In Fall 2018, City of Parkland, Florida selected the Center for Public Safety Management (CPSM) to perform a thorough Operation and Data Analysis of the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO). Parkland is a predominantly residential community of 14.3 square miles in Broward County.
Since 2004, the Broward Sheriff’s Office has overseen the City’s law enforcement operations. Following the mass shooting incident at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Parkland hired CPSM to investigate whether the City should renew its contract with BSO or if the City should create its own agency.
CPSM utilized the combined experience of its various subject matter experts to examine current levels of operations and service. The team recommended that Parkland retain its contract with BSO.
Parkland Mayor Christine Hunschofsky said, “CPSM cited an unfavorable national landscape for officer recruitment and retention, including that of a qualified police chief experienced in starting a new agency.”
“Public safety is a top priority,” stated Leonard Matarese, CPSM principal and co-founder. “The Broward Sheriff’s Office has successfully served Parkland for over a decade. We recommend that the City continues it partnership with BSO to maintain stability for its residents.”
Though this study focused primarily on the City of Parkland, the strategic recommendations and lessons learned from the project have the potential to be applied to local governments throughout the country.
The final Operations and Data Analysis report was completed in April 2019.