Recently Sheriff Bradshaw addressed a group of concerned citizens in the Vizcaya community in West Delray.

“I’m going to discuss two topics and then respond to your questions,” said Bradshaw. “Homeland Security and Gangs. First, Homeland Security. I sit on the Joint Terrorism Task Force and serve as the chairman of Region 7 Homeland Security which covers several counties in South Florida. This means we are part of national and regional security information at all times. We also have a Palm Beach County Deputy Sheriff that is assigned to the Homeland Security National Operational Center in Washington, D. C. I am immediately contacted by him when any critical issues arise. Additionally for your protection we have installed coastal radar which is operational 24/7. This serves as an “electronic fence” that alerts us when boats try to come ashore in the County.

Now let me discuss gangs. Between October 2006 and mid February 2007 we had the most violent period involving gangs in the history of Palm Beach County. We formed a major task force of 75 PBSO deputies and officers from many of our municipal police agencies in the county. To date, we have arrested over 2,000 people and confiscated almost 200 weapons. These gang members are organized crime gangs that are fighting for ‘turf.’ You may hear criticism that included in the 2,000 arrests were people involved in minor infractions. We learned that arresting someone for a minor traffic violation sometimes yielded a cache of guns in the automobile. That could begin the interdiction process of that individual. And we have arrested gang members and charged them under the RICO act which means there is no time off for good behavior in Federal prosecution.”

A resident asked a question: “Is it safe to go to shopping malls?” Bradshaw responded: “Security has been beefed up in the Town Center Mall. Between the Boca Raton Police Department and the County Sheriff’s department there are many eyes and boots watching what goes on. But you must also be alert to what is going on around you while shopping and going to and from your car.”

Bradshaw said the murders that took place in Town Center Mall have striking similarities. He feels that the 12 million viewers of the America’s Most Wanted episode that was aired last Saturday could yield some important clues as to the identity of the perpetrator. “He will be found. We have a lot of people working on this case. It is top priority.”

Another question: “How can I protect myself from identity theft?” Sheriff Bradshaw replied: “Use a shredder and shred everything that has your name on it. You must protect yourself. You never know who’s going to look into your garbage pail. That’s where we look for evidence and information when working on a case.”

The sheriff added some vital statistics regarding the necessary costs of running the department. “We are the largest county east of the Mississippi. We are the 12 largest Sheriff’s department in the U. S. We have 3,000 people in our jail and we are building another one in Belle Glade. We have three labor unions whose contracts must be honored. The gang task force costs $200,000 per month to run. Our department accounts for 40% of the County budget. This is your security that must be funded by the state and county. I am completely committed to insuring the safety of each citizen in Palm Beach County.”

Vizcaya Citizen’s Observer Patrol Captain Les Berrent then described the duties of the C.O.P. unit and asked for residents to join the 5500 Palm Beach County volunteers, who were praised for their involvement and dedication by Sheriff Bradshaw.

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