| | 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.
I continue to be committed to enhancing the culture of service at BSO. When our first responders can identify with our residents through similar backgrounds and experiences, they can better understand our community's wants, needs and problems and identify potential solutions.
A diverse and inclusive public safety agency is essential to ensuring that all members of our community are treated with dignity and respect. Since taking office, I have prioritized elevating leadership and recruiting employees that better reflect our county. Today, the men and women of BSO make up an organization that is more diverse than ever in our 108-year history. Each of us brings a different perspective and uniqueness to our communities. Most importantly, the men and women of BSO are hired and promoted on the strength of their abilities and because of their desire and commitment to serve.
We have also implemented programs and initiatives that increase and support equity, inclusion and understanding, such as our LGBTQ+ Liaison Committee, Racial Intelligence Training and Engagement (RITE) courses and the BSO Social Justice Task Force. As we incorporate these programs into what we do, they continue to develop who we are and what we stand for. The mission of each is to strengthen the relationship between our residents and our organization by creating mutual trust and confidence through community involvement and departmental education.
We celebrate these achievements of social progress, but we do so mindful that there is still work to be done. As Broward County grows, we will continue to recruit the best and the brightest individuals committed to serving our residents. We will create and sustain a history we all have pride in.
Click here to learn more about our innovative programs supporting equality at BSO.
Sheriff Gregory Tony
Service Equals Reward
| | June | 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. Responding to a call for service involving a person in crisis can be challenging. As first responders, we recognize the need to diversify our response capabilities to include a more collaborative approach that best addresses the immediate needs of the situation. Recently, BSO launched a law enforcement Co-Responder Program, which pairs a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trained deputy with a licensed mental health clinician to respond to crisis calls for service. The joint response provides immediate advantages. The deputy and clinician can accurately determine the needs of the individual and identify opportunities to connect them to necessary community resources. The Co-Responder Program is currently in the pilot phase. Based on its success, we have plans to expand the program to other BSO districts. Another program focusing on mental health is our Behavioral Health Licensed Therapist (BHLT) program operating under BSO's Threat Management Unit (TMU). BSO's TMU focuses on investigating persons who threaten to commit acts of mass violence and stop that from occurring. The BHLT team is composed of veteran therapists who work alongside TMU detectives to investigate these threats. When a threat is made, one of our licensed therapists is paired with a CIT-trained detective to provide professional on-scene threat and needs assessments. The cooperative investigation affords the ability to assess individuals for mental illness and substance abuse issues and link them with appropriate community providers who can offer treatment. Currently, our BHLT program has assisted with nearly 1,400 cases. Of the individuals they have interacted with, 44 percent have accepted services. While our new programs and initiatives are making a difference, the cornerstone of our mental health work starts with our CIT program. CIT provides specialized training to help identify and more effectively engage an individual living with a mental health issue. The key is de-escalation. In situations where moods can shift, and actions can escalate quickly, the first few moments of contact are critical to calming individuals. Our CIT-trained employees are placed where they can have the most significant impact. For example, all our school resource deputies are CIT-trained. In addition, our 9-1-1 communications operators undergo CIT training to identify which calls might require a specialized response. This training is critical on the front lines. About 55 percent of BSO's law enforcement deputies are CIT certified; my goal is to reach 100. In public safety, no call is the same. Our diversified approach to handling these crisis calls allows us to help individuals in their greatest time of need and connect them with valuable resources. We will continue to explore opportunities that best serve the people and ensure the safety of Broward County. Sheriff Gregory Tony
Service Equals Reward
| | May | 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. BSO first responders train to maintain and enhance their ability to respond to any crisis. BSO has introduced over 80 new courses in the past four years with nearly 80,000 completed trainings. Further, we have hosted approximately 50 trainings for more than 1,000 members from local, state and federal agencies. With the completion of our new state-of-the-art training center in late 2023, we will continue to provide the most advanced public safety training in Florida. Our commitment to training also encompasses academics. As an organization, we encourage our employees to pursue continuing education. We have partnered with universities to expand higher education and professional development opportunities. Since 2019, more than 200 employees have enrolled in higher education institutions, and over 50 employees have been awarded degrees, most at the master's and doctorate levels. We have also increased our participation in executive-level training courses. As an academic myself, I welcome ongoing learning opportunities – especially when it comes to public safety. Currently, I am enrolled as a doctorate student at Nova Southeastern University, pursuing a Ph.D. in criminal justice and organizational leadership. In 2022, I was selected by the FBI to participate in the prestigious National Executive Institute Leadership Course. This tremendous opportunity is given to only the top law enforcement administrators in the nation, and I was honored to be part of it. In addition to training and education, we have continued to focus on accreditation. Accreditation is awarded to agencies that meet and exceed professional standards. Today, BSO has become Florida's most accredited public safety organization, demonstrating our commitment to operating in compliance with industry standards and best practices. We currently hold 18 national and state accreditations, and these significant accomplishments are a source of pride within BSO's ranks. I am proud of our accomplishments and successes over the past four years. We will continue to push toward excellence and never become complacent in our responsibility to provide the best in public safety to this community. To learn more about our accreditations and training programs, please visit sheriff.org. Service Equals Reward
Sheriff Gregory Tony
| | April | 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. When I entered the law enforcement profession, I did so taking an oath to serve and protect – an honor I hold with high regard, and one I implore among our ranks. While the actions of a few can tarnish the efforts of many, the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) has taken progressive steps toward preventing incidents like this from happening in Broward County. Since becoming Sheriff, I've worked with our organization's leadership core to implement policies and procedures that identify areas of concern, address behaviors, enhance training and hold people accountable for their actions. The below highlights some of these initiatives: - Early Warning System: A process designed to detect policy violations and misconduct through the use of various review boards: Use of Force Review Board, Vehicle Pursuit Review Board and the Shooting Review Board.
- Professional Standards Committee (PSC): We restructured the PSC to include greater diversity and inclusiveness – including minority members, qualified civilians and BSO command staff. The PSC gives the public a voice in critical decisions regarding discipline of deputies accused of wrongdoing.
- Racial Intelligence Training (RITE): Training focused on reinforcing a bias-free workplace, racial and cultural sensitivity and de-escalation techniques. While BSO nears 100% completion for all deputies, we have also funded the RITE Train-The-Trainer Course, expanding this valuable training opportunity to all local law enforcement agencies to train their personnel.
- 8 Can't Wait: BSO is in full compliance with the eight immediate proven steps to curtail police violence.
- Neighborhood Support Team: A proactive law enforcement presence in the community designed to make law enforcement more visible, reduce fear and support interactions between the public and law enforcement.
- Civilian Review Board: BSO supported the establishment of Broward County's first Police and Criminal Justice Civilian Review Board. The board works to develop best practices and community standards concerning matters of use of force, police misconduct and other bias concerns within the criminal justice. Their recommendations are provided to the County Commission for further consideration for police and other criminal justice agencies.
- National Use of Force Data Collection: Created by the FBI to provide nationwide statistics on use-of-force-incidents. The collection captures all data related to use of force incidents involving death, serious bodily injury, or the discharge of a firearm at or in the direction of a person. The Broward Sheriff's Office has been reporting this data to the federal agency since 2019.
At BSO, we understand the value of maintaining trust from those we serve. As a public safety organization, we will continue to evaluate policies and build programs centered around doing what is right, responsible, fair and equitable while being accountable and transparent with the community. Service Equals Reward Sheriff Gregory Tony
| | March | 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. In the years since, young survivors, family members and community leaders have rallied together, working toward reforms and improvements to keep our schools and community safe. There have also been significant changes in the way public safety agencies operate, none more than the Broward Sheriff's Office. When I first took command of this organization in 2019, I made a commitment to prioritize school safety. As sheriff, I instituted a two-pronged approach focusing on threat mitigation and enhanced training and response protocols to ensure the failures from that tragic day would never happen again. Public safety is our primary goal, including preventing incidents of mass casualty violence. Our BSO school resource officers continue to undergo comprehensive training annually. Prior to assignment, each SRO must complete a 40-hour state-mandated FDLE course, a 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team training, and training for autism awareness, threat assessment and patrol-rife certification. Furthermore, all BSO SROs must participate in annual active assailant training as an additional requirement. In August 2022, SROs completed a full-scale active killer training to enhance their capabilities and knowledge to rapidly and effectively respond in the event of a school threat. Additionally, we have expanded BSO's Threat Management Unit (TMU) and Real Time Crime Center (RTCC). Using cutting-edge technology combined with proactive policing, we can monitor and address threats in real time. With access to nearly 18,000 school cameras across Broward County, the TMU has investigated approximately 1,600 potential violent incidents resulting in more than 220 arrests, including connecting 730 individuals with mental healthcare services. While we've seen incredible results with these threat mitigation improvements, we will never become complacent and will continue to prepare for the next threat. As one of the nation's largest sheriff's offices, we strive to be the most prepared and best-equipped organization in the country. Focused on training, we have significantly expanded our Training Division and instituted more extensive, real-world course requirements for all our sworn personnel. Our evolution is partly a product of BSO's new Department of Preparedness and Response. Established in June 2020, the department centralizes BSO training under one umbrella, resulting in superior training and service to Broward County. Today, our comprehensive training approach has made BSO a flagship training organization and has attracted public safety professionals locally and nationally. Our progress continues as we prepare to open the doors to our new, onsite state-of-the-art training center later this year. The 103,000-square-foot facility will match the agency's training needs, maximize staff capabilities and ensure a safe and effective training environment. The highlight of the facility will be the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Memorial Lobby. The names of the 17 lives lost on February 14, 2018, will be etched on the wall and serve as a daily reminder of the valued importance of training and preparedness. With their memories close to our hearts, we will continue to work tirelessly to make our schools and community safer places to live, learn and grow. Service Equals Reward Sheriff Gregory Tony
| | February | 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. Continue reading to learn more about some of these exciting new initiatives. BSO CO-RESPONDER PROGRAM
A cornerstone of our foundation is our commitment to helping individuals suffering a mental health crisis. BSO's new Co-Responder Program is an innovative approach to assisting individuals in crisis by pairing a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trained deputy with a licensed mental health clinician to respond to calls for service. Their collaboration provides immediate advantages as they are able to more accurately determine the needs of the person or persons in distress and connect them to the necessary community resources. BSO TRAINING CENTER
CIT is one of the many types of training we have at BSO. In only a few years, we have raised the training standards for all our first responders and agency personnel. Soon we will be able to house all this training under one roof. Construction crews are making incredible progress on BSO's state-of-the-art training center. Once completed, the 103,000-square-foot facility will be the first dedicated on-site training facility in our organization's 107-year history. The training center will undoubtedly be one of the best in the state and mark a significant milestone that will bring us closer to furthering our commitment to public safety. ADVANCEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY
As our training becomes increasingly proficient, so too does our technology. Recently, BSO's Crime Lab acquired a high-tech instrument that better sequences DNA to identify people. The machine can help determine specific information about the person the DNA came from, including hair and eye color. This valuable new tool will aid in investigations of homicides, sexual assaults and acts of terrorism. It can also be used to identify human remains. AWARD-WINNING SPECIALIZED UNITS
Lastly, I want to recognize our regional specialized units, which continue to grow in their accomplishments. These units work daily to assist all residents of Broward County and other local public safety agencies. Last year, BSO's Aviation Unit received worldwide recognition for its excellence, winning the 2022 Leadership in Police Aviation Award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Teledyne FLIR PURSUIT award. In the first ten months of 2022 alone, the unit directed deputies on the ground to make nearly 1,000 arrests. The BSO Aviation Unit, and all our specialized units, such as K-9 Unit, Bomb Squad and Hazardous Materials Unit, respond wherever needed. These units have made our county immeasurably safer, and I'm confident they will continue to make great strides in the coming year.
This highlights only a few of the many new and exciting programs we will continue to build upon in 2023. We have a lot to look forward to.
Happy New Year! Service Equals Reward Sheriff Gregory Tony
| | January | 2023 | | | 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: CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY
After two years of limited in-person community interaction, BSO showed up in a big way. We hosted numerous important events, including our Shred-a-thon and Operation Medicine Cabinet events, National Night Out, town halls and other community centered events. These opportunities continue to build mutual trust and understanding with those we serve. Check our community events calendar on sheriff.org for dates and locations of upcoming events near you. COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
We awarded 76 deserving community-based non-profits a total of $930,000 in Law Enforcement Trust Funds (LETF). This was the most money given out in a single year under my leadership. These funds, which come from the forfeiture and seizure of contraband used in the commission of a crime, are given back to the community through organizations to further the mission of preventing crime and keeping our neighborhoods safe. To learn more about how your non-profit organization can apply for a future LETF grant, please visit sheriff.org and follow us on social media for future announcements on when applications are being accepted. STRENGTHENING OUR 911 SYSTEM
Earlier this year, BSO succeeded in obtaining additional funding from the Broward County Commission to increase the salaries of our communications operators. This increase makes us competitive with surrounding public safety call centers and helps recruit and retain these critical employees. If you have a passion to serve and want a rewarding career, visit us at jobs.sheriff.org or contact our Recruitment Unit at recruitmentunit@sheriff.org. CLOSING CASES
"Gone, but not forgotten" is the impetus behind BSO's dedicated Cold Case Unit. Formed in 2019, the unit offers increased attention to unsolved cases, and this year the unit had incredible successes. In one instance, we identified and criminally charged a man known as the Pillowcase Rapist, who was responsible for many sexual assaults in the 1980s. In another, the unit solved the 1994 rape and murder of an 89-year-old woman. We also launched an exclusive Cold Case video series to uncover possible new leads and bring more exposure to these investigations. I encourage you to take some time to view the series on the Broward Sheriff's Office YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrowardSheriffsOffice. If you have any information about these crimes, please contact Broward Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS(8477). STAFF TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Training and education are paramount for operational preparedness and excellence in service. In 2022, BSO partnered with local universities to expand higher education opportunities for all personnel and increased participation in executive-level training courses. As sheriff, I must lead by example. This year, I was selected to participate and completed the FBI's prestigious National Executive Institute Leadership Course. I am also currently pursuing my Ph.D. at Nova Southeastern University. As an organization, we are on a mission to become the most academically credentialed agency in the state. This year, we finalized plans for BSO's state-of-the-art training center, broke ground and construction crews are making tremendous progress. Upon completion, the 100,000+ square-foot facility will be the first dedicated onsite training facility in our organization's 107-year history. It will elevate our preparedness and enhance our public safety services to the Broward County community. Follow our progress on our Facebook and Instagram, @browardsheriffsoffice. As we head into the holiday season, you will continue to see BSO out safeguarding your neighborhoods and getting to know our residents. Stop by and say hello! On behalf of BSO's men and women, have a happy and safe holiday season! We'll see you in the new year.
Sheriff Gregory Tony
Service Equals Reward
| | December | 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. The Broward Sheriff's Office Homeless Outreach Team works tirelessly to link displaced community members with the social services necessary to start anew and get back on their feet. Focused on providing care and assistance, the team has at least one specialist in every BSO district working full-time to support and assist these individuals. Everyone's story is important. These individuals come from all walks of life with diverse backgrounds, passions and needs. Our Homeless Outreach Team specialists work to build rapport and trust and gain a better understanding of their situation. Sometimes, getting someone to accept assistance may take weeks, months or years, but we've had tremendous success by never giving up. Once someone is ready to receive help, we work quickly to connect them with appropriate services. The men and women of BSO are committed to service – and aiding someone in need is an opportunity we don't shy away from. In September, off-duty Sergeant Mike Weiner stopped to check on a man sitting alone in his vehicle with a flat tire. Sgt. Weiner, who oversees BSO's Homeless Outreach Team in Pompano Beach, discovered the man's name was Hayward. A Vietnam War veteran, Hayward had been homeless for an extended period and had lost contact with his family and friends. With the man's consent, Sgt. Weiner contacted veteran services. Deputy Mike Francis, who received the 2020 BSO Deputy of the Year Award for his work with our homeless population, contacted a community partner to assist Hayward in getting a hotel room until the Veterans Affairs Division could make accommodations. Hayward has remained in constant contact with our Homeless Outreach Team. He will soon be moving into a Veteran Assisted Living Facility where he can stay indefinitely and receive professional care. The upcoming holiday season will offer more opportunities to positively impact the lives of our local homeless population. Memories of special times with their loved ones can provoke interest in resolving damaged relationships. Our Homeless Outreach Team spends much of the holidays helping these individuals reunite with family and friends. The team also takes this time to prepare for weather changes. This past January, South Florida endured the coldest temperatures in over a decade. BSO's Homeless Outreach Team, in partnership with the Multi-Agency Homeless Task Force, the Broward County Homeless Initiative Partnership and other community organizations, made an emergency purchase of blankets, socks and other necessities, which our deputies distributed to provide warmth to those in need. Hope is the most important thing we can provide anyone in need. Once someone sees the possibility of recapturing their life, it rejuvenates the belief a successful outcome is attainable. As an organization, we are committed to identifying the needs of the community and meeting them however we can – for most, a little hope is all they require. Service Equals Reward Sheriff Gregory Tony
| | November | 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. In 2019, BSO created a full-time Cold Case Unit, whose primary function is to investigate unsolved homicides and sex crimes. The cases date back to 1963; today, about 350 remain open. The trails of these investigations might have gone cold, but the pain for the families never goes away. The detectives investigating these crimes work tirelessly for the victim's loved ones, never giving up the search for that one clue that could help lead us to solve these crimes. Making progress on these cases can be challenging; however, significant technological advances have helped immensely. Thirty years ago, DNA testing was in its infancy. Today, we can retest physical evidence to identify potential suspects and link them to a crime. Progress in fingerprint identification has also come a long way. Even minute, unique details of an individual fingerprint can be discerned by new programs, leading to faster and more accurate identification. Last year, the BSO Cold Case Unit, working with the Miami Police Department, Brazilian National Police and U.S. federal agencies, tracked down the man responsible for the brutal murders of three South Florida women decades ago through DNA and fingerprint technology. The resolution of the case received worldwide attention. However, it is only one of the eight cases the BSO Cold Case Unit has solved since its inception. To bring more exposure to these investigations, we launched a cold case video series to uncover possible new leads. The first episode details a North Lauderdale mother and daughter who were shot and killed in their bed in 2017. In another, a Pompano Beach-based American Airlines pilot was shot nine times at his front door in 2011. The latest episode explores the brutal murder of Jerri Emken in 1985, who was found dead at the Pompano Beach bar where she worked. While the murders remain unsolved, detectives hope the series will jog a memory and result in new leads bringing resolution to these cases. I encourage you to take some time to view this series on the Broward Sheriff's Office YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrowardSheriffsOffice. You, too, can help bring a critical clue to one of our cold cases. Broward Crime Stoppers is a vital resource for submitting tips resulting in successful outcomes. Even the most minor clues, something someone saw, heard or remembered, can result in a new lead. Anyone with information on unsolved cases is asked to contact the Broward Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division at (954) 321-4200 or Broward Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS (8477) to report a tip anonymously.
Service Equals Reward
Sheriff Gregory Tony
| | October | 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. The awards ceremony celebrates the best and bravest in public safety. These dedicated professionals were selected for their exemplary actions, outstanding achievements and service in safeguarding Broward County. The accolades for these individuals are well deserved, and I'll share with you some impactful highlights. 2020 Law Enforcement Deputy of the Year Deputy Michael Francis embodies what it means to be a trusted public servant and leader. Each day, he diligently works to improve the lives of Broward County residents. From assisting families with legal aid to helping homeless individuals obtain shelter, his efforts have tremendously benefitted our community. It is an honor to recognize Deputy Francis as BSO's 2020 Law Enforcement Deputy of the Year. 2021 Unit of the Year: Department of Preparedness and Response The BSO Aviation Unit serves as our eyes in the sky. Comprised of six pilots, six tactical flight officers (TFO), and two pilot-sergeants, this unit is called out for incidents anywhere they are needed at a moment's notice. From finding missing or endangered children to aiding in offshore water rescues, the unit is a proven asset for all of Broward County. In 2021, the Aviation Unit flew 3,127 missions totaling 1,711 flight hours; of those missions, 1,305 were requests from outside agencies. Their efforts resulted in more than 1,000 arrests and the recovery of 241 stolen vehicles. Excellence defines this unit, and I am proud to announce them as the 2021 Unit of the Year for the Department of Preparedness and Response. 2021 Volunteer Service Award I've always said it takes a village to raise a child — and we take that to heart at BSO. Helping our county's children grow into responsible, civically engaged adults is one of our passions. Last year, BSO launched our summer L.E.A.D. Camp (Learning, Educating, and Developing). The innovative eight-week leadership program helps shape the lives of Broward youth ages 10-18. The success of our inaugural camp was made possible thanks to our incredible volunteers, including many BSO employees, who dedicated their time to managing the program and serving as mentors – encouraging and enriching the lives of Broward's youth. It is a privilege to award these employees the 2021 Volunteer Service Award. These highlights are just a few of the tremendous accomplishments of the BSO team. In addition, we will award our most prestigious recognition, the Medal of Honor, to four courageous BSO veterans who performed extraordinary acts at significant personal risk to their lives. Additional accolades will be given to the detective of the year, firefighter of the year, communications operator of the year, civilian employees of the year, citizen of the year and units of the year, among others. I invite you to join me as we formally honor these outstanding individuals at the 2020 and 2021 Annual Award Ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on September 14 at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center. I hope to see you there. Sheriff Gregory Tony Service Equals Reward
| | September | 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.
Allow me to share my vision about the importance of establishing a legacy of service that will carry us through the next hundred years. What we do today affects our tomorrow. My administration reflects these sentiments and together, we have initiated effective mentorship programs focused on enriching the lives of our youth and providing them with the skills, encouragement and knowledge to be successful.
The benefits of these programs are twofold: they help build our youth into strong, responsible adults while strengthening relationships with our public safety professionals. Further, our innovative programs are already achieving positive results.
R.E.A.D.
It's never too early to connect with our youngest populations and make a difference. BSO launched the R.E.A.D. program (Reading Expands Academic Discovery) earlier this year at Oriole Elementary School in Lauderdale Lakes after learning many of the students struggled with reading and had limited access to books. In response, BSO personnel read to the children at the school and donated books for them to take home. The program's primary focus is to encourage critical reading habits at an early age, allowing them to establish a solid educational foundation and develop reading skills faster and more efficiently. Our secondary focus is to engage with our local youth by building trust and creating lasting bonds.
"When we started the program, the students were apprehensive," Captain Audrey Jones remembers. "Now, they greet us with hugs and are excited we're there. It's about gaining trust, changing perceptions and letting them know we're there to help."
L.E.A.D.
BSO's Youth L.E.A.D. Camp (Learning, Educating and Developing) is an eight-week summer camp designed to help develop Broward County adolescents ages 10-18 into responsible, civically engaged adults. In partnership with community-based organizations, the program focuses on reinforcing seven important pillars to enhance values, build skills and develop the confidence needed to succeed in life. The program is interactive and educational, and the feedback has been incredibly positive.
"My daughter had a wonderful experience. This camp was so fun and informative!" shared one participant's parent. Another parent added, "My son thoroughly enjoyed this program and enjoyed seeing this positive side of law enforcement."
The 2022 L.E.A.D. Camp just wrapped up its second season. To learn more about the program and important dates for next year, visit www.sheriff.org/lead.
S.E.E.D.
To plant a seed today is to believe in tomorrow - that is at the heart of BSO's Deerfield Beach S.E.E.D. (Skills Enhancement and Employment Development) initiative. Launched in February 2021, the program teaches young adults from Deerfield Beach High School essential skills, including interview techniques, resume creation and job professionalism. BSO developed S.E.E.D. by engaging with teens in the community who expressed a gap in knowledge on how to obtain employment. This prompted BSO to step in, address the concerns and work to find a solution to develop a lasting resource.
"We try to be innovative and think outside the box," says program co-creator Deputy Joseph LoMonaco. "We are thrilled at the success of this program."⠀
In addition to these great mentorship programs, BSO offers other exciting youth opportunities throughout the year. These programs include participation in the Law Enforcement Explorers, Fire Rescue Cadets and the Police Athletic League. More information about these and other great programs is available at www.sheriff.org.
The employees of BSO have the unique responsibility to encourage and enrich the lives of our youth—and I'm proud of the work we are doing for the next generation of leaders.
Service Equals Reward
Sheriff Gregory Tony
| | August | 2022 | | | "We don't rise to the level of our expectations; we fall to the level of our training." - Archilochus Our nation has again experienced tragedy after multiple recent mass casualty shooting events in Buffalo, NY, Laguna Woods, CA and Uvalde, TX. As a community, we have learned about the value of training and preparedness after our own experiences at The Fort-Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Training is necessary for any profession but critical for first responders. Their safety and the lives of those they have sworn to protect depend on it. I can tell you from experience no matter how mentally and physically prepared someone is, amid the emotion, adrenaline and urgency of the moment, the importance of training becomes immediately apparent. With more training comes increased discipline, readiness and clarity of purpose. Speed, efficiency and accuracy are improved when we repeat actions and rehearse scenarios. You can equip people with the best tools, but they also need the knowledge and ability to use them effectively. Today, our in-house training programs are second to none. Since accepting command of the organization, the Broward Sheriff's Office has become the first agency in Florida to have a nationally certified active shooter training unit. We continually rotate our deputies through critical incident and crisis mitigation exercises to ensure they are ready for any incident. BSO's Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services continues to raise the bar by introducing specialized training tactics and skills to enhance performance. One such skill includes the ability to draft, which involves gathering water from a static source should a fire hydrant not be available. We have also prioritized Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for all deputies to engage more effectively with individuals experiencing a crisis or mental health issue. Currently, more than 60 percent of our Department of Law Enforcement deputies are CIT trained, which is more than double the national average, as well as 40 percent of our Department of Detention deputies. Additionally, 74 percent of all BSO employees, and 96 percent of all deputies, have completed the Racial Intelligence Training and Engagement course (RITE), which reinforces a bias-free workplace and teaches racial and cultural sensitivity and de-escalation techniques. Tactical performance, readiness and professional development training are instrumental to preparedness in public safety and are offered at every level of our agency. We have established partnerships with top organizations and educational institutions to provide enhanced training for our sworn personnel and executive development for our command staff, managers and directors. Our comprehensive training approach has made BSO a flagship training organization and has attracted public safety professionals locally and nationally. Our progress will continue. The construction of our state-of-the-art training center is hitting a fevered pace. Once completed, the 103,000-square-foot facility will house all our training initiatives under one roof and usher in a new and exciting era at BSO. If you want to learn more about BSO and how we serve the community, we invite you to be a part of our Citizens Academy. The 10-week program combines classroom learning and hands-on exercises to experience everything our organization does to serve this community. Click here to learn more or visit www.sheriff.org.
Service Equals Reward Sheriff Gregory Tony
| | July | 2022 |
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