Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti met with the man elected to take his position in January to dismiss rumors that the pair was not working together during the transition of power.
Lamberti and Sheriff-Elect Scott Israel appeared together Monday for the first time since a heated run for Broward’s top cop position and spoke about how the torch is being passed.
“Contrary to popular belief, there has been a transition going on since the first week of November, so I want to put to rest any rumors that there is no transition going on,” Lamberti said.
People questioned their cohesion after reports that Israel's transition team was not allowed to set up shop at BSO headquarters, something BSO said is due to security reasons because the transition team is not currently employed by them.
Israel clarified the situation.
“That part is true, we're not in the building,” he said. “But the Sheriff Lamberti's general council has been very receptive and responsive to anything that our future general council has asked for.”
Lamberti said the two have spoken the most about the regional 911 system. Israel said reinforcing areas where crime has spiked is among his other top priorities. The Sheriff-Elect also confirmed he will bring in some of his own people, like most new administrations do.
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“There will be people that are working here today in all aspects that won't be here on Jan. 8,” he said.
Among those leaving is spokesman Jim Leljedal, the face for the agency for almost 30 years who has chosen to retire.
As for Sheriff Lamberti, he said he wants to spend time with his family and possibly pursue another career.
“I'm going to be a TV reporter,” the 35-year BSO veteran said jokingly.
