5 Key Facts About The City Of Tamarac Police Department (BSO) And Its Landmark 2024-2030 Contract
The City of Tamarac’s law enforcement landscape is currently undergoing a significant transformation, marked by a critical contract renewal and a shift in leadership. As of late 2025, the city continues its long-standing partnership with the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO), a relationship that has defined public safety in Tamarac for over three decades. This structure, which sees the BSO operating as the de facto "police department," is not just a historical agreement but a dynamic entity constantly evolving to meet the community's modern needs, with recent decisions focusing on increasing deputy presence and securing long-term stability in policing services.
The latest updates, including a contentious five-year contract extension and the appointment of a new District Chief, underscore the Tamarac City Commission’s commitment to public safety while highlighting the financial and operational complexities of contracting police services. Residents and stakeholders are keenly focused on how these changes will impact daily life, crime prevention, and community engagement in the coming years. The following in-depth analysis breaks down the most crucial and up-to-date information regarding Tamarac's policing services.
The Unique Structure: Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) Tamarac District
It is a common misconception that the City of Tamarac maintains its own municipal police force. In reality, since 1989, the City of Tamarac has contracted with the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) to provide all of its comprehensive law enforcement services. This arrangement means that the "City of Tamarac Police Department" is officially the BSO Tamarac District, with BSO deputies patrolling the streets, investigating crimes, and running community programs.
The BSO Tamarac District operates from its dedicated office, ensuring a localized approach despite being part of a larger county-wide organization. This model allows the city to benefit from the extensive resources, specialized units, and advanced training of the BSO, which might be cost-prohibitive for a standalone municipal department. The BSO Tamarac District is a full-service law enforcement agency, handling everything from routine traffic enforcement to complex criminal investigations.
Key Entities and Services Provided by BSO Tamarac:
- Patrol Services: Uniformed deputies providing 24/7 coverage.
- Criminal Investigations Division: Detectives handling felony and misdemeanor cases.
- Traffic Homicide Unit: Specialized unit for serious traffic incidents.
- Marine Patrol and Aviation Support: Access to BSO’s county-wide specialized assets.
- Community Oriented Policing (COP): Dedicated posts focused on neighborhood engagement.
Major Contract Renewal and Expansion (2024-2030)
One of the most significant and recent developments for Tamarac’s law enforcement is the negotiation and approval of a new policing contract with the Broward Sheriff's Office. The current agreement, which began on October 1, 2020, was set to expire, leading to intense negotiations and public debate.
In late 2024, the Tamarac City Commission was poised to approve a new five-year contract that would run through September 30, 2030. This long-term commitment provides stability for the city's public safety planning but has also drawn pushback from some commissioners concerned about the commission's limited oversight and the financial implications of the multi-million dollar agreement.
The Push for More Deputies
A critical component of the contract discussions centered on increasing the number of deputies assigned to the city. In October 2024, a proposed amendment was presented to the City Commission calling for the addition of nine new Deputy positions to the police force. This expansion is a direct response to the community's demand for a greater law enforcement presence and is intended to enhance patrol coverage and response times across the city's various neighborhoods.
The addition of these personnel, which includes patrol deputies and potentially specialized roles, is a clear indication that the City of Tamarac is investing heavily in bolstering its public safety infrastructure. The implementation of these new positions is expected to be a phased process following the contract's final approval.
Recent Leadership Changes and High-Profile Incidents
The BSO Tamarac District has seen recent changes in its command staff, a common occurrence in a large agency like the Broward Sheriff's Office, but one that is particularly impactful on the local level. These shifts often follow departmental reshuffling or significant public safety events.
New BSO District Chief: Captain David Franks
The city of Tamarac selected Captain David Franks to serve as its new BSO District Chief. The District Chief is the highest-ranking BSO official dedicated solely to the City of Tamarac, acting as the primary liaison between the Sheriff's Office and the City Commission, and overseeing all daily law enforcement operations within the city limits. Captain Franks’ appointment is part of a broader BSO reshuffling and marks a new chapter in the district's leadership.
The new chief will be tasked with implementing the expanded deputy force, managing the terms of the new contract, and addressing ongoing public safety concerns, including property crime and traffic enforcement. This leadership is crucial for maintaining the operational integrity and community trust of the BSO Tamarac District.
Addressing High-Profile Crime
The BSO Tamarac District has recently faced scrutiny following high-profile incidents, demanding accountability from the Sheriff's Office. Notably, a former head of the Tamarac district was fired following a tragic triple murder incident in February, which led to strong criticism from Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony regarding the handling of the event by some deputies. The Sheriff publicly called some deputies "cowards" or "incompetent" in their response, highlighting the intense pressure and high standards placed on the BSO’s performance.
Furthermore, the BSO Tamarac District regularly responds to a variety of criminal activity, with recent crime blotters detailing incidents such as sophisticated financial scams. For example, in December 2025, the BSO responded to a case where a woman lost $21,000 in a Bitcoin scam, demonstrating the district's need to adapt to modern, technology-driven criminal trends.
Community Engagement and Proactive Policing Initiatives
A cornerstone of the BSO Tamarac District's operational philosophy is its commitment to Community Oriented Policing (COP). This philosophy emphasizes proactive problem-solving and partnership between law enforcement and the community it serves, moving beyond simple reactive response to calls for service.
The Community Oriented Policing (COP) Program
The Tamarac district maintains a robust COP program with 11 dedicated COP posts located throughout the city. These posts are staffed by deputies who are assigned to specific geographic areas, allowing them to build strong relationships with residents, business owners, and local community associations. The goal of the COP posts is to foster a sense of shared responsibility for public safety, making deputies more visible and accessible to the public.
The partnership extends beyond the COP program, with BSO Tamarac working closely with other city departments, including Parks and Recreation and Code Enforcement, to address quality-of-life issues that often precede more serious crime. This holistic approach is vital for the continued improvement of the city's overall safety and well-being. The BSO also participates in key community events, such as the annual Veterans Day Ceremony, further solidifying their role as a community partner.
Future Outlook for Tamarac Public Safety
The next few years will be defined by the implementation of the new BSO contract and the performance of the expanded deputy force under the leadership of Captain Franks. The City Commission will continue to monitor the BSO's effectiveness, particularly in light of recent high-profile incidents and the increasing demands for modern policing. The focus will remain on maintaining a low crime rate, improving response times, and ensuring that the law enforcement services provided reflect the unique needs of Tamarac’s diverse population. The financial commitment to the BSO contract signifies a long-term strategic decision to keep public safety as the city's top priority, leveraging the extensive resources of the Broward Sheriff's Office to protect its residents.
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