A Message from Sheriff Gregory Tony:
It is with great excitement that I announce the launch of the Broward Sheriff’s Office Social Justice Task Force (SJTF), a civilian and law enforcement collaboration that will help our Broward communities achieve greater justice and equity.
Comprised of a diverse group of BSO personnel, community activists, religious leaders and members of various community organizations, the task force seeks to improve relationships, gain trust and bridge the gap with the communities we serve. The SJTF will assist BSO’s efforts to make a meaningful difference and address concerns in a timely manner — benefitting our agency and Broward’s communities.
This task force is part of BSO’s ongoing commitment to accountability and transparency. The civil unrest of recent years has exposed a deep disconnect and distrust between residents and law enforcement that oftentimes leads to dire and preventable consequences. By building community trust, we can prevent isolated incidents from spiraling downhill.
But, to accomplish this, we must work together. The goal of the SJTF is to allow for education and open dialogue with the community as we work toward making a difference and building trust. SJTF members are activists who are engaged in their community and are invested in making a difference. These leaders want to help, and we are putting them to work in their communities. “We’re not just listening to concerns but doing something about them,” said Captain Renee Peterson, who is spearheading the SJTF. “It’s one thing to get out there with protesters and let them know we support them. But we need to have real dialogue that actually moves the dial.”
The SJTF will meet every other month. Participants will also have the opportunity to get a backstage look at what we actually do. They’ll do ride-alongs with our deputies, and every meeting will have an educational component, including topics such as de-escalation, to share and bring back to their community. Most importantly, we will learn about concerns and develop effective ways to address them together.
So far, the task force has been met with overwhelming support, and we are already at capacity. However, if you would like more information about joining in the future, or to be placed on the waiting list, please call 954-321-4412 or 954-321-4410 or visit sheriff.org/TaskForce.
At BSO, we are always striving to be the most transparent and accountable agency in the country — and the Social Justice Task Force is a giant step toward making that a reality. I believe when we come together, we can accomplish greater things. I am excited for the positive change we will be making together.
Service Equals Reward
Sheriff Gregory Tony
Certain Broward cities like Coconut Creek, Hallandale Beach, Pembroke Pines, Sunrise, Plantation, Davie, Margate, Miramar, Lauderhill, Lighthouse Point, and Coral Springs maintain their police departments; however, BSO does provide communications and dispatch services to the following cities: Central Broward, Cooper City, Dania Beach, Deerfield Beach, Ft Lauderdale-Hollywood Int’l Airport, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Lauderdale Lakes, North Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Parkland, Pembroke Park, West Park, Pompano Beach, Port Everglades, Tamarac, Weston and unincorporated West Broward.
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