Deerfield Beach Staffing Study

Deerfield Beach, Florida, is a vibrant coastal city facing significant growth and evolving public safety needs. The Center for Public Safety conducted a comprehensive staffing analysis for the city’s Police, Fire Rescue, Ocean Rescue, Park Ranger, and Code Compliance departments to assess current and future personnel requirements.

The Police Department analysis went beyond traditional per-capita ratios, examining each division’s workload and staffing needs. Projections indicate a need for increased staffing due to population growth and tourism impacts. The department is expected to grow from 158 staff in 2024 to 181 by 2043, with emphasis on adapting to emerging challenges and leveraging new technologies.

The Fire Rescue Department, currently with 144 staff members, is projected to see a slight increase in the Fire Prevention and Inspection division by 2033. Key challenges include population growth, aging infrastructure, evolving response standards, and recruitment retention.

The Ocean Rescue Department faces unique challenges due to climate change, sea level rise, and increasing beach attendance. Projections show a need to increase from 50 staff in 2024 to 53 by 2043, with a focus on adapting to more dangerous water conditions and higher visitor rates.

The Park Ranger Department, managing over 470 acres of parks and recreational areas, is expected to grow from 8 staff in 2024 to 11 by 2043. Major challenges include population growth, tourism impacts, and adapting to climate change effects on park landscapes.

The Code Compliance Department is projected to expand from 10 staff in 2023 to 13 by 2043. Key issues include managing increased workload due to population growth, addressing aging infrastructure violations, and balancing enforcement with community relations.

Overall, the study emphasizes the need for all departments to regularly assess operations, invest in training and technology, and collaborate with city leadership and stakeholders. By proactively planning for future challenges and remaining adaptable, Deerfield Beach’s public safety departments will be well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the growing community while maintaining high standards of service and safety.