Winterfest Boat Parade & LBTS Road Closures

 Broward News  No Responses »
Dec 102011
 

On Saturday, December 10, 2011 the annual Winterfest Boat Parade will take place on the Intracoastal Waterway. The Commercial Boulevard bridge will be closed from approximately 8:00 PM until 10:30 PM. The Oakland Park Boulevard bridge will also be closed from approximately 7:40 PM though 10:00 PM. The only available bridges will be Atlantic Boulevard, 14th Street Causeway, and Hillsboro Boulevard. All times are approximate. Expect significantly increased traffic and travel delays. If you have any questions, contact the BSO LBTS district office at (954) 640-4340.

Operation Bulls-eye Targets Illegal Firearms

 Broward News, Police News & Articles  No Responses »
Dec 092011
 

The Broward Sheriff’s Office Gun Squad took aim at firearms violators during a month-long enforcement operation that ended today. Operation Bullseye resulted in the seizure of 28 guns and the arrests of 25 people.

OPERATION BULLSEYE SHOW & TELL
3:30 p.m. Monday, November 21, 2011

Public Safety Building

2601 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

Of the seized firearms, seven were stolen, 19 were recovered from convicted felons, one was recovered from a suspect pending a domestic violence charge and one was recovered from a drug search warrant. Those arrested face a variety of charges including possession of firearm by a convicted felon, dealing in stolen property, violation of a restraining order and drug possession. Eleven fugitives wanted on active warrants for violent gun crimes were apprehended with the help of BSO’s Fugitive Unit.

“When it comes to gun violence, BSO is saying ‘enough is enough,’” Sheriff Al Lamberti said. “We will do everything we can to keep illegal guns off the street and out of the hands of convicted felons. I am proud of the hard work of everyone involved in this successful operation.”

Sheriff Lamberti created the Gun Squad in 2009 to reduce the number of illegally-used guns on the streets of Broward County. It is composed of four detectives, one sergeant and one crime analyst. This year, it has seized 228 firearms and made 191 arrests, not including the guns confiscated or people arrested during Operation Bullseye.

Crime Stoppers of Broward County will pay $100 for the recovery of an illegal weapon and up to $1000 for the arrest of a person for possession of the illegal gun in a public place. To report information, contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at (954) 493-TIPS (8477) or online at www.browardcrimestoppers.org.

Media note: the firearms seized in Operation Bullseye will be on display at 3:30 p.m. today. BSO Gun Squad Sgt. Ted Taranu will be available to talk about the operation.

THANKSGIVING DAY #1 FOR HOUSE FIRES IN THE U.S.

 Broward News, Police News & Articles  No Responses »
Dec 082011
 

TURKEY FRYER MEDIA SAFETY DEMONSTRATION

11 a.m.

Friday, November 18

Location: Broward Fire Academy

2600 SW 71 Tr., Davie

A popular item that is used at holiday time is the propane gas turkey fryer. These are readily available and inexpensive but can be unsafe, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL). The NFPA discourages the use of turkey fryers except by properly trained professionals using professional quality equipment. Underwriters Laboratories does not certify any of these appliances with their UL mark. New on the market is a similar outdoor unit that does not use oil and should be considered as an alternative to the oil-containing fryers.

“We want our residents to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so this is a good time for a safety-tip refresher,” Sheriff Al Lamberti said.

Since deep fried turkey is a longtime favorite food, especially in the southern United States, people will continue to use the deep fryers. In response to this, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue, in conjunction with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, will demonstrate proper safety measures for those who choose this method. Wearing full protective gear, fire fighters will also demonstrate the consequences of improper use, resulting in a spillover of hot oil and potential fire. Consumer-grade turkey fryers use a substantial quantity of cooking oil at high temperatures and pose a significant danger that hot oil will be released at some point during the cooking process. Additionally, the oil remains hot for hours after the unit is turned off. The use of turkey fryers by consumers can lead to devastating burns, other injuries and the destruction of property. The Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Marshal’s Bureau echoes the NFPA suggestion that those who prefer deep-fried turkey simply purchase one prepared from a grocer, food retailer or restaurant that prepares them using professional equipment.

With Thanksgiving one week from today, Broward Sheriff Fire Marshal Robert Arrighetti reminds residents that “Thanksgiving is the top day for cooking fires to happen, so it is important to keep safety in mind.” According to a recent report published by the U. S. Fire Administration (USFA), an estimated 2,000 Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings occur annually in the U. S., resulting in an estimated average of 5 deaths, 25 injuries and $21 million in property loss. By far, the leading cause of Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings is cooking. These fires occur most frequently between noon and 4 p.m. The NFPA reports that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Hundreds of Americans are killed each year due to home cooking fires and thousands more are injured. Cooking fires also cause roughly half a billion dollars in direct property damage to the homes and their contents.

BSO’S CRIME LAB STANDS OUT ABOVE THE REST

 Broward News  No Responses »
Nov 232011
 

FIRST ACCREDITED, FIRST RE-ACCREDITED & FIRST AFIS UNIT INTERNATIONALLY ACCREDITED

Updated: 11/14/2011 02:52:00 PM
PIO Number: 11-11-11
In 2005, the Broward Sheriff’s Office crime lab became the first sheriff’s law enforcement laboratory in the nation to be awarded international accreditation in the field of forensic testing by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors, Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) and now it’s the first to be re-accredited. We’re also very proud to announce the BSO Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) Unit is the first of such units to receive the prestigious international accreditation.

All of these accomplishments will be celebrated at a re-accreditation ceremony to be held:

10 a.m. November 15

BSO Public Safety Building
2601 W. Broward Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale

ASCLD/LAB is a non-profit professional organization dedicated to promoting and maintaining the highest standards of practice in the field of forensic science. There are over 350 crime labs currently accredited by ASCLD/LAB, but only 85 of those meet the organization’s exacting International Program standards.

The Broward Sheriff’s Office crime lab has been ASCLD/LAB-accredited since February 2000 and earned the more rigorous international accreditation after demonstrating superior management and operations in areas such as firearms, tool marks, latent prints, trace evidence, DNA, and audiovisual analysis, among others. BSO’s crime laboratory works in conjunction with the agency’s Crime Scene Unit and all law enforcement agencies in Broward County to analyze and process evidence collected at crime scenes.

With over 5,000 employees, BSO is America’s largest nationally-accredited sheriff’s department. The agency provides full-time law enforcement services in 14 Broward cities and towns and in all of Broward’s unincorporated areas. BSO also protects the Broward County Courthouse, the Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, countywide mass transit, areas of the Everglades and the county’s waterways, including Port Everglades.

SUSPECT WOUNDED BY BSO DEPUTY

 Broward News  No Responses »
Nov 212011
 

A suspect fleeing a car burglary and robbery this morning was shot and wounded during an altercation with a responding BSO deputy.

At 8:41 a.m. the suspect, Joe Toney, 20, was breaking into a car at the BP station at Oakland Park Boulevard and State Road 7 in Lauderdale Lakes. The owner of the vehicle attempted to intervene. Toney grabbed the woman’s bag and ran from the station. The crime was reported to 911 and a BOLO (be-on-the-lookout) was broadcast to deputies responding to the scene. One of the responding deputies saw the suspect outside Laporkin Shipping at 3820 NW 29 Street. When the deputy attempted to take Toney into custody the suspect resisted and there was a physical altercation. The deputy fired his weapon and Toney was struck and wounded.

Toney was transported to Broward General Medical Center for treatment of his not life-threatening wound. Toney was already wanted on a Violation of Probation warrant and will face additional charges in connection with the crimes he committed today.

No deputies or innocent persons were hurt. The name of the deputy who fired is being temporarily withheld. Per standard procedure in all deputy-involved shootings, the incident is under investigation by the BSO Homicide Unit, Crime Scene Unit, and Internal Affairs Division, assisted by Lauderdale Lakes deputies.

A 2011 booking photo of the suspect is attached at www.sheriff.org

BSO HOLDS PRESCRIPTION DRUG “TAKE BACK” EVENT

 Broward News  No Responses »
Nov 212011
 

Broward Sheriff’s Office will hold a dual event Saturday morning at the Oakland Park Municipal Building. The event will include a prescription drug “take back” and a Shred-A-Thon.

9 a.m. – noon, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011
Oakland Park Municipal Building

5399 North Dixie Hwy., Oakland Park

The prescription drug take back program, operating under the name Operation Medicine Cabinet, allows participants to turn in unused, unwanted or expired prescription medication anonymously and receive a $5 gift card while supplies last. The event is sponsored by BSO and the United Way Commission on Substance Abuse.
The Shred-A-Thon provides residents with a safe way to dispose of their personal documents, check stubs, credit card offers, receipts and any other paperwork that contains sensitive information. The service is free of charge. There’s a limit of five boxes per person.

Following very successful years of Shred-A-Thons from 2008 – 2010, during which tens of thousands of pounds of documents were shredded, BSO and the Office of the Florida Attorney General are committed to continue helping the community fight identity theft by inviting them to shred their old documents.

The Shred-A-Thon events began in Broward County in May 2008, as a joint initiative by Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti and the Florida Attorney General’s Office, with the assistance of UNISHRED and The National Association of TRIADS.

For more information on the Shred-A-Thon, please call (954) 321-4100. For more information about the prescription drug “take back” event or prescription drug prevention presentations, contact Jonathon Fishman at (954) 557-1124.

This report by Dani Moschella/PIO

Miami Police Academy Questions

 Academy News  No Responses »
Nov 212011
 

I am being sponsored by an agency in Miami and I have to provide all of my gear (duty belt, holster, handcuff case, mag pouch etc.) I spent a pretty good penny on the gear, not to mention the $3,420.00 for the actual academy. I even had one of the officers at the Dept. thats taking me on specify as to what items to invest in and to get used to. I was wondering however, Do I need to also supply my own ammo, handcuffs, duty boots, are there particular PT sneakers that I have to get (specifically color) …the announcement didn’t elaborate too much on the specifics, and I just want to be good to go come Oct 6th. Also, aside from wearing the patch of the sponsoring agency, do I have to wear their pants or any other part of their uniform while in the academy, and if so? what? & when should I make arrangements to get sized up??  Any & all advice and info. pertaining to my onslaught of inquiries would be much appreciated. Thanks for your time.

BSO deputies responded to a burglary in progress in the 7700 block of NW 63rd Way

 Broward News  No Responses »
Nov 212011
 

BSO deputies responded to a burglary in progress in the 7700 block of NW 63rd Way at approximately 9:30 a.m this morning. A description of the suspects and their vehicle was quickly broadcast to responding units. The vehicle was observed exiting the Mill Run subdivision. The vehicle was stopped on SR 7 and three suspects were apprehended without incident. The suspects were charged with residential burglary. If you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood call 911 immediately.

8 “Must Knows” About a Breath Alcohol Test

 Police News & Articles  No Responses »
Oct 092011
 



In today’s society, most DUI accident attorneys have heard horror stories about field sobriety tests, blood alcohol levels, and friends or family members being convicted of a DUI. If you find yourself in this position, do know one thing: Being convicted of a DUI isn’t inevitable – and it’s not a hopeless case.



DUI prosecutors will work hard to try and prove you were driving under the influence by using factors like poor performance on a field sobriety test, the smell of alcohol on your breath, or the results of a breath or blood alcohol test.



The reality is that these tests can be faulty and are subject to multiple interpretations. In fact, nearly all experts admit that breath testing is subject to several inaccuracies and can vary by as much as 12 percent.



If you’ve been accused of driving under the influence, here are a few things you should know about breath alcohol tests – and why they’re not always accurate:



  • Breath test devices must be approved – All breath-testing instruments must be listed on the Federal List of Approved Breath Evidential Instruments. If you or your DUI lawyer discover the instrument used on you was not approved, the results hold no weight in your trial.

  • The machines can detect non-alcoholic compounds – The machines that are used in DUI breath testing also detect the volatile fumes associated with paint, lacquer, gasoline, and some dry cleaning fluids. Sometimes, these compounds are ingested at work and later show up on the breath alcohol test. This is why you should always request a second, independent test.

  • Machine malfunctions – The majority of states specify that if the breath test instrument malfunctions or requires repair within a certain period of time before or after your breath test, the results are considered invalid. The exact time period varies by state, so be sure to read up on your local laws.

  • Portable breath tests can be improperly administered – Most manufacturers require a minimum of two tests to be administered in order for the results to be valid.

  • Post-driving alcohol absorption is also a factor – In order for the test results to be used against you in court, the prosecutor must prove your blood alcohol level at the time of driving. If you consumed alcohol immediately prior to driving, your results will be higher than the true level while you were operating the vehicle.

  • The machine can pick up “mouth alcohol” – One of the reasons a breath-testing machine isn’t considered 100 percent accurate is that it can detect mouth alcohol instead of the intended deep lung air. DUI arrestees who’ve recently ingested things like cold medicine, mouthwash, or cough syrup will likely read a higher blood alcohol level than what is true. The same can be said for individuals with braces, cavities, dentures, and other orthodontic work.

  • The person administering the test must be certified – If the individual operating the breath-testing machine isn’t certified in accordance with state law, the results are considered invalid. If you have a DUI lawyer, he or she can request proof of the testing officer’s certification.

  • Burping or vomiting should delay the start of the breath test – If you vomit or burp prior to taking the breath test, the officer should restart the observation period. Why? This can contaminate your mouth and affect the results. Failure to do so can be grounds for excluding the BAC results.



As always, the final decision depends on the jury and judge involved in your case. However, the above tips can play a big role in the outcome of your case so be sure to consider them when entering into a DUI trial.



Article courtesy of accident lawyer experts at Accidents.com

Coffee with the BSO Sheriff Tomorrow in Pembroke Pines

 Broward News  No Responses »
Jul 232011
 

Join Sheriff Al Lamberti for coffee tomorrow (July 23rd) from 11 a.m.-noon at Publix located at 600 N. University Drive in Pembroke Pines. Also, from 10:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. you can see McGruff the Crime Dog; meet the stars of Police Women of Broward County and Unleashed: K-9 Broward County; Quiggley; and much more. Bring your children for FREE fingerprinting by Broward Crime Stoppers.

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