DEERFIELD BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Deerfield Beach leaders say it will take roughly two years to launch its own police department — a decision made this week by a 4-1 vote of its City Commission. The Commission decided to end its long-time contact with the Broward Sheriff’s Office, saying the city has grown exponentially and is too big to rely on BSO for public safety.
Despite the significant shift in policy, city officials are reassuring the public that there will be no immediate changes to emergency response. If a resident calls 911 today, help will arrive exactly as it did before. Broward Sheriff’s Office personnel will remain on the job during the transition, as the agency is contractually and legally obligated to maintain full service levels until the new departments are fully operational. Local leaders stressed that patrols and fire protection will continue without interruption throughout the hand-off.
The city is launching a structured two-year transition plan designed to build the new infrastructure from the ground up. Rather than rushing the separation, Deerfield Beach administrators say they will use this window to recruit top-tier leadership and acquire modern equipment tailored to the community’s specific needs. This period will also focus on developing a localized command structure that allows the city to have a more direct hand in how law enforcement and fire safety resources are managed.
The city is inviting the community to help shape the identity of these new public safety branches. The goal is to create departments that function as a true partnership with the neighborhoods they serve. As the transition moves forward, the city expects to provide regular updates on hiring milestones and the procurement of new emergency vehicles, ensuring that the eventual launch of the Deerfield Beach Police and Fire Rescue Departments meets the high standards promised by the commission.
