report detailing how we protect and serve the community. In its pages, you will find the facts, from the crime-fighting statistics specific to your city to the bold agency-wide initiatives benefitting residents and visitors in Broward County.
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EMBRACING EQUALITY AND LIBERATION
June, 2023
Juneteenth and Pride are celebrations borne of a tragic past but fueled by hope, each carrying the promise of progress. Although the histories of our black and LGBTQ+ communities are different, they are connected by the struggle for fundamental human rights. As we progress from our past to a more equitable society, the role of the Broward Sheriff's Office progresses with it, and our goal remains the same – to keep everyone safe.
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ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS
May, 2023
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. At the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO), we understand mental health concerns are public safety concerns. As a public safety organization, we seek to explore new and effective ways to address mental health issues that touch our community.
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PUSHING FOR HIGHER STANDARDS
April, 2023
Education and training are critical components to enhancing our knowledge and performance within the public safety profession. Since I took office in 2019, the Broward Sheriff's Office has made tremendous progress in training, education and preparedness. Today, I am proud to share BSO is a flagship organization for training in the State of Florida and the nation. With a 15% reduction in overall crime, we are seeing how our success is positively impacting public safety for the residents of Broward County.
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BUILDING TRUST
March, 2023
Our nation has witnessed, once again, another tragedy that took place at the hands of five Memphis police officers. Incidents like this spark outrage and distrust from the people we serve and disappointment among our ranks.
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FULFILLING OUR PROMISE
February, 2023
February 14 marks five years since 17 innocent lives were taken at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Our hearts remain heavy as we remember the victims of the senseless tragedy and offer condolences to all who continue to grieve. Yet, while the pain will never fully heal, we find solace in knowing their legacies live on through meaningful reforms and action.
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BUILDING ON OUR SUCCESSES
January, 2023
To build something great, it starts first with a strong foundation. The Broward Sheriff's Office is constructed intentionally with each component dependent on the next for structure, strength and durability. The innovative programs and initiatives we have put in place are contributing to a safer Broward County and are paving a path toward continued success.
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BACK TO BUSINESS AT BSO!
December, 2022
What a year it's been! As we turned the corner on the COVID-19 pandemic, the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) remained fully committed to our core mission of providing top-notch public safety services while continuing to create new and innovative programs and initiatives. We returned to hosting in-person community events, solving decade-old crimes and improving critical training and educational opportunities for employees. Here are some of the highlights
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PROVIDING A HELPING HAND TO INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
November, 2022
We are all only one major crisis away from homelessness. To understand this startling fact, we need look no further than the devastation wrought by Hurricane Ian, which destroyed an untold number of residences and displaced thousands of people into emergency shelters. Many who went to sleep the night before the storm with a home, food, an income and easy access to physical and behavioral healthcare are faced with uncertainties of what's to come. It can happen that quickly.
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OPEN AND UNSOLVED
October, 2022
Cold cases, by their very name, are crimes that remain unsolved. Investigating these cases takes patience, tenacity and innovative thinking. At the Broward Sheriff's Office, unsolved crimes will never be placed on the shelf or forgotten, and the passage of time will not delay our quest for justice.
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HONORING THE FINEST IN PUBLIC SAFETY
September, 2022
This month, we honor the more than 500 deputies, firefighters and civilian employees, who faced significant danger, saved lives and performed exceptional acts in 2020 and 2021 during the Broward Sheriff's Office Annual Awards Ceremony.
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BUILDING TOMORROW'S LEADERS TODAY
August, 2022
The men and women of the Broward Sheriff's Office work hard to assure public safety. An essential part of that mission is ensuring those who serve across this organization aren't only nameless faces to the community but also role models, mentors and coaches for Broward County youth.
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TRAINING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
July, 2022
"We don't rise to the level of our expectations; we fall to the level of our training." - Archilochus
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A UNITED FRONT IN OUR FIGHT AGAINST FENTANYL
June, 2022
Broward County is the statewide epicenter of a fentanyl epidemic ravaging the nation. During Spring Break, the deadly effects of the problem were made even more evident when thousands of college students flocked to the county, resulting in growing overdoses and hospitalizations. In one terrifying incident, six spring breakers from New York, including five West Point cadets, suffered severe fentanyl overdoses. The incident put faces and names on a crisis affecting every level of our society.
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JOIN THE BSO FAMILY
May, 2022
Are you looking to make a difference? Are you ready for a challenge? If so, we want you to be part of Team BSO!
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THE UNSEEN HEROES
April, 2022
First responders rely heavily on a group of unseen heroes daily to provide valuable information regarding incidents they are responding to. These individuals are often never seen but always trusted. Our communications operators are often the first point of contact for those in emergency situations; essentially, they are the true first responders.
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DEVELOPING HOPE
March, 2022
Heather Echaniz, a job developer for the Broward Sheriff's Office Day Reporting and Reentry Division (DRRD), remembers all the former inmates she has helped, but one client stands out. When she worked with the client, he was recovering from alcohol addiction and needed a job.
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EXPLORE BSO’S FASCINATING HISTORY AT BROWARD LIBRARY MUSEUM EXHIBIT
February, 2022
As we enter Black History Month and honor the remarkable trailblazers who have helped make change in America, I am excited to share with you the long and fascinating history of the Broward Sheriff's Office at an incredible museum exhibit.
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BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
January, 2022
January is an excellent time to reflect on the previous year. Looking back also helps as we move forward. We have accomplished so much in the past 12 months. While we continued to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated challenges, the Broward Sheriff's Office maintained its level of exceptional public safety services.
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STAY SAFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
December, 2021
The holiday season is upon us. This time of year should bring you and your loved ones joy and cheer. Unfortunately, with all the distractions, shopping and traveling, criminals look for opportune moments to take advantage of you. At the Broward Sheriff's Office, we want to ensure you are safe from harm this holiday season. Here are some important safety tips to help protect you from becoming a victim
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SUPPORTING OUR HEROIC VETERANS
November, 2021
Deputy Aaron Moore had not yet completed the police academy when he deployed to Iraq in 2003. As an enlisted member of the United States Army National Guard, Deputy Moore prepared for war, but he encountered something different. He spent much of his time on foot patrol in Ramadi, a city in Central Iraq, interacting with Iraqi citizens and ensuring their safety. He saw that many were in need, and he did what he could to give them aid, even if that just meant listening.
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AVOID A SCARY HALLOWEEN WITH THESE SAFETY TIPS
October, 2021
Treats, ghouls and spine-chilling fun are just a few reasons why Halloween is one of the most anticipated times of year for kids. Unfortunately, Halloween can also be the most dangerous time of year for children. Nearly 4,000 Halloween-related injuries occur every year, including falling accidents, poisoning, burns and motor accidents. Although the festivities can be fun, we want to remind you of these important safety tips to help prevent real horrors from occurring.
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PREPARING FOR THE UNEXPECTED
September, 2021
ow can we better prepare? It is the question every public safety professional asks and the motivation behind everything we do. Better preparation allows for the best possible response to any incident. Often the incidents or disasters we prepare for are unplanned, happening with little to no warning. However, by training for the unexpected, we remain ready to respond.
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BULLYING AWARENESS
August, 2021
Students will soon be back in school learning face to face, which may bring apprehension, excitement or a combination of both. I never take education lightly, and I am grateful that, despite the struggles I have faced to get to where I am today, education kept me on that road to success. Education shapes children's lives, which is why it is vital to continue to ensure our children are safe and feel safe in their learning environment.
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STAYING SAFE DURING THE SUMMER
July, 2021
Water sports, outdoor events and cookouts are just a few reasons why summer in South Florida is my favorite time of year. Whether enjoying some fun in the sun, on land or in the water, follow these safety reminders so you and your loved ones can beat the heat safely.
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BUILDING A CULTURE OF ACCOUNTABILITY
June, 2021
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THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
May, 2021
Mental well-being is just as important as physical well-being. Since first responders are often the first people someone in a mental health crisis interacts with, it is critical that we know what mental illness looks like and what to do when we see it.
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BSO CARES
April, 2021
Every Sunday morning, when Pompano Beach District Captain Martin Hedelund’s twin boys were young, he would take them on drives around Broward County, showing them various landmarks and sights. Captain Hedelund would do all the talking; Dalton and Martin Jr. sat and listened. They were four years old and nonverbal - a developmental delay caused by autism.
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BSO’S REMARKABLE WOMEN
March, 2021
I am so proud and honored to work alongside the remarkable women who serve in departments across the Broward Sheriff's Office. In recognition of Women's History Month, I want to take this opportunity to highlight just a few of the extraordinary women of BSO making a difference throughout this community.
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PREPARED AND READY TO RESPOND
February, 2021
Three years have passed since the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The memories of the 17 innocent lives taken from us on that terrible day live on in our hearts and our actions. Never again.
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WORKING FOR YOU
January, 2021
On January 5, I will take the oath of office to continue serving as your sheriff. My swearing-in ceremony will be a much less extravagant affair than those of sheriffs' past due to COVID-19 restrictions. Perhaps an intimate setting is more appropriate, regardless. The oath of office is a sacred trust.
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PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE
December, 2020
This year has been met with a whirlwind of emotion. For some, fear, loss, loneliness, isolation and anxiousness may define their year. For others, joy, appreciation, comfort and family. And for many, a mixture of both. But if 2020 taught us one thing, it’s that we always accomplish more as a unified community.
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EXCEEDING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS
November, 2020
At the Broward Sheriff’s Office, we strive to exceed all expectations and live up to the highest industry standards so we can provide Broward County with the best, most prepared and accountable public safety services. I am excited and proud to announce that BSO received final approval for full law enforcement accreditation last month by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA).
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BUILDING A STRONGER BROWARD THROUGH THE SOCIAL JUSTICE TASK FORCE
October, 2020
It is with great excitement that I announce the launch of the Broward Sheriff’s Office Social Justice Task Force (SJTF), a civilian and law enforcement collaboration that will help our Broward communities achieve greater justice and equity.
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STAYING SAFE IN OUR NEW VIRTUAL REALITY
September, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered our way of life and how we go about our daily routines. For many, kitchen and dining room tables have become the new office, classroom or social meeting place. Virtual is the new reality, and while it allows us to continue to work, learn and socialize safely, it comes with its own unique set of challenges and dangers.
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LISTENING. EVOLVING. CHANGING.
August, 2020
his year, our nation – our world – has been faced with unprecedented challenges. From a global health crisis to civil unrest and the reminder of inequalities for people of color, our strength, our faith and our wills have all been tested. As we enter the eight month of 2020, I gain strength from the opportunities before us.
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A COMMITMENT TO ACCOUNTABILITY
July, 2020
The appalling murder of George Floyd reopened deep and painful wounds in our country. For too long, many people of color have suffered through a separate and unequal system of justice and have been unjust victims of police brutality.
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DEMONSTRATING SERVICE IN SERVING
June, 2020
Before I begin this message, I want to take a moment to remember a beloved member of the Broward Sheriff’s Office family, Communications Operator III Nikima Thompson, who sadly lost her brave battle with COVID-19 on May 4. Nikima was a dedicated 16-year veteran of BSO and the first communications operator to die in the line of duty in Florida. We pay tribute to her sacrifice and honor her service to this community.
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REMEMBERING DEPUTY SHANNON BENNETT
May, 2020
Deputy Bennett, 39, embodied what a law enforcement officer should be, serving BSO and Broward citizens for more than 12 years. His courage, professionalism and a fierce commitment to doing what is right radiated in everything he did. A graduate of Deerfield Beach High School, Shannon joined BSO on June 6, 2007 as a detention deputy. His brother, Darren, had joined BSO as a detention deputy five years prior and supported.
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COMBATTING COVID-19 IS A COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY
April, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us in Broward County, throughout the United States and around the world. We have had to make drastic changes in the way we interact with others.
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HONORING THE WOMEN OF BSO
March, 2020
My aunt was a police officer for the city of Philadelphia. I didn't know it then, but she was a trailblazer: a proud woman in a job historically carried out by men. There have been many brave women in law enforcement who have paved the way toward progress, and we are still moving forward.
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MSD SHOOTING ANNIVERSARY INSPIRES A CALL TO ACTION
February, 2020
The senseless mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School two years ago affected the lives of so many. The tragic loss of 17 innocent victims compelled law enforcement, grieving families, community leaders and everyday citizens to look for lasting solutions to mass violence in our county.
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WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
January, 2020
January marks my one-year anniversary as your sheriff. The leadership of the Broward Sheriff’s Office has made a lot of changes that we sincerely believe will increase the safety for all of Broward County. During the past year
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A YEAR OF PROGRESS AND TRANSFORMATION
December, 2019
What a year it has been for the Broward Sheriff's Office. When I took command of this organization, I pledged to put public safety first. I am proud of the improvements we have made and the initiatives we have implemented toward our mission of providing high quality services to Broward County. Here are some highlights
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CELEBRATING OUR DIVERSITY
November, 2019
At the Broward Sheriff's Office, we've come so far since the first African American, Deputy James Primous, joined the ranks in 1951. We've made great strides in diversifying the agency at every level to reflect Broward's vibrant melting pot.
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REAL TIME CRIME CENTER
October, 2019
When time is of the essence and lives are on the line, it is the job of law enforcement to respond to an incident quickly, decisively and effectively. With the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy still weighing heavily on our minds, Broward residents are unfortunately all too aware that any delay in action can cost lives.
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AN EVOLUTION IN COMMUNITY POLICING
September, 2019
I have dedicated my career in law enforcement to making a positive impact on the lives of the citizens in the community. Now, as sheriff, it is the foundation of how I run the Broward Sheriff’s Office. I have seen how small interactions with the public achieve huge safety results, so I have directed our deputies to get out of their squad cars, walk the streets and connect with people.
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COMMITTED TO PROTECTING BROWARD SCHOOLS
August, 2019
Public safety has always been my highest priority. In the eight months since becoming your sheriff, the Broward Sheriff’s Office has worked hard to address one of the greatest concerns of Broward County – school safety.
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CELEBRATING THE AMERICAN SPIRIT
July, 2019
Few days in the year stir up more excitement and pride than Independence Day. The pageantry, parades, flags and fireworks symbolize deep-rooted patriotism for our nation, the sacrifices made to maintain our values and the pride we have in being Americans.
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FIGHTING FOR EQUALITY FOR ALL
June, 2019
“All men are created equal. No matter how hard they try, they can never erase those words. That is what America is about.”—Harvey Milk, slain LGBT rights champion
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EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES
May, 2019
As sheriff, I hold an important responsibility to protect our community’s children and encourage their positive development. The incredible people I meet around Broward leave me optimistic about our county’s future.
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PRIORITIZING PUBLIC SAFETY
April, 2019
As your sheriff, my number one priority will always be to keep our community safe. In a short time, we have made significant changes toward restructuring the agency and directing our efforts toward providing the highest level of public safety service the Broward County community expects and deserves. We have begun by implementing smart personnel changes, instituting a variety of significant training measures, introducing new crime-fighting initiatives, maximizing transparency and encouraging communication.
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SERVICE = REWARD
March, 2019
For years, I’ve kept a now tattered and coffee-stained note affixed to my computer monitor. It serves as a daily reminder for why I devoted my career to public service and how to conduct my life in general.
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A TRIBUTE TO OUR MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY
February, 2019
As your new sheriff, I am honored to have the opportunity to serve our great county and its residents once again.
