The City of Pompano Beach is considering forming its own police department and ending its contract with the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO). Officials and residents are discussing the proposal through a series of town hall meetings designed to gather public input and provide information about current and future law enforcement options, according to WSVN.
Concerns about response times and increasing contract costs with BSO have driven the discussion. CBS News Miami reported that one resident described waiting hours for a police response after a car accident. In 2022, the city paid over $53 million to BSO for services, with costs expected to continue rising. City leaders, including Mayor Rex Hardin and Commissioner Audrey Fesik, are reviewing whether the current arrangement remains cost-effective.
Other Broward County cities, including Deerfield Beach and Pembroke Park, have also ended or are ending their partnerships with BSO, CBS News Miami noted. Pompano Beach has commissioned a feasibility study to assess the financial impact of creating its own police force. Additional virtual meetings are planned to collect community feedback, which will help guide future contract negotiations and the city’s final decision.
