"Since law enforcement agencies began partnering with citizens through community policing, we've seen significant drops in crime rates."
- US Attorney General, John Ashcroft

Captain Michael Gauger, Retired - Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

Captain Michael Gauger retired from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) in 2003. He began his career with PBSO in 1970. In 1989 he started the Sheriff's first community policing operation in a federal housing project, and then authored a federal Drug Elimination Grant that provided funding for three deputies to maintain the integrity of the community policing philosophy in that project.

He was promoted to lieutenant in 1994, commanding the Community Policing Unit and helping build the unit from six deputies to thirty-seven. During this time, the unit developed pro-active strategies to target criminal activity, unite community members as partners, and improve the safety and quality of life to sixteen of the most challenged neighborhoods throughout Palm Beach County. Captain Gauger has been an advocate of police, actively participating in the planning process of future growth. He has served on County task forces, Blight Task Force and the Countywide Community Revitalization Team.