Key Biscayne Police Chief Frank Sousa’s view of law enforcement comes from a higher perch these days.
Last week, he was one of five police chiefs to be appointed as a commissioner on the Commission for Florida Accreditation.
“It is a privilege to contribute to a process that strengthens agencies across Florida and helps ensure the highest standards of the service for the communities we serve,” Sousa said. “It’s a responsibility I take seriously and look forward to advancing policing standards throughout the state of Florida and maintaining the image of Key Biscayne.”
Sousa, a native of New England who served in the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for more than 22 years, ultimately being named Assistant Chief of Police, took over as Chief of Police for the Village of Key Biscayne on Oct. 18, 2021.
Chief Sousa in front of his new commissioner nameplate.
(LinkedIn/Frank Sousa)
Key Biscayne is currently in its seventh consecutive three-year cycle of maintaining accredited status, going back to 2005, and has been honored with Excelsior status the past two years.
“That’s the highest you can get,” Sousa said. “We’re awaiting an upcoming review.”
There are 291 standards the police department must meet through the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation.
Just recently, Key Biscayne was deemed the third-safest city in Florida by one analysis of FBI-reported crimes from 2024.
An accreditation program has long been recognized as a means of maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
Florida’s law enforcement program has the following objectives:
• Establish and maintain standards that represent current professional law enforcement practices
• Increase effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of law enforcement services
• Establish standards that address and reduce liability for the agency and its members
• Establish standards that make an agency and its personnel accountable to the constituency they serve.
The four other police chiefs on the commissioners’ staff represent Pinellas Park, Punta Gorda, Florida Atlantic University and Tampa International Airport. Sousa was recommended by the Florida Police Chiefs Association.
“It’s an honor to get appointed, and it’s important to be involved,” said Sousa, who has received the support of Village Manager Steve Williamson. “It’s a unique opportunity and it gives South Florida representation on the board (which includes five sheriffs).”
The three-year term, which is renewable for another term, means Sousa will be part of the reviewing authority after an independent team reviews police departments seeking accreditation.
They meet three times a year: St. Augustine in February, Orlando in June and Sanibel in October.
“I look forward to serving alongside dedicated professionals who are committed to advancing excellence, accountability and professionalism in public safety,” Sousa said.