Company Profile
Margate Police Department
Company Overview
The City of Margate is located in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metroplex, the sixth largest metropolitan area in the United States. Margate is the oldest city in northwestern Broward County having been incorporated May 30, 1955.
The city has grown to become the 15th largest city in Broward County, with a population in excess of 54,000. The city covers approximately 9.44 square miles, has approximately 135 miles of roadways, and approximately 30 miles of waterways. The city is governed by a historically stable Mayor/Commission form of government. The City Commission appoints the City Manager, a professional administrator, who oversees and manages the day-to-day operations of the city through appointed department directors. The City has weathered the recent economic downturn in a respectable manner through sound fiscal practices. No employee benefit reductions occured. No employees were furloughed.
While primarily residential in nature, the city does have a significant business and industrial area which is currently undergoing substantial redevelopment. The Margate Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is an independent agency created by the City. The CRA's purpose is to revitalize the commercial corridors of the city and enhance the city's tax base. The CRA's projects, goals and objectives are contained in the Community Redevelopment Plan. These efforts include beautification of commercial corridors through the property improvement program which assist owners in enhancing their storefront façades and landscaping.
The Margate CRA is now working on the Margate Town Center area located at Margate Boulevard and State Road 7. This project encompasses plans that call for a mixed-used development that will feature new retail and residential space.
The city has also recognized the need for community-wide property maintenance standards by adopting several ordinances related to property maintenance and appearance. These regulations are designed to prevent blighting conditions, sustain property values and reduce crime.
The city is widely recognized for its exceptional home-town quality of life and the provision of excellent municipal services, including accredited police and fire services. The city has a richly diverse population that is demographically changing. The population is becoming more diverse with large numbers of Hispanic and Caribbean island immigrants choosing to call Margate home. There are a number of new businesses that have opened to address the needs of our changing population. A number of major east-west and north-south roadways are utilized by residents and business owners to travel from one section of the county to another. High traffic volume is a major concern.
Like many geographic areas in the Atlantic Basin, South Florida is subject to the potential threat of tropical weather systems during the June 1 – December 1 hurricane season. In such instances, the city’s “all-hands” comprehensive emergency response plans are put into place.
The current Chief of Police, Dana E. Watson, was appointed in 2012. The previous Chief, a 16-year executive, ascended to the position of City Manager. The Police Department has been budgeted for approximately 180 members, which includes 111 sworn officers and 69 civilian personnel (including part-time employees) as of October 1, 2013. The department also utilizes civilian volunteers who assist with administrative assignments and community projects. The department’s FY 2013 annual budget is approximately 12.8 million dollars out of a 92 million dollar city budget. The department is a full-service law enforcement agency, organized in traditional, paramilitary fashion. The department has adopted a proactive stance towards establishing partnerships and addressing community issues. The department’s efforts in combining code enforcement, crime prevention and patrol officers have been a model for other agencies. The department’s take-home vehicle program allows officers living within 30 miles of the city to take their assigned vehicle home and allows for personal use within Broward County.
The department has a Marine Unit which is specifically assigned to address boating safety issues on the waterways. The initial expenses for this unit were paid for through forfeiture funds. The department maintains a robust law enforcement trust fund due to seizures associated with a large number of successful high-profile investigations.
An example of the department's commitment to providing its members with the optimal tools to serve the community is the issue firearms program. In 2006 the department transitioned from S&W 9 mm handguns and 12 gauge shotguns to Glock .40 caliber handguns (primary), Smith & Wesson .9 caliber handgun (secondary) and AR-15 patrol rifles.
Each officer receives a department issued primary and secondary firearm, and a Taser less-lethal weapon. All Patrol officers and detectives are issued an AR-15 rifle. The department is committed to investigating and exploiting technology geared toward enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of services.
The City of Margate offers a full array of employee benefits, including participation in the Florida Retirement System.
Notable Accomplishments / Recognition
CFA (State of Florida) Accredited - Initially in 1997.