William ‘Bill’ Schultz named Fort Lauderdale Chief of Police

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Fort Lauderdale City Manager Greg Chavarria officially announced Friday Major William “Bill” Schultz as the new Chief of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.

“Bill Schultz has been an integral part of our city’s law enforcement for over two decades, and his dedication and expertise have earned him this well-deserved position,” Mayor Dean J. Trantalis said.

“His extensive experience, including various assignments and leadership roles, reflects his unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community,” he continued.

According to the city, Schultz has been employed with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department since 2001. He also graduated from the FBI National Academy and the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police.

Over his tenure, Schultz worked as an investigator in internal affairs. He was also assigned patrol and special operations duties and served as a field training and public information officer.

Schultz’s prestige includes being a recipient of a State of Florida Governor’s Commendation. He also has been awarded 55 public and 20 departmental commendations.

Schultz replaces Patrick Lynn, who served as Fort Lauderdale’s Chief of Police since April 2022. Officially stepping down Dec. 15., he departs after 35 years of law enforcement service.

With his hiring, Lynn is tasked with fixing the city’s crime rate.

According to data, Fort Lauderdale’s violent crime rate of 6.27 per 1,000 residents is above the state average of 3.92. It also is above the national median average of four residents.

“His [Schultz] educational achievements, combined with his hands-on experience, make him exceptionally qualified to lead our police department,” Trantalis continued.

Schultz will assume duties beginning Monday, November 6.