Recruitment at the Key West Police Department has improved in recent years, with the department now operating near full staffing and five new officers expected to graduate from the police academy next month.
Captain Bradley Lariz, who oversees the department’s Operations Bureau, joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on in the city.
The department currently has about 103 officers. Recruitment during the past three years has been the strongest he has seen during his nearly 24 years with the department.
“Within my 24 years, the last probably three years have been the best I’ve ever seen,” Lariz said. “We’re staying close to full staff as possible.”
Lariz credited the local police academy with helping the department attract new officers.
As Operations Bureau captain, Lariz oversees the department’s patrol officers, detectives, traffic unit, school resource officers, marine unit, canine unit and mounted unit. A second captain oversees the administrative side of the department, including records, property and dispatchers.
Lariz said technology has been one of the biggest changes he has seen during his career. When he began working for the department, officers did not have body-worn cameras.
“There was a little apprehension for people at first,” Lariz said of the cameras. “But I’ve got to say, once we get them and get used to it, I think they’re great. All they’re going to do is protect you.”
Technology has also created new challenges for law enforcement, particularly with internet-related crimes and fraud. Lariz said the department works to keep detectives trained and up to date as those crimes evolve.
There was a case in Key West recently where narcotics detectives, working with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security, executed a search warrant at a property in Key West after receiving a complaint about suspected drug activity. Investigators reportedly found fentanyl, scales and drug paraphernalia.
A local woman was arrested and faces charges including fentanyl possession and three counts of fentanyl sales in Tommy Roberts Memorial Park, according to Lariz.
Lariz said officers also recently encountered a man during an overnight patrol who was riding a bicycle without lights. The incident was an example of proactive police work in which officers noticed circumstances that appeared unusual and took the time to investigate.
He also discussed a recent moped fire at a condominium complex. The fire spread to a second moped before the Key West Fire Department arrived and quickly extinguished it.
Lariz said investigators were not certain of the cause but believed a lithium battery may have been involved. He urged moped owners to be diligent about the care and charging of their vehicles.
The department is also preparing for increased activity as Goombay Festival and Fantasy Fest approach, followed by the boat races and New Year’s celebrations.
Lariz said Key West police will work with other agencies, including the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, during the upcoming events.
The department is also participating in a traffic-safety effort focused on reducing bicycle and pedestrian injuries. Officers will be watching for speeding, failure to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, improper turns and distracted driving. Pedestrians and bicyclists will also be reminded of safety requirements, including using lights at night and following traffic laws.
Lariz said the department continues to benefit from strong community support.
“For my whole career, even when things are in the news and things are down, Key West always supported us,” he said.