Fla. Town's Newly Created Police Force Has Lost Nearly Half of Its Officers
A Florida police department has lost nearly half of its officers—including the chief—since being established less than a year ago.
“We have 11 sworn personnel at the current moment,” Pembroke Park Police Maj. Ra Shana Dabney-Donovan, the town's interim police chief, told WPLG-TV. “We are focused on finding the best-qualified candidates.”
The Pembroke Park Police Department launched in the town of around 6,000 in late 2022 with 20 officers. It was established after officials voted to end the town's contract with the Broward Sheriff's Office in favor of a police force that would be more inexpensive compared to deputies.
In May, the police chief was suddenly fired without cause by the town commission, according to WPLG. Mayor Ashira Mohammed has said the departures have put a strain on department morale, but that hasn't stopped the remaining officers from carrying out the agency's mission.
“(Residents) are very safe,” she said. ”(Police) are doing a wonderful job in the community. They are actively engaging the community.”
Dabney-Donovan echoed Mohammed's assessment of the current force. Although she's only the interim chief, she hopes to have that role on a permanent basis.
“We’re out there, we’re answering calls. We’re making sure that we’re assisting in road patrol duties, as well,” she said.
