Communications Dispatch and 9-1-1

In any threatening situation requiring BSO intervention, dial 9-1-1. In non-emergency situations, contact the Broward Sheriff's Office at (954) 765-4321.

The Broward Sheriff's Office provides 9-1-1 intake, Teletype and dispatch services for all unincorporated areas of Broward County, 22 municipalities and numerous special patrol areas including the Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Port Everglades, BSO Department of Detention, court services and other areas.

The division functions 24/7 and comprises specially trained communications operators who process an estimated 1.07 million emergency and 1.78 non-emergency telephone calls and almost 40 million police radio transmissions each year. In 2003, approximately 67% of all 9-1-1 calls placed in Broward County were answered by BSO operators or in sites that were supervised by and later became part of BSO. More than 300 persons including call-takers, radio dispatchers, Teletype operators and fire rescue dispatchers are employed in the Communications Unit.

The Teletype Units at the BSO dispatch sites operate the links to the state and federal computer systems and process approximately 696,490 requests annually generated by deputy sheriffs and police officers. Typically, they seek information on missing persons, lost or stolen auto tags, stolen vehicles, driver's license status and stolen articles. BSO's Mobile Data system now allows deputies in the field to process requests.

The 9-1-1 Evidence and Records Unit acts as custodian for all audio recordings of police and fire rescue communications including incoming 9-1-1 calls and portable radio and dispatch transmissions. Governed by state law, the unit produces tapes for the state attorney, private attorneys, public safety agencies, private investigators, residents and insurance companies. Nearly 4,200 requests are processed annually.

Communications employees participate in a rigorous selection process which includes a data-entry examination, geography test, a multi-tasking simulator, oral examination and a background investigation. Newly-hired operators complete a six-week training course at the Communications Academy and 160 hours of on-the-job training before they are assigned to work on their own.

Click here for a map of BSO's 9-1-1 and dispatch areas.

If you're interested in a career as a BSO Communications Operator, click here for more information.

Major Kyle Berwick
Regional Public Safety Communications

Major Kyle Berwick joined the Broward Sheriff's Office in August 2005.

Major Berwick began his law enforcement career with the Hollywood Police Department where he managed their accreditation process, strategic planning and acquisition of their latest technology. During his 24-year career ...more

Kim Rubio
Communications

Communications Manager Kim Rubio began her law enforcement career in 1976 as a Communications call taker for the Hollywood Police Department. She worked for Hollywood Police in the Communications Division for thirty years rising to the position of Manager.

She joined BSO in August 2005 as ...more

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