1955 - 1960 

The history of the Plantation Police Department begins before 1955 when Bob Estey served as the Broward County Sheriff’s deputy responsible for the Plantation area. In July 1955, the City Council approved hiring a full-time policeman. A police car was procured, and Henry C. Donath was selected as the first Chief of Police, serving from 1955 to 1968. The initial role required an eight-hour workday with 24-hour on-call availability, and the position offered an attractive salary of $4,200 annually. In 1956, a second officer was added, although both shared a single police car. By 1959, the department had expanded to include Chief Donath, three patrolmen, and four auxiliary patrolmen responsible for patrolling the city’s 27 miles of paved streets.

1960 - 1970

In 1960, the department comprised five patrolmen, three cars, and four reserve officers, operating out of two small rooms in City Hall. By 1963, a vacant lot adjacent to City Hall was transformed into a dedicated police headquarters, which remained operational until 1973. That same year, the department became an independent dispatching unit, severing ties with the Broward County Sheriff’s Department. The police force continued to grow, adding a dog catcher in 1964 and reaching 21 officers, eight reserves, and six vehicles by 1965. In 1968, Chief Donath retired, and after a brief interim period with William E. Greene, Lawrence W. Sullivan became Chief of Police, serving until 1974. By 1970, the department boasted 43 officers, 25 reserves, 10 cars, and advanced radar equipment.

1970 - 1990

During the 1970s, the department continued its expansion, acquiring a boat in 1972 to patrol waterways and launching a Crime Watch program in 1978, spearheaded by Jerry Noyer. By 1980, Chief Greene had retired, succeeded by Roy Conklin and later by Morris Meek, who served until 1989. In the 1980s, the department introduced several innovations, including plans for a new police station and the appointment of the city’s first female officer, Charlotte Cook. By 1982, the department had grown to 86 officers and an $11 million annual budget. In 1985 a 33,657-square-foot headquarters was dedicated, marking a significant milestone in the department's infrastructure.

1990 - 2000

By 1990, under Chief C.E. Sharrett Jr., the department employed 143 sworn officers and had a budget exceeding $12 million. Community-oriented policing began in 1991, growing into a full-time unit by 1998. This period also saw increased manpower and the introduction of specialized units such as the Street Crimes Unit, the reintroduction of the K9 Unit, and the formation of the SWAT Team. By 2000, with a population of 82,934, Plantation opened two community outreach centers to enhance accessibility.

2000 - Present

The turn of the century brought further innovations, such as establishing community outreach centers at local malls and implementing advanced technologies like facial recognition software and CAD upgrades. Under Chief Larry L. Massey (2003-2009), the department celebrated its 50th anniversary, introduced a legal advisor position, and completed significant building expansions.

Since 2009, under Chief W. Howard Harrison, the department has continued to adapt to modern challenges, leveraging technology like web-based scheduling software and maintaining accreditation through rigorous assessments. By 2023, the department managed a fleet of 230 vehicles, including patrol SUVs, and served a population of over 96,000 residents with 181 sworn officers.

Today, the Plantation Police Department remains dedicated to serving its growing community with professionalism and innovation, ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.