POLICE DEPARTMENT

What We Do

The Key West Police Department is a fully State of Florida-accredited department made up of a dedicated and professional group of men and women. The department employs 96 law enforcement professionals and 32 dedicated support staff. Our island is home to a unique and diverse community, which is reflected throughout the ranks of the department. We protect and serve a population of nearly 27,000 full-time residents and more than three million visitors each year.

Community policing is an integral part of the department; partnering with the community to prevent and solve crime. We strive every day to reach into the community by working with schools, civic organizations and non-profit organizations. Training is continuous to ensure that we provide the residents and visitors outstanding service.

Fy 2022 Highlights

■ The Key West Police Department attained Excelsior status from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation. The recognition means that the department has had five flawless audits. Accreditation sets the standard for a high level of professionalism in a law enforcement agency.

■ The department sponsored seven recruits in class #82 at the College of the Florida Keys Basic Law Enforcement Academy, and these officers are now finishing their field training period.

■ The KWPD co-hosted with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office National Night Out. This event, which engages our military and our first responders, is a chance to talk with kids in the community about public service. This year’s event was by far the best community turnout in the many years it has been held.

BUDGET: $17,322,623

# of employees: 128

Director: Chief Sean Brandenburg 305-809-1000 sbrandenburg@cityofkeywest-fl.gov

■ The department has improved our outreach into the community in a number of ways. Each month officers mentor children at risk through Keys To Be The Change, they participate in games and education with the Pelicans and Police program at Poinciana School, and officers also read to classes. KWPD officers attend events involving the Special Olympics and work closely with the Autism Society of the Keys to raise awareness in the community. Two members of the department serve on the Monroe County Education Foundation Board, which oversees the Take Stock in Children scholarship program.

■ Our K9 Unit has cracked down hard on drug dealers, resulting in strong arrests that take drug dealers off the streets.

■ KWPD detectives successfully apprehended two dangerous murder suspects – one from Miami and one from Texas – who failed in their attempted escape to paradise.