City of Pompano Beach encourages residents to attend meetings and share their thoughts on the future of local public safety services

Pompano Beach, Florida – The City of Pompano Beach is inviting residents to take an active role in shaping the future of public safety as city leaders explore the possibility of creating a stand-alone police department. Currently, law enforcement services are provided by the Broward Sheriff’s Office, and while patrol vehicles display the Pompano Beach name, officers operate under the Sheriff’s Office rather than as a city-managed police force.

This distinction has prompted city officials to consider whether a city-run department could better meet the unique needs of local neighborhoods. As part of this effort, the City is hosting a series of in-person and virtual community meetings designed to give residents a comprehensive understanding of current public safety services, explore possible future options, and provide a platform for direct dialogue with public safety experts.

“Together, we can build a public safety system that reflects the values and needs of our community,” city leaders said, emphasizing the importance of community feedback in shaping law enforcement policy. Residents will have the chance to ask questions, share priorities, and express concerns about public safety in Pompano Beach.

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The in-person sessions will be held at two convenient locations. The first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 9, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, located at 1801 NE 6th Street. The second session will take place on Saturday, October 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Mitchell Moore Recreation Center, 901 NW 10th Street.

For residents who cannot attend in person, the City is also offering two virtual sessions. The first virtual meeting will be on Monday, October 13, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., accessible at tinyurl.com/PompanoBeachPublicSafety. A second online session will follow on Wednesday, October 15, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at tinyurl.com/PompanoBeachPublicSafety2.

City officials have stressed that these meetings are not simply informational but are intended to actively gather input from the public. Attendees will learn how services are currently delivered, explore the potential benefits and challenges of a stand-alone police department, and provide direct feedback to guide decision-making.

The initiative comes amid broader conversations about law enforcement and community engagement across the nation. By inviting residents into the discussion, Pompano Beach aims to ensure that public safety strategies are responsive to local priorities and tailored to the specific needs of its neighborhoods.

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The City encourages all residents to participate in these discussions, emphasizing that public input will be critical to determining the best path forward. Officials hope that by engaging the community early in the process, any decisions about future law enforcement services will reflect the values, expectations, and concerns of those who live and work in Pompano Beach.

As the City weighs the possibility of creating a city-managed police department, officials hope that these meetings will foster dialogue, transparency, and collaboration. Residents’ perspectives on staffing, community policing, and neighborhood safety will help guide decisions that could shape Pompano Beach’s public safety strategy for years to come.

With multiple opportunities to engage, both in person and online, the City of Pompano Beach is making a concerted effort to ensure that every voice is heard. City leaders encourage residents from all backgrounds and neighborhoods to participate and contribute to the ongoing conversation about public safety and community well-being.