Pompano Beach Weighs Return to City Police Department

By Attiyya Atkins

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. — The Pompano Beach City Commission is studying whether the city should end its long-standing contract with the Broward Sheriff’s Office and re-establish a municipal police department — a move that would mark the return of a city force for the first time in more than two decades.

Pompano Beach disbanded its police department in 1999 and began contracting with BSO for law enforcement services. Now commissioners are reviewing a consultant’s study outlining the costs and logistics of bringing policing back under city control.

According to the report, the city currently pays roughly $75 million annually for BSO policing services. Creating an independent Pompano Beach Police Department could cost about $108 million per year, along with startup expenses for facilities, vehicles, equipment and recruitment.

The proposed department would require about 400 to 425 personnel, including sworn officers and civilian staff. Officials estimate the transition could take two to three years if the city decides to move forward.

Commissioner Beverly Perkins has long expressed support for bringing back a city-run police department. Perkins has said a municipal force could strengthen local accountability and give residents a greater sense of connection to the officers serving their neighborhoods. She has also emphasized that a locally based department would allow the community to be more involved in public safety and build relationships with officers who are dedicated specifically to Pompano Beach.

Supporters say a municipal department could allow the city to tailor policing strategies to local needs and priorities. Critics point to the higher cost and the potential loss of specialized resources currently provided by BSO.

Mayor Rex Hardin said commissioners are continuing to review the study and gather public feedback before making a final decision.

“We’ve got a lot of homework to do before we come together and make decisions,” Hardin said. The debate comes as other Broward County cities review their policing arrangements. The Deerfield Beach City Commission recently voted to separate from BSO and move toward establishing its own police and fire departments.

Pompano Beach officials say additional public meetings will be held before the commission determines whether to remain with BSO or move forward with building a city-run police department.