Wilton Manors Police Department on the Verge of Collapse as Officers Flee, City Administrators and Commissioners Wring Their Hands
WILTON MANORS, FL—Wilton Manor's beloved Police Department (WMPD) is facing a severe crisis. Financial troubles and a mass exodus of officers threaten the future of local law enforcement in the city. The situation has become so ominous that the mayor has hinted at the possibility of disbanding the department and contracting with the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) to take over law enforcement duties.
Wilton Manors, a city that budgets for 32 sworn officers on the police force, could see up to a third of those positions vacant by early summer. "We currently have seven police officer vacancies and two more coming in the coming weeks and months," said Chief Gary Blocker. The city has been forced into a closed-door executive session to discuss strategies and crunch numbers.
Reasons The primary reason for the departures is financial. Recent exit interviews from WMPD reveal that over half of the departing officers, who have dedicated years of their lives to serving the city, cite pay and benefits as their primary reason for leaving. These departures represent more than 43 years of experience and training leaving the city.
The city has been in perpetual contract negotiation with the Police Benevolent Association (PBA), with three contract negotiations taking place in a truncated time frame. This indicates that the issue of pay and benefits has never really been resolved.
Good Faith-Good Question Despite the city's insistence that it always negotiates in good faith, officers have lost faith in the city and its manager and commissioners. From the officers' perspective, being "made whole" entails retention bonuses and significant changes to the pay schedule.
Officers were greatly dismayed after the Commissioners voted themselves over 100% raises and also gave the city manager a massive raise (over $30,000) in one bundle. All while saying there was little money for raises for the men and women of WMPD. The same men and women who protect the executive staff and commissioners at every Commission meeting.
Officers were again bewildered when it was found that a 2022 salary study revealed how underpaid WMPD Officers were. These issues have made the city's talking point of "Good Faith Negotiations" at the very least embarrassing and the most duplicitous.
The current contract now includes a "step" program, with bonuses starting at ten years. Some inside the PBA believe the city likes the 10-year plan because rapid retention and turnover mean they will rarely pay out bonuses. The PBA was not amused by the city's grandstanding of this "generous offer."
Safety Despite the staffing crisis, Chief Blocker insists that the city will still be its safe destination for now. However, this assurance comes with a cost that money cannot buy, and the impact of the crisis on the city's safety is a cause for genuine concern. City residents love their police department, and any change will greatly change the feel of the city.
The city now faces the possibility of losing its police department to the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO). This comes from the ongoing financial crisis and the inability to retain officers due to poor pay and benefits. The mayor and city officials are exploring all options to address the crisis, including seeking state or federal government financial assistance. However, if a solution is not found soon, the Wilton Manors Police Department may cease to exist.
As the city and union prepare for another negotiating session, the future of the WMPD hangs in the balance. The outcome of these negotiations will determine whether the city can retain its local law enforcement or if it will have to rely on the BSO for its policing needs.
Many residents love their police department because of how community-oriented they are, and the community knows they won't get that with BSO. One Westside resident said, "If the Commission and City Manager allow our police department to fail, the City Manager and each and every Commissioner had a better look for new jobs and town to live in." Another resident said, "Public safety is job-one in any municipality. If they can't get that through their heads, we need new officials."
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Never would've seen this coming. BSO would not work for that city. So sad. BSO losing deputies to other counties and cities.
Chris Kent
07-11
Unfortunately, this is the state of several police and fire departments in Broward County. There is no such thing as "good faith" collective bargaining with city administrators. The best thing employees can do is get hired, complete your probationary period, and move on to a dept where you are valued.
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