Broward Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony used his February 2026 message to underscore what he called a core promise of his leadership: keeping Broward County safe while holding the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) to the highest professional and ethical standards.
“From my first day as sheriff, I made a promise the Broward Sheriff’s Office would keep Broward County safe while operating at the highest professional standards,” Tony said. “That commitment led me to establish the Office of Inspector General in 2021, embedding accountability and transparency into every aspect of BSO’s work.”
Tony said the creation of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) was designed to strengthen public trust and reinforce integrity across the agency.
“Upholding these high standards strengthens our organization, reinforces our integrity and makes our communities safer,” he said.
According to Tony, the OIG provides independent oversight through three divisions — Internal Affairs and Public Corruption, Policy and Accountability, and Internal Audit — each staffed by sworn and civilian professionals focused on ethical, efficient and fiscally responsible operations.
“The Division of Internal Affairs and Public Corruption investigates allegations of misconduct, including use of force and firearms discharge incidents, thoroughly and objectively,” Tony said. “These investigations assess whether actions are consistent with BSO standards, ensuring personnel serve the public with integrity and professionalism.”
Tony added that the division’s work goes beyond individual cases.
“By conducting comprehensive, evidence-based reviews, the OIG identifies patterns of misconduct, recommends policy improvements and holds employees accountable when standards are not met,” he said. “This oversight enhances operational effectiveness, reduces risk and ensures public safety operations are conducted efficiently, ethically and in a manner the community can rely on.”
He also highlighted the role of the Division of Policy and Accountability in setting clear expectations for employees.
“The Policy Unit routinely reviews and updates policies to align with state and federal laws, accreditation standards and community expectations,” Tony said, noting that this provides personnel with “clear guidance to perform their duties safely and professionally.”
Within the division, Tony said the Research Unit plays a key role in shaping operations.
“It applies data-driven analysis to identify trends, enhance operations and guide resources where they will have the greatest impact on community safety,” he said.
Tony also pointed to additional safeguards, including the Criminal Justice Information Services Compliance Unit.
“These systems provide deputies with real-time data to identify threats and protect the public,” he said. “Strict compliance requirements ensure that information is accessed, shared and safeguarded appropriately.”
The Division of Internal Audit, Tony said, adds another critical layer of accountability.
“It conducts financial, operational and performance audits across the organization,” he said. “Detailed reports with actionable findings and recommendations help optimize resource allocation while protecting taxpayer dollars.”
Tony said the Office of Inspector General ultimately serves the broader community.
“The OIG plays a vital role in upholding integrity, accountability and transparency at BSO,” he said. “Through oversight and collaboration, these divisions guide policy, support sound decision-making and protect public resources, delivering reliable and trusted service to the residents and visitors of Broward County.”
Residents can learn more about the Office of Inspector General, review the OIG Annual Report or explore employment opportunities by visiting sheriff.org.
