Hollywood is a special place; a unique community made up of different types of people, cultures, and landscapes. It’s a beautiful place to visit and an even better place to live. I am lucky to have grown up here, to have graduated from Hollywood Hills High School and to have pursued a career all in the same city.
After more than 25 years of working for the Hollywood Police Department, it’s my honor to be the Chief of Police for this department and city that holds a special place in my heart.
While the police department’s primary responsibility is reducing crime, it’s just as important to establish positive relationships with our community and invest in our youth. The Hollywood Police Department Police Athletic League is just one of the many ways that our officers build bonds with youth. This program allows for mentorship as well as athletic and academic guidance.
In 2022, the total number of calls for service was 198,804. The calls for service included proactive, self-initiated incidents, which encompass park and walks (Officers getting out of their vehicles and patrolling on foot), business checks, citizen and youth contacts, and enhanced traffic enforcement. It’s important to note that even with the number of calls our department received, our total crimes against persons was down 5 % from the previous year. This is due to the hard work and dedication of every member of this Department.
The Hollywood Police Department Accreditation Unit is always hard at work, building accreditation files and preparing for the next State Commission for Florida Law Enforcement (CFA) re-accreditation assessment. Assessors recently came to Hollywood to examine all aspects of the department. The HPD working policies are managed and updated to reflect the latest local, state, and federal laws.
Only 48 percent of the law enforcement agencies in Florida have attained accredited status. HPD is one of the exceptional agencies in Florida that is fully accredited.
In order to successfully continue to make Hollywood a safer city to work, live, and play, it is our mission to work in partnership with our residents, business owners, clergy members, and community members.
I am so proud of our accomplishments thus far, and it is a privilege to continue to lead this Department as Chief of Police.
Chris O'Brien
Chief of Police
