The **Fort Lauderdale Police Department (FLPD)** is the primary law enforcement agency serving the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with a history dating back to the early 1900s. The department is dedicated to protecting and serving the community through professional policing, community engagement, and crime prevention initiatives. FLPD places strong emphasis on community policing, fostering positive relationships between officers and residents to enhance public safety and trust[2].
Fort Lauderdale itself was incorporated in 1911 and has grown into a vibrant city of nearly 180,000 residents, strategically located between Miami and Palm Beach. The city has diversified economically, moving beyond its tourism roots into industries such as marine, finance, technology, and aerospace, which shapes policing needs and opportunities for technological integration[4].
Under the leadership of Chief William Schultz, the FLPD has embraced innovation and modernization. Recent efforts include the introduction of a new Community Support Unit to address neighborhood concerns, deployment of tactical analysts in a Real Time Crime Center to improve intelligence sharing, and the implementation of advanced high-tech camera systems to enhance crime scene documentation[3]. These advancements demonstrate the department’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve operational effectiveness.
A major milestone for the department is the construction of a **state-of-the-art new police headquarters**, funded by a $100 million bond approved by residents in 2019, signaling strong community support and investment in public safety infrastructure[3][6]. This modern facility will support expanded staffing and better resources to meet the city's evolving challenges.
Additionally, FLPD recently transitioned from the SaferWatch platform to Fixit FTL for community engagement and reporting, reflecting continual adaptation to digital tools to enhance service delivery[5].
Overall, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department combines a rich historical legacy with forward-looking strategies in technology and community partnerships, positioning it as a progressive municipal law enforcement agency focused on safety, innovation, and responsiveness within a dynamic urban environment.