In Broward County, Pembroke Park Police Chief Daniel DeCourse pushed back against Sheriff Gregory Tony’s claims about the town’s police department. Tony suggested Pembroke Park’s force was understaffed, relied too heavily on the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), and hired officers dismissed for misconduct. DeCourse disputed this, saying his department can meet the town’s public safety needs. “[From May to August,] We had over 5,302 calls for service. [BSO] assisted us 18 times out of the calls we had for service. That’s 0.34% of total of our calls for service,” DeCourse said in a report by WSVN.
According to CBS News, the dispute escalated after Tony used Pembroke Park’s split from BSO as an example of inadequate community policing. Tony also warned Deerfield Beach about forming its own police department as contract negotiations with BSO stalled. He said cutting ties with BSO could have severe consequences. Deerfield Beach Mayor Rodney Brimlow confirmed the city is considering creating a stand-alone department after receiving notice that BSO services will end September 30…