Broward Commission Vote Unanimously to Create Police and Criminal Justice Review Board

In a bold and well-needed move, Broward County Commissioners with 9-0 vote, unanimously passed an ordinance to create a police and criminal justice review board, on Tuesday.

The review board will investigate patterns and trends in policing, including unwarranted use of force. However, as the ordinance’s sponsor, Mayor Dale Holness, said, the board will have limited subpoena power and will not be responsible for disciplining members of the police force in Broward County.  

“What this board is here to do, it’s not to punish police officers—it doesn’t have the ability to do so,” Holness said. “It has the ability to review, to research, to look at best practices from across the country and bring them to bear here.”

Mayor Holness’ initiative to create a police and criminal justice review board in Broward County had its origins in the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, in Minneapolis, Minnesota by police officers on May 25 this year.

The review board will be comprised of 24 members. The Broward County Commissioners will have the right to choose nine members.

- Advertisement -

The remaining 15 members will include a mental health professional, several members nominated by local bar associations, a member nominated by the county sheriff, members of local chapters of other community groups, including the Broward County Bar Association, the Caribbean Bar Association, Black Lives Matter, the ACLU, the NAACP, New Florida Majority and a clergy organization.

Despite some arguments over a few details of the ordinance and the role of the review board, there was unanimity when the votes were cast.

Prior to the votes, commenting on behalf of the public, Hillsborough Beach Mayor Deb Tarrant expressed concern that the board would be stacked “with activists and people who have had negative experiences with law enforcement: and as such what was being created would a ‘lynch mob.’”  

Responding to the lynch mob comment, the political director for the New Florida Majority and former Florida Senator Dwight Bullard said “Part of why we want the review board established is to make sure that these occurrences don’t happen to African-Americans in this community.” 

Commenting on the unanimous passage of the ordinance, Mayor Holness said, “We took a step in the right direction to look closely at policing and the criminal justice system in Broward County. This board will look carefully at whether or not our police officers are using excessive force or abusing their power, or whether or not our judges are sentencing those who come before them fairly, equally, and without prejudice. We will create a dashboard that shines a bright light on our criminal justice system and let everyone see how policing and criminal justice system is working in Broward County.” 

More Stories

US travel ban

Caribbean nations included on draft US travel ban proposal

According to a report by The New York Times, the Trump administration is considering a new travel ban that would affect several Caribbean nations. The...
NMIA Jamaica Norman Manley International Airport

Fire at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston disrupts flights

Emergency responders worked overnight to contain a fire that broke out in the Club Kingston VIP Departure Lounge at Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA)...
Jamaican artist Andy Ballentine

Renowned Jamaican artist Andy Ballentine honored with proclamation in North Lauderdale

Acclaimed Jamaican artist Andy Ballentine has been honored with an official proclamation from the City of North Lauderdale, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the...
broward robert runcie

Former Broward Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie set to stand trial for perjury in June

Four years after his high-profile arrest on a perjury charge, former Broward Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie is preparing to stand trial. Circuit Judge Martin...
Guyana Government to assist sugar workers

Guyana in diplomatic talks with US over Cuban medical missions sanctions

The Government of Guyana is engaged in diplomatic discussions with the United States to address concerns over the expansion of US restrictions on Cuba’s...
Miami-Dade Schools Police officer yessenia-sanchez

Former Miami-Dade Schools police officer jailed for attempted murder of ex-boyfriend

A former Miami-Dade Schools police officer was sentenced Friday to 30 years in prison and 20 years of probation for the attempted murder of...
Nearly six thousand people killed Haiti in 2024

IACHR expresses concern over worsening security crisis in Haiti

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has voiced grave concerns over the escalating security crisis in Haiti, citing a surge in extreme violence...
Owen James

Jamaican media mourns the passing of veteran journalist Owen James

The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of veteran journalist Owen James, hailing him as a trailblazer in...
Turks and Caicos

US warns Americans not to travel with firearms or ammo to Turks and Caicos

The U.S. Department of State has issued a forceful warning to American travelers, urging them to leave all firearms and ammunition at home when...
Barbados to host 69th CARPHA

Barbados to host 69th CARPHA Health Research Conference focused on mental health

Barbados will host the 69th Annual Health Research Conference of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) from May 7 to 9, with a...

Latest Articles

Skip to content