| | 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. HEROISM: This past year, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) presented BSO SWAT operators with one of its highest honors: The FBI Shield of Bravery. These highly trained tactical operators pulled two FBI agents from the line of fire. Though the agents tragically sustained fatal injuries, the SWAT operators performed remarkably in the face of grave danger to save their lives. The award they received is rarely issued and is bestowed only for acts of exceptional heroism, well above the call of duty. The award is an unwavering testament to our training and preparedness. Seeing these dedicated first responders receive this supreme honor was one of my proudest moments as sheriff. INTELLIGENCE: Proactive, intelligence-led policing safeguards our communities by discovering and stopping illicit activities before they escalate. The BSO Gang Investigations Task Force has been at the forefront of these strategic efforts, significantly reducing crime throughout Broward County. Their efforts earned them distinguished recognition as the Gang Unit of the Year by the Florida Gang Investigators Association. PUBLIC SAFETY: The BSO Aviation Unit garnered recognition from the International Association of Chiefs of Police with the Leadership in Police Aviation Award and two awards for their use of tactical airborne forward-looking infrared (FLIR) cameras to aid in the success of their missions. This team of highly trained, experienced professionals was also honored within our organization as BSOs Unit of the Year for the Department of Preparedness and Response. ACCOUNTABILITY: Every accolade we receive demonstrates the significant progress our organization is making. BSO Sergeant Eric Girado was recognized as Investigator of the Year by the Florida Internal Affairs Investigator Association. Sgt. Girado's recognition is a strong endorsement of our commitment to responsible, transparent policing of ourselves. Since day one, my administration has focused on maintaining the highest standards of accountability, ensuring any allegations of misconduct are investigated fairly, thoroughly and objectively. COMMUNITY: BSO's Neighborhood Support Team received well-deserved recognition as the Outstanding Crime Prevention Unit of the Year by the Florida Crime Prevention Association. The community initiatives launched by this exceptional team have helped at-risk youth, supported life skills and job training, and assisted our most vulnerable residents. The Neighborhood Support Team continues to build trust and respect with all our communities while keeping them informed on important public safety matters. ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT: Recently, Dr. James Roach received the State Medical Director of the Year Award from the Florida Department of Health. The Raymond H. Alexander - EMS Medical Director Award is a prestigious honor and testament to Dr. Roach's outstanding contributions to BSO's emergency medical services. Additionally, the BSO Fire Rescue and Emergency Services Advanced Life Support (ALS) Team is standing out in the industry, placing first in two major ALS competitions: the Fire Rescue East ALS Competition and ClinCon. The contests place the team in multiple scenarios to test their medical and protocol knowledge, skills, critical thinking and decision-making abilities. These victories highlight the team's commitment to being the very best in EMS response. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS: Our efforts to communicate with and inform our community of critical public safety matters extend to a variety of digital mediums. This year, our Community Affairs Division and Public Information Office won three Telly Awards, a premier award honoring excellence in video and television productions. The videos awarded highlight important public safety information and, in one instance, assisted the BSO Cold Case Unit in highlighting a decades-old unsolved homicide case. The achievements highlighted here share a common purpose — all are a product of our promise and commitment to be the most progressive, innovative, service-oriented public safety organization in Broward County. We are proud of each of these distinguished honors and will continue to push forward with the same vigor to reach even higher levels of performance and accomplishment. Sheriff Gregory Tony
Service Equals Reward
| | November | 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. Launched last year in Deerfield Beach, the BSO Co-responder Program pairs a licensed mental health clinician with a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trained deputy. When a call for service involving a mental health crisis comes in, the team promptly responds to the scene together. The team further conducts follow-up wellness checks with individuals and their families who have recently experienced a mental health crisis, providing guidance, support and assistance with referrals for behavioral health services. This combination of proficiencies enables us to provide enhanced de-escalation assistance and connect individuals with community-based social services and mental health treatment. When appropriate, we can divert individuals from the criminal justice system, ensuring they receive the care they need. We further provide deputies on patrol with timely and easily accessible clinical expertise as they encounter individuals with varied symptoms of behavioral health deterioration. This approach is built on the belief that helping individuals experiencing mental health crises benefits them and our entire community. The results we have achieved over the past year have been remarkable. The positive outcomes include: - Reduced arrests: By addressing the root causes of mental health crises, we have seen fewer arrests related to these situations.
- Diversion from the criminal justice system: Our efforts are diverting individuals from unnecessary involvement in the criminal justice system, allowing them to receive the help they need.
- Significant increase in mental health referrals: We have substantially increased referrals to mental health services, ensuring individuals receive ongoing support.
- Reduced repeat encounters: By providing comprehensive support, we reduce the likelihood of repeat crises.
- Putting de-escalation into practice: In 100% of the co-responder's direct contacts with individuals in crisis, de-escalation techniques have been utilized to facilitate cooperation and preserve the dignity of all involved.
- Zero use of force: We are proud to report that this approach has resulted in zero instances requiring the use of force.
Daniel Gelpi is a licensed therapist assigned to the Co-responder Program. When he joined the sheriff's office in August 2022, he brought 25 years of mental health care experience. Working alongside Deputy Marcus Hall, a deputy in our Homeless Outreach Team, he immediately saw the benefits of this unique pairing. This method allows Daniel to provide quicker response and intervention for calls in progress compared to previous positions. Furthermore, he can engage in constructive discussions, allowing him to better connect with individuals who may otherwise be hesitant to seek behavioral health support. "The value of this program is immeasurable," says Daniel. "Using the Co-Responder Model, law enforcement and mental health professionals are better serving the community." Since its launch in Deerfield Beach, the program moved to Dania Beach for several months and is now being utilized in Cooper City. The idea is to move it around the county to gather data and information from a cross-section of the community to streamline and improve operations. As we continue to witness the positive impact of this program, we are eager to expand its reach and extend its benefits to even more members of our community. Together, we are establishing a standard for empathetic crisis response that places the needs of our community members at the forefront. Sheriff Gregory Tony
Service Equals Reward
| | October | 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, and we are honored to have a small hand in their success. I am proud to say through our Law Enforcement Trust Fund (LETF) Program, BSO supports Children's Harbor and many community organizations like it. We choose these local non-profits on the merit of their mission to improve the lives of Broward County residents. The money we award comes from the seizure and forfeiture of contraband used in the commission of a crime. State law allows us to use these funds to reinvest into charitable 501(c)3 organizations that benefit our community. Under my administration, the LETF selection process has been elevated to become a fair and impartial process. All qualified organizations have the same opportunity to compete for funding, and funds are distributed equitably. This year, we had the great privilege of investing nearly $900,000 back into the community by funding 88 different programs for selected non-profit organizations. As an agency, we understand community stability is a core variable of public safety. We must identify gaps and service needs within our community and connect our resources with organizations that can serve as a force multiplier to have a greater impact throughout Broward County. Whether it's connecting with youth, providing crime prevention programming, mentorship opportunities, mental health assistance, veteran services, or academic development, we are committed to utilizing these LETF funds in a way that supports a thriving and prosperous community. We will continue to evaluate and select new organizations whose mission is focused on the betterment of Broward County. To determine if your charitable organization is eligible to receive LETF funds or to learn more about the process, please visit sheriff.org or email LETF@sheriff.org. Congratulations to this year's LETF recipients! Sheriff Gregory Tony
Service Equals Reward
| | September | 2023 | | | Do you know who your children are talking to online? 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. The new "friend" then threatens to expose them and share these photos with their family and friends unless they send money. Unlike traditional sextortion, where predators blackmail victims into providing additional sexual images, financial sextortion involves blackmailing the victim into sending them money. Despite the amount the victim pays, it is never enough, and the criminal's scheme continues. Sextortion can affect anyone; however, predators mainly target young boys between the ages of 14-17. According to the South Florida Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Commander, Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) Sergeant Thomas McInerney, "Teenage boys are particularly vulnerable because, unlike their female counterparts, they are less likely to report this type of blackmail and are often too embarrassed to tell a trusted adult." The statistics are startling. New research by Snap Inc., owner of the social media app Snapchat, shows that approximately 65% of teen social media users said they or their friends were either "catfished," tricked into a friendship or relationship by someone with a fake identity, or their private information, including explicit photos, was stolen from their online accounts. One-third of those targeted admitted to sending explicit images. The emotional damage inflicted by this crime can be devastating. Victims who fall prey to these criminals can experience severe emotional distress and humiliation. In 2022 alone, more than a dozen sextortion victims around the country died by suicide, and multiple victims took their lives within hours of being sextorted. Aside from the emotional harm, sextortion can also cause significant financial strain. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reported the economic losses related to sextortion totaled more than $13.6 million in 2021. Due to the underreporting of this crime, the number of suicides and total financial losses are estimated to be greater. BSO is committed to doing all we can to find and stop these criminals and bring them to justice. The South Florida ICAC Task Force, hosted by BSO, uses every means available to track down these predators and help victims recover their lives. Unfortunately, because much of the criminal activity originates outside the United States, the quest for justice is an arduous process. In an effort to stop victimization, the best method is to prevent it from happening in the first place. The BSO ICAC Task Force is teaming up with Broward County Public Schools to launch an educational campaign to connect with students and provide vital information to help them in making informed online decisions. Parents and caregivers should also do their part by monitoring what their children are doing online, checking who they are communicating with and having conversations regarding online safety. A list of helpful tips and important resources is available at www.sheriff.org/Sextortion. By staying informed, vigilant and proactive, we can combat sextortion and help create a safer digital landscape for today's youth. Sheriff Gregory Tony
Service Equals Reward
| | August | 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.
As you will see, our organization continues to strive for excellence in all we do. I want to highlight some of the many accomplishments in this comprehensive report.
Our Aviation Unit is flying high. The team flew nearly 3,000 missions, assisting in 1,000 arrests, recovering 236 vehicles and locating 17 missing or endangered persons. Their outstanding efforts resulted in well-deserved recognition, as the unit was selected as BSO's 2021 Unit of the Year. They also won the 2022 Leadership in Police Aviation Award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
On the ground, our school resource officers (SROs) continued refining the skills required to protect our children. As our schools' front-line defense, these deputies completed rigorous active killer preparedness training alongside command personnel to effectively manage a critical incident. BSO will continue integrating real-life scenarios into our training regimen to ensure we are always ready and prepared for any situation.
Our dedication to fighting crime through education, mentorship and community service continued to pay off. Our Neighborhood Support Team, comprised of sworn and civilian staff, led cultural diversity discussions, provided vital assistance to our seniors and veterans and taught residents about their rights when interacting with our first responders, amongst other essential public safety initiatives. In December 2021, the Florida Crime Prevention Association recognized the team as the Outstanding Crime Prevention Unit of the Year.
Other notable endeavors include our Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport district participating in a FEMA full-scale exercise to further enhance our readiness; our Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services Training Unit being honored as our 2021 Unit of the Year for planning, coordinating and conducting training for our more than 850 fire rescue employees; and the BSO Department of Detention hiring additional mental health specialists to support the mental well-being of our inmate population.
These are just a few examples, but there is so much more to learn from this report. Take the time to dive into all the details to better understand how your tax dollars are being spent to protect and serve Broward County. Every action we take is made with you, the resident, in mind. BSO is as much your sheriff's office as ours, and this report was created so you can see exactly how we work for you. Visit https://heyzine.com/flip-book/a90f7eb3e1.html to read the full report and learn more about the many innovative programs at BSO.
Sheriff Gregory Tony
Service Equals Reward
| | July | 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.
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 |
|
