Name: Steve Geller
Date and place of birth: 07/10/2024, Miami, Florida
Campaign website: SteveGellerforSheriff.com
Occupation: Retired
Education:
Master’s of Public Administration – Florida Atlantic University
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice-State University of New York (SUNY) Albany
Work history:
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) (2019-2023)
Plantation Police Department (1990-2018)
Why are you running for this office, and what makes you the best candidate?
I am running for Broward County Sheriff to restore integrity and moral character, bring proven leadership needed to oversee the 5,400-member agency with a budget of over $1 billion, and provide and implement top law enforcement policies and resources for the agency’s success. As a 33-year police veteran with extensive executive leadership experience, I am fully prepared and committed to making the Broward Sheriff’s Office a leading agency in the nation.
My lengthy and rewarding career has taken me through various roles, including Captain at the Plantation Police Department, Special Agent with the FDLE, and as a school resource officer. From road patrol to keeping schools safe, to crisis response and leadership, to investigating police corruption, to raising a family and volunteering in the community, I have a deep understanding of what needs to be done and the skills and experience to be effective.
What sets me apart as the best candidate is my unwavering commitment to honesty, integrity and ethical standards. I was appointed to be the internal affairs sergeant, which is the ultimate position of trust in a department. As a special agent, I investigated officer-involved shootings and public corruption cases. I have maintained an impeccable record throughout my career, never being placed on the Brady list, nor have I ever faced termination, been asked to resign, or faced any disciplinary action.
I believe that the highest law enforcement position should be held by someone with extensive experience and exemplary leadership, qualities that have been lacking with the current sheriff.
Throughout my career, I have consistently prioritized transparency and trust, which are essential for effective law enforcement. I am dedicated to addressing critical issues such as gun violence and mental health, and I will work tirelessly to implement initiatives that support these areas.
My goal is to enhance the relationship between the Broward Sheriff’s Office and the community, ensuring that every resident feels safe and heard. I am passionate about making a positive impact and believe that my experience, values and dedication make me the best candidate to lead the Broward Sheriff’s Office into the future successfully.
Have you ever been arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime, received a withheld adjudication, or had a matter sealed or expunged? If yes, explain.
No
Have you been a plaintiff or defendant in a civil action, including bankruptcy or foreclosure or had a restraining order issued against you? If so, explain.
Yes, my wife was in a traffic crash in 1998. We were the plaintiffs in a civil suit. The case was settled.
Assess Sheriff Tony’s track record, especially as it relates to public safety.
Sheriff Tony’s track record in public safety has significant shortcomings. Over the past five years, he has often taken a reactive stance, addressing issues only after they have escalated and drawn public outcry. Rather than proactively implementing intelligence-led and community policing initiatives, Sheriff Tony has frequently responded with promises of future action.
Reactive Not Proactive: Tony’s reactive approach has been evident multiple times, most recently in the City of Pompano Beach. Several city leaders have voiced concerns about the sheriff’s lack of communication and involvement. It was only after several gun-related deaths that he attended a community forum, where he stated that he would now “take the gloves off.” This raises the question of why such measures were not taken earlier.
911 Failing: Another example is the 911 communication system operated by the Sheriff’s Office. Issues such as understaffing, dropped calls, long wait times and outdated technology led to fatalities. It wasn’t until these incidents were brought to light and the sheriff was held accountable that Tony reacted.
Issues with Contracted Cities: Additionally, there has been a notable lack of accountability, transparency and control over the services provided by the sheriff’s office to contracted cities. Several cities have expressed dissatisfaction with service quality, and some have considered terminating their contracts. Pembroke Park has already severed its ties with the sheriff’s office.
Misspending Public Dollars: There remains a significant shortage of road and detention deputies. Instead of allocating the budget to fill these critical roles, the sheriff has redirected funds to a new training facility, leaving staffing vulnerable and a budget in disrepair.
Assess Sheriff Tony’s track record as it relates to integrity, professionalism, and promoting public confidence in the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Gregory Tony’s tenure as the head of the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) has been fraught with controversy and allegations of deception. From the very beginning, Tony has been under intense scrutiny due to a lack of transparency. There are serious concerns about his integrity, particularly in relation to his failure to disclose critical information about his past, including an incident during his adolescence where he shot and killed a man. This information was not revealed during his appointment process, despite specific questions about any past arrests.
In addition, Sheriff Tony’s character has been questioned under the following circumstances:
Honesty and Integrity: Sheriff Tony did not disclose his history of drug use, driver’s license suspensions, and a shooting incident when applying for his position at the Coral Springs Police Department. These omissions would typically disqualify an individual from the application process, raising serious questions about Tony’s suitability for a law enforcement role. The Florida Commission on Ethics discovered that Tony provided false information on official documents. Sheriff Tony was accused of bid rigging due to questionable dealings in contracting with a company to purchase a “Stop the Bleed” kit. The legality of the bidding process was questioned, given that he previously owned a blood kit company associated with the winning bidder.
Professionalism and Leadership: Sheriff Tony has been criticized for his temperament and strained relationships with community stakeholders. Reports indicate his reluctance to engage in discussions about community concerns. Instances have been noted where he responded unprofessionally to differing opinions in public forums. There has been a significant erosion of public trust in his leadership. Sheriff Tony failed to maintain leadership oversight of the aging helicopter fleet, resulting in a helicopter crash and loss of life. These issues call into question his fitness to lead the Broward Sheriff’s Office in a responsible and trustworthy manner.
The Sheriff’s proposed budget for 2024-2025 represented a 48 percent increase, and the county said it would require a 33 percent property tax increase. County commissioners rejected it as excessive. How would your budget proposal have been different?
As a candidate for Broward County Sheriff, I prioritized attending the recent county’s budget workshops. I observed several department heads presenting fiscally responsible budgets that were reasonable for taxpayers. Like the county commissioners, I was astounded by Sheriff Tony’s budget proposal, which lacked basic budgeting principles and strategic planning.
As a former executive administrator of the Plantation Police Department, I understand the importance of balancing public safety needs with fiscal responsibility. My budget proposal would focus on strategic prioritization and efficiency. Here’s how it would differ:
Incremental Increases: Instead of a massive one-time increase, I would propose a phased approach to budget enhancements, such as phasing in the purchase of helicopters. This would allow for gradual improvements without placing an undue burden on taxpayers and provide time to assess the effectiveness of new initiatives.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Every proposed expenditure would undergo a rigorous cost-benefit analysis to ensure funds are allocated to programs and initiatives that provide the highest return on investment in terms of public safety and community well-being.
Enhanced Community Programs: While maintaining essential services, I would allocate funds to expand community policing and mental health initiatives. These programs are crucial for preventing crime and addressing root causes, ultimately reducing long-term costs associated with law enforcement and incarceration.
Technology and Training: Investing in technology and training can lead to significant efficiencies. Enhancing the Real Time Crime Center and providing advanced training for officers can improve response times and reduce operational costs.
Transparency and Accountability: It is vital to ensure that the budget process is transparent and includes input from community stakeholders. Regular audits and public reporting on budget expenditures would help build trust and ensure funds are used effectively.
By focusing on these principles, my budget proposal aims to enhance public safety while being mindful of the financial impact on Broward County residents.
