Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO)

Happy Clergy Appreciation Month!

Congratulations on your retirement!

In the coming weeks, cities and counties throughout Florida will enact new ordinances to remove homeless persons from public parks, streets and buildings. These ordinances are in response to a state law, HB 1365, that made it illegal to camp or sleep in public spaces and placed the burden on cities and counties to enforce the new law or face legal consequences from the state attorney general and citizen-initiated lawsuits. Some municipal leaders have already called for the arrest and jailing of homeless individuals who refuse to go to a shelter or accept assistance. However, homelessness is not a crime, and the county jail system is not a solution to the homeless crisis. Jail is not the place to shelter and provide services to the homeless, and I have directed our Department of Detention to no longer accept individuals who are brought to the jail for purely municipal ordinance violations. So, rounding up the homeless and bringing them to the jails in downtown Fort Lauderdale or Pompano Beach is neither a good solution nor an available one. To read more of my message head over to www.sheriff.org.

Congratulations on completing this remarkable step in your career.

BSO's Community Affairs and Public Information Office had the honor of being guest speakers at this year's SMILE (Social Media In Law Enforcement) Conference! This event brings together communication professionals from around the world to share innovative strategies and best practices for enhancing digital presence and fostering stronger community connections. We're proud to be part of this important conversation! #SMILEConference #CommunityEngagement #PublicSafety #BSO

At the Broward Sheriff’s Office, diversity is an asset. This month we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and commemorate the contributions Hispanics have made to our community and country. #HispanicHeritageMonth

In early 2020, while driving home, I came across a car that failed to move after the traffic light turned green. Despite the honking of other drivers and myself, the vehicle remained stationary. Recognizing a potential emergency, I acted quickly. Inside the car, I found the driver slumped over, unresponsive and without a pulse. Without hesitation, I pulled him from the vehicle and performed CPR until his vital signs returned. Thanks to the prompt arrival of emergency medical services, the man was transported to a local hospital and eventually made a full recovery. As sheriff, I will continue to lead with this mindset. At BSO, service is not just a job but a way of life—a commitment to always do what is right. Our service, actions and contributions to the community are the true measures of our success. Together, we can create a community where everyone feels safe, valued and supported. To read this month’s full monthly message, visit sheriff.org?

In a multi-agency collaboration, the Broward Sheriff’s Office Strategic Investigations Division (SID) South Florida Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Plantation Police Department, Broward State Attorney’s Office, Nancy J, Cotterman Center (NJCC) Human Trafficking Unit and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement successfully arrested two individuals. The arrests stemmed from a two-day operation to fight human trafficking. Operation Suite 16, part of the nationwide Coast to Coast initiative, focused on identifying and assisting victims while bringing traffickers to justice. During the operation, 14 adult victims were identified and offered essential services, from medical care to employment assistance. Human trafficking is a grave issue that demands our collective attention. If you suspect trafficking in your community, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888, text “HELP” or “INFO” to 233733, or call the BSO non-emergency number at 954-764-4357 (HELP). Together, we can make our communities safer. For more information on the operation and the individuals arrested, visit https://lnkd.in/eFyVCMcw

Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony held a news conference to provide an update on the non-fatal deputy-involved shooting that occurred on Tuesday, August 27, in Pompano Beach shortly after 9:30 p.m. Broward County Regional Communications received a call reporting shots fired near the 700 block of Northwest Fifth Avenue in Pompano Beach. According to investigators, when deputies arrived at the scene, they encountered a man armed with a semi-automatic rifle. When the deputies began their approach, the suspect shot at the deputies, forcing two deputies to discharge their weapons and striking him. Deputies immediately began providing medical attention to the suspect. Pompano Beach Fire Rescue responded to the scene and transported the suspect to a local hospital for treatment. No other injuries were reported. The suspect was identified as 51-year-old Scott Simonelli. He now faces one count of attempted homicide of a law enforcement officer and two counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/e78wCZiA