Politics

City of Parkland Hires Former Wilton Manors Police Chief as New Public Safety Advisor

by Guest Contributer May 6, 2021

Paul O’Connell

By Cassandra Spohn

Not even one month out of retirement and Paul O’Connell heads into his new role as the City of Parkland’s Public Safety Advisor.

On April 2, O’Connell stepped down as Police Chief of Wilton Manors, a position he held for ten years. Before that, he worked for the Pompano Beach Police Dept, where he hired in 1978, just one year after graduating from Northeastern University in Boston. He was assigned supervisor of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Though he holds the title “new” Public Safety Advisor, O’Connell is no stranger to the City of Parkland. Among his many accolades, O’Connell previously held the title of district chief in Parkland for the Broward Sheriff’s Office from 2007-2011.

“Paul O’Connell’s extensive resume and experience with Parkland is valuable,” said Mayor Richard Walker. “I’m excited to have him working with the city bringing his knowledge on what we can do to ensure the safety of our residents.”

The decision to hire Paul O’Connell comes after a study conducted by the Center for Public Safety Management back in 2019. According to Mayor Walker, O’Connell’s primary role will be to “navigate policies and bring his added knowledge and experience to a city and staff level to keep residents safe.”

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