Pembroke Park Police Chief Rebuts Broward Sheriff's Claims on Policing

Dispute Over Policing Services

• 🗣️ Pembroke Park Police Chief Daniel Decoursey has publicly refuted statements made by Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony regarding his department's performance.
• 🎯 Decoursey described the sheriff's comments as "false," "misleading," and "unfair" to his officers.

Chief's Defense of Department

• 📈 The chief asserted that Pembroke Park is not experiencing an increase in crime due to its own police services.
• 🚫 He directly countered the sheriff's claim that BSO is handling the majority of Pembroke Park's calls, stating BSO assisted only 18 times in the past four months out of over 5,320 calls for service.
• 🧑‍✈️ Decoursey confirmed the town has 19 sworn officers with one vacancy and is hiring two more, deeming current staffing levels sufficient.

Background of Contract Changes

• 🤝 Pembroke Park ended its contract with BSO in 2022, citing inadequate service, and established its own police department.
• ⚠️ The current dispute arises as Deerfield Beach considers a similar move away from BSO for law enforcement services.

Sheriff's Warnings and Chief's Response

• ⚠️ Sheriff Tony had implied that lives could be at risk if Deerfield Beach severs ties with BSO, warning of a potential "political game" with serious consequences.
• ✅ Chief Decoursey acknowledged past issues with hiring when the department was initially formed but stated that all employees have been reviewed, and the organization has moved forward.