Downtown Central Business / Entertainment District Unit
The West Palm Beach Police Dept. embarked on an innovative project in December 2007. In conjunction with the Community Redevelopment Agency we formed the Entertainment District Unit. Borrowing ideas from other highly successful programs in Nashville and Memphis, Tn. we created a highly focused unit of dedicated Officers and supervisors. The EDU is tasked with providing for the safety and security of those that live, work and play in the vibrant downtown of West Palm Beach.
In 2007 and continuing into 2008 we have strived to create partnerships with various entities in the downtown such as the Downtown Development Authority which is responsible for marketing and attracting new businesses to the downtown. We also work very closely with IPC Security and the Related Group serving the needs of City Place, the largest open air shopping area in Palm Beach County. Many of the thriving businesses in downtown have partnered as well with the EDU in achieving a high level of commitment to providing safety and growth in the downtown.
The EDU has been responsible for enacting a highly successful teen curfew as well as a new “mapping program” for first time offenders. We have opened up levels of communication which previously did not exist between businesses, city officials and private/public firms thus ensuring we all work together for the betterment of the downtown.
Officers of the EDU utilize non-traditional means of patrolling such as bicycles, segways and extensive foot patrols. The focus is always on community outreach and open lines of communication. These innovative patrolling techniques allow the officers of the EDU to remain engaged with the public we serve. The EDU also wears a specialized uniform designed to allow for them to be better seen at night and stand out in a crowd.
2008 is an exciting year in downtown and the EDU hopes to play a vital role as we remake downtown West Palm Beach into the most vibrant shopping and entertainment district in all of South Florida.
Patrol Division II - Entertainment District Management Team
Lieutenant Randy Maale (561) 822-1751 rmaale@wpb.org
Platoon I - Sergeant Amy Sinnott (561) 822-1617
Platoon II - Sergeant Cliff Hagan (561) 822-1983