Policing Palm Beach: A history of the department's early years

Several unusual circumstances combined to influence the development of the Palm Beach Police Department. Seasonal activity in the Town of Palm Beach created a unique environment for the men who worked as police officers. Even though the town incorporated in 1911, year-round law enforcement consisted of one man, Joseph Borman, for the first ten years. Borman's interaction with the town's founding fathers, before and after incorporation, played a significant role in how council members dealt with law enforcement on the island. Despite the pressures of policing an area many of the world's wealthiest people called home at least part of the year, Chief Borman insisted on courteous professionalism from his officers. This helped the Palm Beach Police Department overcome the death of two police officers, terrible hurricanes, Prohibition, and the inevitable growing pains experienced adjusting to new technologies and social pressures. The department continues to exemplify Borman's high standards.