The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) is a public safety organization responsible for law enforcement and civil protection in Broward County, Florida. It is the largest sheriff’s department in the state with 5,400 employees. BSO also operates the county fire department and emergency medical services, the Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue (BSFR). The agency was one of the largest fully-accredited sheriff’s departments in the United States before losing accreditation in 2019.
Dave was born and raised in Broward County (South Florida). I served 30+ years in the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserves. He spent more than three decades doing frontline neighborhood police work as a West Palm Beach Police Officer and Lieutenant, and the chief of the Pembroke Park Police Department.
BSO was featured prominently in the first season of COPS in 1989.
Primary responsibilities:
- County-wide Jurisdiction: Sheriffs typically have county-wide jurisdiction, including both urban and rural areas. This can involve balancing the needs and priorities of diverse communities, each with different political dynamics.
- Management of Jails: Sheriffs are often responsible for managing county jails, which can be a significant aspect of local government operations and a focal point for political debate, particularly concerning issues like inmate treatment, overcrowding, and rehabilitation programs.
You can read about Howard platform for the Broward Sheriff’s Office here.