The Coconut Creek Police Department's very existence was almost prevented by a razor-thin margin in the 1967 incorporation vote. A mere two votes in opposition to joining Pompano Beach would have likely meant no independent city and, consequently, no Coconut Creek Police Department as we know it today.

Despite this close call, residents overwhelmingly favored incorporation on February 19, 1967, a decision later validated by the state court and the Florida Legislature.

 

In its early years post-incorporation, law enforcement in Coconut Creek was handled by elected constables and their deputies. The city took a significant step towards establishing its own police force on July 22, 1969, with the appointment of Bryan Thornton as the first Chief of Police. Initially managing daytime calls while constables were on duty, Chief Thornton soon hired the department's first patrol officer, whose annual salary was $7,200. Their first patrol vehicle was a memorable Oldsmobile Delta 88, affectionately nicknamed “the Apprehender.”

 

From the outset, Chief Thornton championed community policing, directly engaging with residents regarding their concerns—a practice that resonates with the current Chief Fred Hofer.

 

The department marked a local milestone in 1974 by establishing Broward County's first mounted patrol unit, featuring a horse named “George.” This initiative, spearheaded by Chief Joe Hosford (the namesake of Hosford Park), generated considerable positive attention. The following year, in 1975, Chief Hosford further diversified the department by hiring its first black and first female officers.

 

A significant organizational change occurred in 1982 when the City Commission consolidated the police and fire departments into a unified Department of Public Safety. Officers underwent cross-training to serve in both law enforcement and firefighting roles. In 1986, the opening of the Coconut Creek Government Center provided a permanent home for the police department at its current location. Tragedy struck in 1989 when Chief John Whalen, known for introducing bulletproof vests, was shot (though he survived) while attending a conference, leading to his subsequent retirement.

 

The year 2000 saw a reversal of the earlier consolidation, with the City Commission voting to re-establish separate police and fire departments. On September 12, 2002, Chief George Raggio formally established the “Coconut Creek Police Department,” dissolving the fire division. During his tenure, he implemented take-home vehicle assignments, a bike patrol unit, and increased community outreach efforts to address the city's growing population.

 

Under the leadership of former Police Chief Butch Arenal, the department achieved initial accreditation from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) in 2018 and has since been reaccredited twice. Chief Arenal also established the Real Time Crime Center, introduced one of Florida's first School Safety Dogs (K9 Taylor), and founded the "Do The Right Thing of Coconut Creek" nonprofit, which has recognized numerous students and awarded scholarships.

 

On August 5, 2024, Fred Hofer became Coconut Creek's 12th Police Chief, a notable achievement as he is the first patrol officer initially hired by the city to ascend to this top position. He has implemented a body-worn camera program for all sworn officers and is in the process of introducing a speed enforcement camera system in school zones, with operations expected to begin during the 2025-26 school year.

 

The department's current motto, “Our Family Protecting Yours,” gained poignant significance in 2019 when Officer Andrew Renna became the first Coconut Creek officer shot in the line of duty. The department rallied in support of him, and he has since made a full recovery and returned to active service. Demonstrating their commitment to community, department members also established "Creek Hope" to provide support to families facing hardship due to loss or illness.