Deerfield Beach commissioners on Tuesday night delayed a decision on whether the city should continue being policed by the Broward Sheriff’s Office, following a heated public meeting centered on a new study examining the costs and implications of creating city-run police and fire departments.
Residents, city leaders, Broward Sheriff’s Office representatives and consultants filled the room as commissioners heard a presentation on a newly released Public Safety Feasibility Study. The study outlines what a shift to city-run police and fire services could look like, and how much it could cost, if Deerfield Beach were to end its decades-long contract with BSO.
“The savings are significant. So what could you possibly gain from this? You’re going to get, as I said, cost control, accountability and an opportunity,” said the representative explaining the study. “Your personnel decisions will be your own, your hiring, your retention, your training and your operational policies will be set by you all. This is what we do.”
Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony pushed back on the report, arguing that it lacks sufficient data to support a final decision. He urged commissioners to slow the process before making any move that could reshape public safety in the city.
“This is about, in my opinion, slowing down, measuring twice and cut once. As a good carpenter would say, if you vote based on this current report, what you are doing is cutting and not even using a measuring tape or a ruler,” Tony said. “Don’t set yourself up for failure. Your failure is going to be mine. I care about the people that live in this county, guys. I got family here.”
Tony also apologized to the mayor and commissioners for a months-long feud last year and called for a pause in tensions as discussions continue.
“I will extend this contract for two years, and I will pay for the study. You pick the group. That’s all I have,” he said.
Supporters of the feasibility study pushed back on the criticism, stressing that the document is intended as a high-level overview rather than a final, comprehensive report.
“I don’t care what you do, I’m just here to present you the information so that you, the decision makers for Deerfield Beach, will have what you need to chart a course regardless of whether you choose A or B,” the study presenter said.
By late Tuesday night, commissioners agreed to delay a final decision for two weeks. Some said they felt confident the city could operate its own police and fire departments, while others said they want more detailed data before taking that step.
Several commissioners also said they were open to Tony’s proposal to extend the existing partnership with BSO while additional analysis is conducted.
