The current Broward County Sheriff, Scott Israel, a Democrat, was elected in order to oust a reformist Republican Sheriff, Al Lamberti, who had been appointed by the Governor. Israel’s candidacy and campaign were organized by a syndicate of interests and personalities who had prospered under the corrupt former sheriff, Ken Jenne, who had been prosecuted and sent to prison on federal charges. His removal from office had opened the position to a rare Republican chance to hold local office. Thus, almost by definition, the current Broward County Sheriff is a figurehead for a corrupt circle of insiders. With 6,000 employees, an annual budget of $730 million, and little accountability, he has much opportunity for mischief.
I thought he was an obvious attention hound from the moment he appeared on TV after the shooting.