A Look Back at the City’s Police History—and What the Future Might Hold
Pompano Beach is facing a major decision that could reshape how the city is protected: Should it break away from the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) and bring back its own police department?
Earlier this month, city commissioners voted to initiate a feasibility study to explore exactly that. While BSO has provided law enforcement in Pompano since 1999, rising costs and growing questions about local control have city leaders reconsidering the partnership.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Since 2022, Pompano Beach has watched its contract with BSO rise from $53 million to $63 million—with projections hitting $72 million by 2026. That’s a big chunk of the city’s budget, and commissioners want to know if building a city-run department could bring more value, efficiency, and control.
City officials emphasized that the move isn’t about dissatisfaction with BSO’s service—it’s about exploring smarter options for the future.
“We need to know if Pompano can protect its own, on its own.”
– One City Leader Noted
The Original Pompano Police Department
Before the BSO takeover in 1999, Pompano Beach had its own police department for decades—and it played a central role in shaping local safety and community identity.
The Pompano Beach Police Department was known for:
Big busts, including major drug and weapons raids in the 1980s and 1990s
Early adoption of community policing with officers on bikes and foot patrol
Deep ties to the neighborhoods they served, with many officers living in or near the city
These were the days when police knew local business owners by name and were active participants in city events. The idea of bringing that local connection back is appealing to many longtime residents.
What Would a City-Run Department Look Like?
The study will take a hard look at:
Startup costs for staffing, equipment, and facilities
Recruitment and training of new officers
Response times and service coverage
How a local force could better tailor its operations to Pompano’s needs
This wouldn’t be an overnight change—but if it goes forward, it would mark the return of a fully local police force in a major South Florida city.
What’s the Community Saying?
While the city has only just begun its research, the conversation is already buzzing online and among residents. Some are nostalgic for the old Pompano PD and want to see a return to more personalized service. Others are cautious, wondering whether the risks and expenses are worth the shift.
Final Thoughts
Pompano Beach is one of the fastest-growing cities in Broward County. As it evolves, so must its systems—especially when it comes to public safety. Whether the future includes a new badge for a new department remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain: Pompano wants more say in how it protects its own.
