| | 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. BSO is now a national leader in public safety training and readiness, equipped to handle any situation. Our Research, Development and Training Center (R.D.T.C.), which opened earlier this year, consolidates our training efforts under one roof and fosters collaborative training and preparedness across our organization's disciplines and departments. Leveraging advanced technology, we've elevated crime detection, prevention and response standards within our Real Time Crime Center (RTCC). Recognizing the importance of mental health, we have emphasized support and services for those in crisis over incarceration. Our Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training, which helps us recognize the signs of those suffering a mental health crisis and de-escalate potentially dangerous interactions, is expanding across our organization. Through our Neighborhood Support Team, Professional Standards Committee and Social Justice Task Force, we strengthen community trust by prioritizing accountability, transparency and responsiveness to public concerns. Additionally, we have invested in the wellness of our team through mental and physical resources and resilience programs. I'm proud of how far we've come—and we are just getting started. Our commitment to "Excellence in Service" will guide us into the future. BSO will continue prioritizing public safety by pursuing initiatives that align with our core values—collaboration, integrity, professionalism, innovation, accountability and effort. Over the next four years, we'll build upon our successes to achieve the goals outlined in our comprehensive strategic plan. Developed with your valuable input, this plan will streamline operations across departments to enhance BSO's service to our community. We will optimize efficiency and effectiveness by promoting stronger teamwork and internal communication. Investing in the professional growth of our first responders is paramount to safeguarding our community. To support this, we are expanding professional development opportunities to provide every team member with the tools necessary to grow within BSO. Additionally, we will implement new programs to cultivate the next generation of leaders, ensuring a sustainable future for our organization. To bolster our commitment to the community, we will allocate resources to build meaningful and lasting connections. Additionally, online educational platforms will make public safety information easily accessible to every resident, regardless of where they reside. To enhance the well-being of our first responders, we will develop new health initiatives to ensure they are always at their physical and mental best, ready to serve the community. Through an early intervention program, we will reach out to BSO employees in need, offering safe and confidential support. With these strategies in place, we are proactively responding to today's public safety needs and laying the foundation for building a stronger, safer future for everyone in our community. As your sheriff, I pledge to continue to lead the Broward Sheriff's Office with excellence, providing the highest level of public safety for all of Broward County. Thank you once again for your support and confidence in our service to you. Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony Service Equals Reward
| | December | 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. Using real-time social media monitoring, the TMU swiftly identified, investigated and neutralized the threats, demonstrating the effectiveness of their advanced systems. While this illustrates how technology enhances our ability to protect the community, BSO's proactive and evolving use of technology extends well beyond threat detection and response—it's a pivotal part of our organizational strategy. We consistently research and implement advanced tools to strengthen our overall response capabilities and safeguard our county. A few examples are highlighted below.
- The BSO Digital Forensics Unit has significantly boosted its technological capabilities by increasing storage capacity and accelerating data transfer, which speeds up processing time and allows our investigators to examine multiple devices simultaneously. These upgrades, alongside the unit's expansion, have resulted in substantial time savings, improved efficiency and successful results in solving cases with critical digital information.
- The BSO Training Division is testing cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) systems to further augment our law enforcement training. This advanced technology allows for simultaneous training capabilities utilizing diverse scenarios, from de-escalation tactics to active shooter responses. It also supports the integration of detailed building plans, allowing deputies to train in specific environments, such as schools or courthouses. These VR systems will save time and reduce costs by allowing more frequent and efficient training sessions, with the added benefit of video review for post-training analysis. A significant portion of the funding for these systems was secured through grants, and we anticipate rolling out introductory training in early 2025.
- The BSO Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) has incorporated new technology, including facial recognition and license plate reader software, to investigate, solve and prevent crimes. Recent technology upgrades have enhanced BSO's ability to identify vehicles and link them to suspects, victims or crimes and better utilize mobile cameras strategically deployed in crime hotspots.
- The BSO Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services has adopted the GlideScope, an advanced tool that uses video to help guide intubation. This technology provides our firefighter/paramedics with a clear view of a patient's airway, significantly improving the success of securing an airway on the first attempt, which can be lifesaving in critical situations. As of today, we have 22 GlideScopes in use across the county.
- The BSO Crime Lab has made significant technological improvements to its investigative capabilities. One such advancement is Y-STR technology, which isolates DNA to identify suspects. It also enables familial searching within the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), providing leads in cases where traditional DNA analysis may fall short. The Crime Lab also uses the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), a national database that allows us to compare fired cartridge cases and identify potential connections to other crimes.
As public safety needs evolve, BSO remains dedicated to implementing cutting-edge technologies that enhance our ability to identify, track, monitor and prevent crime. We will continue to expand our use of innovative tools to uphold our commitment to excellence in service. Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony
Service Equals Reward
| | November | 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.
Some municipal leaders have already called for the arrest and jailing of homeless individuals who refuse to go to a shelter or accept assistance. However, homelessness is not a crime, and the county jail system is not a solution to the homeless crisis. Telling residents that placing a homeless person in jail will allow them to receive mental health and substance abuse treatment is not reality-based or a feasible option. Furthermore, the Broward County jails are currently understaffed and underfunded. Jail is not the place to shelter and provide services to the homeless, and I have directed our Department of Detention to no longer accept individuals who are brought to the jail for purely municipal ordinance violations. So, rounding up the homeless and bringing them to the jails in downtown Fort Lauderdale or Pompano Beach is neither a good solution nor an available one. One of the significant problems Broward County faces is the lack of sufficient shelter space for the county's homeless population. Under the new law, if a county does not have enough bed space, it may designate a suitable location for homeless individuals to camp that meets their public safety and sanitation needs. Our county officials are working with local homeless advocates and municipalities to determine where and what type of camping facilities will be designated. Many Broward cities have already created local options for their homeless populations, including temporary housing, community-based shelters and housing assistance to keep the homeless, especially families and veterans, in safe shelter and off the streets. Community courts have also been established to prevent homeless individuals from becoming entangled in the criminal justice system. The Broward Sheriff's Office will continue to do its part through our Homeless Outreach Teams, whose mission is outreach assistance, service provider referrals and reunification. Through the cooperation of the county and the municipal governments, we hope more housing and referral options will be created that BSO and local law enforcement will be able to utilize, ensuring that arrests remain a last resort and occur only in exigent circumstances. These efforts must continue as policymakers craft a more permanent solution for homelessness that addresses affordable housing, mental health and substance abuse treatment. The new law has achieved one positive outcome—it has placed needed urgency on finding real solutions to homelessness in Broward County. Other cities and counties across the country have successfully met the challenge of homelessness, and I am confident that our county and city leaders will also find solutions. Homelessness in our community did not start overnight, nor will the solutions be quick or easy. Arrest and jail are not affordable options for this community, and they do not serve the needs of homeless individuals. We can do better. Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony
Service Equals Reward
| | October | 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. Inside the car, I found the driver slumped over, unresponsive and without a pulse. Without hesitation, I pulled him from the vehicle and performed CPR until his vital signs returned. Thanks to the prompt arrival of emergency medical services, the man was transported to a local hospital and eventually made a full recovery. Though my actions were later acknowledged by the media and my colleagues at the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO), my motivation was never about recognition. What truly mattered was being there when it counted and doing everything possible to help someone in need. This selfless approach to public service is what I believe should guide all our actions as first responders. This experience epitomizes my personal ethos: Service Equals Reward. For decades, this principle has shaped every decision I've made and has become the guiding motto at BSO. Service Equals Reward emphasizes the intrinsic value of public service, focusing on the positive impact we make on the people we safeguard rather than on material gains. Every team member at BSO plays a crucial role in serving our community. From the deputies and firefighters on the front lines to the administrative staff working behind the scenes, each person's contribution is vital. Our collective efforts ensure the safety and well-being of those we protect. Our true reward comes from being leaders in public safety, dedicating ourselves to the greater good, and making a lasting impact on our community for the next 100 years. As sheriff, I will continue to lead with this mindset. At BSO, service is not just a job but a way of life—a commitment to always do what is right. Our service, actions and contributions to the community are the true measures of our success. Together, we can create a community where everyone feels safe, valued and supported. Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony
Service Equals Reward
| | September | 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. Following the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, our primary goal has been to enhance training for all first responders. Today, our deputies participate in a rigorous training curriculum, including annual in-service training, patrol rifle proficiency development, active assailant response, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, Incident Command System exercises and dedicated supervisor instruction for critical incident/scene management. Our new Research, Development and Training Center (R.D.T.C.) will further enhance these training initiatives, ensuring our first responders are well-prepared for any scenario and equipped to tackle emerging public safety challenges. It was also imperative that we restore public trust in our organization. We implemented measures to hold employees accountable and enhance transparency in misconduct investigations and use of force incidents. We reorganized our Professional Standards Committee (PSC) to be more reflective of our community, selecting qualified individuals who are well-versed in labor law, internal affairs investigations and human resources to better evaluate incidents of wrongdoing. Additionally, we proactively engage with the community to address unique concerns through initiatives like the Social Justice Task Force (SJTF), which comprises community activists, faith leaders and stakeholders. The SJTF aims to address community concerns and enhance transparency, communication and accountability while building stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community. Innovative outreach efforts, reminiscent of traditional community policing practices, have strengthened our relationships with the community. Programs such as the Neighborhood Support Team (NST) and Park, Walk and Talk (PWT) foster personal connections between BSO and the people we serve. We are connecting with our residents where they live and sharing important public safety messages. In 2023, NST distributed nearly 100,000 resource materials and participated in over 510 community events, while PWT facilitated nearly 38,000 personal community interactions. Understanding that learning never stops, we've prioritized continuing education. We've teamed up with universities to offer employees the opportunity to expand their knowledge of public safety through advanced degree programs, such as public administration. These educational programs help develop essential critical thinking and decision-making skills, leading to a more knowledgeable and responsible approach to public safety. All these achievements, along with many other successes of my administration, were made possible by BSO's dedicated men and women. This organization is made up of hardworking individuals who are committed to making a positive impact through public service. I also want to express my gratitude to our residents. During my time at BSO, I've met many individuals who are passionate about doing what's right for the betterment of their neighbors. These interactions have deepened my understanding of neighborhood issues and the challenges facing our community, significantly shaping my leadership approach. As a result, I am better equipped to guide BSO toward a successful and progressive future. We've made great strides toward becoming one of the best-trained, most progressive, accountable public safety organizations in the state. There's still so much to achieve, and I look forward to what we will continue to accomplish together. Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony
Service Equals Reward
| | August | 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. During my time with the department, I served in various capacities and received more than a dozen awards and letters of commendation. Recognizing societal needs, I briefly stepped away from police work. I founded a company that trained the private and public sectors in preventative strategies and response for active shooter and mass casualty incidents. When the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) needed someone to correct deficiencies following the tragic events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, I accepted the opportunity to lead BSO, putting my expertise in active shooter training and readiness to work. In doing so, I also became the first black sheriff in the organization's 109-year history – a privilege I don't take lightly. Each achievement, each step forward, was fueled by my commitment to excellence. Today, my vision board is filled with initiatives to enhance every aspect of BSO, from training and accountability to community relations and technology. These initiatives are reinforced by every member of our organization and serve to foster unity, encourage progression and uphold our core mission of protecting Broward County. One of our most impactful initiatives is leveraging technology to proactively combat crime. The Threat Management Unit (TMU) and Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) detect and prevent potential threats from harming our community. Since its inception, the TMU has investigated more than 4,230 potentially violent incidents, resulting in more than 300 arrests. In addition, the RTCC has provided live surveillance during more than 5,600 investigations. As the RTCC undergoes expansion, it reinforces our commitment to providing excellence in service. Transparency and accountability are fundamental to building trust with the people we serve. I've reorganized the Professional Standards Committee to include diverse voices and established the Use of Force Review Board to ensure fair evaluation and compliance with BSO policies. In addition, our annual report demonstrates our commitment to transparency, showcasing how taxpayer dollars are allocated for public safety. Our efforts to enhance relationships and build trust in our communities are proving successful. Programs like our Neighborhood Support Team (NST) and Park, Walk and Talk (PWT) facilitate personal interactions beyond routine calls for service to enhance understanding and address community needs. Since the inception of the PWT in 2019, we've had more than 130,000 interactions with residents across Broward County. Encouraging diversity has been one of the primary goals of my administration. We have looked to reinforce our agency with recruitment and promotional opportunities for those most qualified. The result has been an organization that better reflects the diverse communities we serve. As sheriff, I've had the honor of promoting more than 1,300 employees, and we have filled nearly 2,100 positions throughout the organization. This commitment has been a critical factor in our operational success as valuable institutional knowledge has been applied to the development of various programs and initiatives. Every step we take, however big, creates a significant, lasting imprint on this community. I'm proud of our progress in strengthening public safety, yet I am mindful of the work still to come. Just as my vision board is ever-evolving, so is BSO's. Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony
Service Equals Reward
| | July | 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. The RDTC is a significant milestone in the 109-year history of the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO), consolidating our training efforts under one roof. Centralizing our training operations will allow us to promote unified coordination and understanding among different departments and disciplines within our organization. Moreover, the RDTC will be a hub for fostering professional relationships with local and federal public safety partners. We will welcome our neighboring partners for multi-agency training and strengthen our collective commitment to serving Broward County. Every aspect of the RDTC is specifically built to enhance the preparedness of our first responders. The facility features specialized training rooms, simulation labs and tactical firing ranges designed to replicate real-world scenarios and hone critical decision-making skills and tactical readiness. Key components of the RDTC include: - Two 50-yard tactical firing ranges featuring bay doors for vehicle entry, enabling realistic vehicle takedowns and active shooter drills.
- A two-story shoot house offering flexible configurations for various unique scenarios, including inmate extractions.
- A defensive tactics room that will allow our first responders to train in hands-on techniques to help de-escalate potential use of force incidents.
- EMS and simulation labs, which will enhance the readiness and medical skills of our firefighter/paramedics for emergency response.
- A rappelling wall for our fire rescue personnel, preparing them for structural fires or multi-story building rescues.
- A 22,000-square-foot strength and conditioning facility dedicated to keeping our employees' mental and physical health at its peak. My goal is to introduce comprehensive fitness programs to meet the needs of everyone at BSO.
- Three large configurable classrooms to accommodate our employees' ongoing educational and professional development.
While the RDTC represents innovation and progress, our mission remains steadfast: the safety and well-being of the entire Broward County community. As sheriff, I am committed to introducing new and innovative programs and initiatives focused on upholding the highest standards of excellence in public safety. Sheriff Gregory Tony
Service Equals Reward
| | June | 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: School Safety and Technology
BSO remains committed to prioritizing the safety of our students. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, our Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) continues identifying and investigating potential threats to our community and schools. With access to nearly 25,000 cameras in public schools, houses of worship and county facilities, the RTCC has assisted in investigating over 5,600 incidents, which led to 117 arrests. Our efforts have proven successful, and in the coming months, the RTCC will expand to include additional staff, upgraded technology and more space for partner agencies. Also integral to school safety is BSO's robust Incident Command System (ICS) training, ensuring all personnel are ready to act if a critical incident occurs. Further, all deputies receive ongoing active assailant training to enhance their preparedness. Serving the Broward Community
Fostering genuine relationships with our residents is vital. Initiatives such as our Park, Walk and Talk (PWT) program and the Neighborhood Support Team (NST) have facilitated great community trust. In the past year, our deputies had more than 38,000 community encounters through PWT, and NST distributed over 100,000 important public safety materials. BSO's Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services also takes community education to the next level. Employing a second-to-none public education program, our dedicated team of Life Safety Educators teaches hands-only CPR and bleeding control courses, critical skills in a lifesaving emergency. They also offer free car seat installations and inspections and help educate parents and caregivers on child passenger safety. Last year, I formed a committee to draft a comprehensive plan for BSO, leading us to a sustainable, progressive and innovative future. As we move forward, our 2024-2028 strategic plan will continue to bolster our community engagement efforts, focusing on strengthening community relationships, optimizing resource allocation and expanding the availability of online educational platforms for the public. Training and Preparedness
In the coming months, we will open the doors to BSO's first-ever Research, Development and Training Center (RDTC), a 104,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility. Every aspect of the RDTC will elevate our preparedness. Two 50-yard tactical firing ranges will allow for vehicle entry to replicate vehicle takedowns and active shooter scenarios, and a shoot house will be outfitted with reconfigurable panels to host a myriad of real-world training experiences. The RDTC will consolidate training efforts, enhance communication among BSO departments and foster collaboration with neighboring municipalities, ensuring seamless public safety operations throughout Broward County. Promoting from Within
Over the past five years, we've promoted more than 1,300 employees. Our emphasis on education and leadership development courses have aided these promotions. We have also expanded academic partnerships, providing opportunities for greater professional growth. A forthcoming career track will establish employee benchmarks and provide avenues for advancement. Recruitment
Strategic recruitment efforts have filled more than 2,000 needed positions throughout the organization. We reduced our communication center vacancy rate from 24 percent to zero. We focus our recruitment efforts on qualified individuals interested in serving the community and emphasize the inherent rewards of a public safety career. BSO is committed to innovative initiatives to continue attracting top talent. Accountability and Transparency
BSO remains a beacon of accountability and transparency, exemplified by our actions. The men and women who work for this organization are held to the highest standards. Our Office of Inspector General, created in 2021, continues to ensure our organization runs efficiently, economically and responsibly. BSO also publishes an annual report to provide a greater understanding of how tax dollars are spent in service to protect and serve the Broward County community. To read the latest report, visit www.sheriff.org/SheriffTony. BSO will continue to drive forward, focusing on these foundational pillars of success. We remain dedicated to sustainable growth and excellence in service, embodying a purpose-driven, service-oriented approach to public safety. Sheriff Gregory Tony
Service Equals Reward
| | May | 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. In 2022, we embarked on a countywide survey, a collective effort to gauge residents' priorities regarding BSO's initiatives. The insights from this survey led me to convene a strategic planning committee comprised of a diverse group of professionals from each discipline within the organization. This collaborative group was instrumental in evaluating our organizational standing and exploring growth opportunities. The result yielded a comprehensive plan emphasizing public safety and community well-being. The BSO Strategic Plan identifies five key objectives for the next four years, providing a clear trajectory for our organization to remain at the forefront of public safety. Here are some of the highlights: - Innovation and Sustainability – We will streamline resources and enhance interdepartmental collaboration to remain responsive to community needs. Notably, we will work with the county to implement a single public safety answering point (PSAP) to consolidate 911 communications operations and dispatch resources to unify operations and more effectively and efficiently deliver services.
- Effectiveness and Resilience – Our organization aims to continuously improve operations, enhance our capacity to address public safety concerns and deliver exceptional service to the community. We continually assess and reimagine our programs to create a safer, more inclusive society. We strive to improve internal and external communication by leveraging technology and community partnerships, ensuring we are always one step ahead in our mission to protect and serve you.
- Community Engagement – Establishing meaningful community ties is crucial to our public safety mission. We will continue to optimize resources to foster sustainable connections and ensure easy access to essential public safety information through online educational platforms.
- Leadership and Professional Development – We prioritize the professional development of our employees. We encourage higher education to enhance critical thinking and decision-making skills, enriching our approach to public safety. We will continue to invest in systems and partner with institutions that provide employees with career advancement opportunities.
- Behavioral and Physical Health – Safeguarding the well-being of our employees and the community is paramount. We are committed to taking all necessary measures to ensure our first responders are physically and mentally fit to respond efficiently and effectively to any situation. In addition, we will work to enhance our organization's early intervention program, enabling us to better reach individuals suffering stress and emotional challenges from the job and provide them with the help they need in a safe and confidential environment.
These efforts represent only a fraction of the exciting new initiatives outlined in our 2024-2028 Strategic Plan. I invite you to visit www.sheriff.org/SheriffTony/Pages/Home.aspx to explore all the developments at BSO focused on enhancing community safety and connectivity.
Sheriff Gregory Tony
Service Equals Reward
| | April | 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. Deputy Freeman retired in 1946, but the legacy she left behind created opportunities for women to hold positions of power in public safety that are echoed throughout BSO today. The representation of women in command positions has been a process. It has not always been easy, fair or fast. As sheriff, I have prioritized inclusion, fairness and equality as central tenets of our organization. When I assumed command of BSO in 2019, female representation was void at the highest ranks. Today, nearly 40 percent of our organization is comprised of women, each creating their own accomplished history and positively influencing future generations of public safety professionals. Throughout BSO, women now occupy leadership positions at the highest levels of decision and policy making—as undersheriff, chief of staff, colonels, majors, captains, fire rescue chiefs and directors. In the spirit of our first female deputy, I want to highlight a few exceptional female firsts promoted during my administration. Undersheriff Nichole Anderson has achieved many firsts, shattering numerous glass ceilings in her path. In 2011, she became the first Black female chief to head a district command; in 2017, she became the first Black female promoted to major; and in 2019, she became the first to attain the rank of colonel. Later that year, Colonel Anderson made history again when she became the first Black and first woman undersheriff in BSO's history. I promoted her because of her tremendous qualifications, work ethic and leadership. I consider her promotion one of my best decisions as sheriff. When Samantha Whitehorne initially pursued a career in the fire service, she was met with resistance. She was told no one would hire her because she was Black and a woman. Samantha took this as motivation and began her journey, earning every promotion and breaking all barriers. She became the first Black female firefighter at Deerfield Beach Fire Rescue in 2000 before the department merged with BSO. She rose to the rank of lieutenant in 2006. In 2017, she began teaching and training emergency medical workers at Broward College. In 2022, I was proud to promote Samantha to district chief in Deerfield Beach, marking the first time a Black female would hold this position. I am equally proud of Stephanie Jacobi's recent promotion to captain over our Special Patrol Division, which includes SWAT, the Aviation Unit, Marine Patrol and the K-9 Unit. She is the first woman to serve in this capacity. Captain Jacobi is an 18-year BSO veteran who has served in many critical roles, including as a property and violent crimes detective and hostage negotiator. She credits female mentors throughout her career for showing her what it takes to succeed. She hopes to do the same for other young women. Dr. Debra White also has a long history with BSO. She began her career as a detention deputy in 1984. Soon after, Dr. White graduated from the police academy in 1990 and became a road patrol deputy and a school resource officer. After a decorated law enforcement career, she retired in 2015, until I encouraged her to return to BSO to share her talents once again. Now, she puts faith first, serving as our organization's first female chaplain services manager. These are just a few of the many incredible women of BSO who are trailblazers and role models for the leaders of tomorrow. I am honored to work alongside them. Their service and dedication to keeping our communities safe are a true inspiration. Sheriff Gregory Tony
Service Equals Reward
| | March | 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. Today, we are better trained and more prepared, leveraging technology, utilizing resources and consistently readying our first responders to protect our schools. In 2019, I created the Threat Management Unit (TMU) and Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) to proactively investigate potential threats to our schools and the community. Since then, the TMU has investigated approximately 4,230 potentially violent incidents, resulting in more than 300 arrests. One of those arrests was a teenager who threatened to carry out a mass shooting at MSD in 2021. With access to nearly 18,000 school cameras across Broward County, the RTCC provides live intelligence during investigations and helps direct first responders in real time during an incident. The RTCC is expanding significantly, increasing its space and staffing and enhancing our investigative capabilities. As an expert in active shooter training and response, I saw improving the training standards for all our first responders as an immediate priority. Today, we train to respond to any incident, regardless of size or scale. All our first responders, including our school resource officers, participate in annual active assailant training with our Tactical Training Unit. The 13-person unit, which includes our most skilled and tactically trained deputies, provides the highest level of proficiency training to sworn personnel throughout the organization. Our Incident Command System training ensures all personnel, regardless of rank or role, understand their responsibilities and the overall structure of critical incident response and emergency management principles, which are crucial to effectively handling critical incidents. BSO command staff participate in key operational scenarios such as establishing command posts, implementing staging areas, managing crisis communications, coordinating resources, and integrating multi-agency responses under a unified command. These extensive trainings prepare us to respond to and effectively manage emergencies. BSO is committed to continuously incorporating real-life scenarios into our training regimen to maintain operational readiness. To enhance operational efficiency and ensure every incident is handled as expeditiously as possible, we unified our Training Division and Special Operations Bureau to form our Department of Preparedness and Response. A highlight of this new department is the Threat Intervention Tactics Analytics Network (T.I.T.A.N.). This intelligence-led policing unit works to stop terrorist acts or threats of violence. A feature of T.I.T.A.N is our organization's first full-time SWAT team, which provides high visibility and security to various critical infrastructure in the county, such as our airport and seaport. The team is also ready for immediate deployment in the event of a mass casualty incident. The pinnacle of our commitment to protect our schools and our entire community will be our state-of-the-art Research, Development, and Training Center (RDTC), which will open later this year. The RDTC will house all our training efforts under one roof, allowing for greater preparedness, multi-departmental and jurisdictional training and streamlined resources. A two-story memorial will grace the walls of the RDTC's main entrance. Etched into it will be the 17 names of the lives lost during the MSD shooting. The building is dedicated to these victims and serves as a continual reminder of our ultimate purpose: We train in their memory. We prepare to prevent further tragedies. We will never forget them and why we made significant changes to our organization to protect our schools and children. Sheriff Gregory Tony
Service Equals Reward
| | February | 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. 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
| | January | 2024 |
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