Broward County’s next sheriff will face some steep challenges, not the least of which is significantly cutting the budget to meet voter-demanded tax relief without jeopardizing public safety. As the leader of the largest fully accredited Sheriff’s agency in the United States, the Broward County sheriff oversees 6,300 employees with a $696 million budget and wide-ranging responsibilities that include running the jail, providing security for the airport and Port Everglades, and fulfilling contracts to protect about half the cities in Broward. Who can juggle the duties of Broward’s “top cop” with effective law enforcement strategies, professional integrity and fiscal responsibility? The candidates are ready to make their case at the next Tower Forum debate.

Speakers:

Sheriff Al Lamberti, Broward Sheriff’s Office, is a 30-year veteran of BSO who was appointed Sheriff by Gov. Charlie Crist last fall to fulfill the obligations of the previous sheriff. Lamberti is the only law enforcement professional in the 93-year history of BSO to work his way through the ranks, rising from detention deputy to sheriff.