Florida’s largest counties spend between 32 to 41 percent of their annual budgets on law enforcement. Palm Beach County, the third highest populated county in the state with nearly 1.5 million people, and the largest in area - spanning more than 2,300 square miles - currently allocates approximately 43 percent of its general budget for services provided by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO). These services include policing, court and county facility security, and staffing and management of corrections in the Main and West County Detention Centers.

Northern Palm Beach County’s unincorporated areas receive law enforcement services through PBSO District 3. District 3 is under the command of Captain Pete Palenzuela and encompasses approximately 102 square miles from Belvedere Road north to the Martin County line, and includes the entirety of Commission District 1 communities. In cases of emergencies, law enforcement agencies will send officers to other jurisdictions to assist, under mutual aid agreements.

The philosophy by which PBSO District 3 operates is that mutual trust between the community and law enforcement is essential in reducing crime, establishing a sense of safety in neighborhoods, and improving overall quality of life. Community policing and problem oriented initiatives guide their approach to communities. This policing strategy involves identifying and analyzing specific problems that are increasing crime risks, and developing effective solutions.

These strategies are common among municipal law enforcement agencies as well. At a recent policing forum I attended in April at the FAU campus in Jupiter, law enforcement officials from across the north county area emphasized how community police officers invest themselves in becoming part of the local community.

Community policing deputies devote considerable time to interacting with residents and developing partnerships with neighborhoods to weed out crime, build community pride, and assist those in need. They attend neighborhood meetings and report on local crime activity, ellicit feedback from residents on issues they observe in their neighborhood, and make suggestions on how to solve problems. Issues may include traffic problems such as speeding vehicles and parking in unauthorized areas, illegal dumping, drug activity, and burglaries – vehicle burglary being the fastest growing crime in the past several years. The deputies also work collaboratively with other county agencies including Code Enforcement and the Solid Waste Authority to clear up properties that become havens for criminal activity.

Building these partnerships with residents provides the deputies with direct lines of communication to help report crimes or thwart it before it increases. It does not stop there however. Community policing deputies go out of their way to help with neighborhood events, back-to-school supply drives, and most recently during the pandemic, with feeding programs.

Become a partner with your local law enforcement officers. It is a great investment in your community.

Please contact me if I can be of assistance to you by calling 561-355-2201 or send an email to mmarino@pbcgov.org.