The History Of Broadmoor Continued
Protecting Local Independence
As highway construction and successive annexations reduced Broadmoor’s land area, residents became determined to preserve their independence.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Daly City completed more than fifty annexations, reducing Broadmoor’s original 2½-square-mile area to the 0.55 square miles it occupies today.
Although boundaries shrank, the community’s commitment to local control only strengthened.
In 1991, Senator Quentin L. Kopp authored Senate Bill 24, a landmark law requiring that Broadmoor cannot be annexed or dissolved without approval from its own voters.
The statute permanently safeguarded the community’s right to self-govern and recognized Broadmoor’s record of professional, efficient service.
“Broadmoor’s independence isn’t about being separate—it’s about being accountable.”
Why Broadmoor Remained A District
In its early years Broadmoor had the size and resources to incorporate as a small city.
Over time, annexations by neighboring cities absorbed most of its commercial property—the economic base required for cityhood.
The remaining three neighborhoods were too small and too residential to meet California’s incorporation criteria.
Rather than form a city, Broadmoor continued as a single-purpose special district focused solely on public safety.
This streamlined model allows the community to maintain professional, locally controlled policing without the expense or bureaucracy of a full municipal government.
Formation and Development
Professional Standards and Local Excellence
Every Broadmoor officer is a Peace Officer under California Penal Code § 830.1, meeting the same training and certification requirements as any city or county officer.
The Department complies with the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) for continuing education, field training, and Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA) reporting.
In 2025 Broadmoor completed a comprehensive Revenue and Boundary Study verifying the accuracy of its finances and service boundaries.
The study confirmed a resident population of about 9,000—spread across the District’s three neighborhoods—and a daily service population exceeding 16,000.
These findings show that Broadmoor operates in a dense, urban service environment while maintaining city-level performance through efficient local management.
A District and Densely Connected Community
Broadmoor is officially listed by the U.S. Census Bureau as a Census-Designated Place (CDP) covering 0.55 square miles (FIPS 06-08456).
This recognition distinguishes Broadmoor from Daly City and Colma in federal data, confirming its separate demographic and economic identity.
With roughly 9,000 residents across three neighborhoods and a daily population of 16,000 people, Broadmoor is one of the most densely populated areas in San Mateo County.
Its position along El Camino Real (SR-82) brings a steady flow of commuters and visitors—activity that Broadmoor PD manages with professionalism and efficiency.
Legacy of Pride and Professionalism
Broadmoor’s officers and residents share an enduring sense of pride in belonging to a community unlike any other in San Mateo County.
The Broadmoor Police Protection District has become more than a local agency—it is a professional legacy.
Over the decades, Broadmoor has served as a training ground and launching point for hundreds of law-enforcement professionals who have gone on to serve with distinction across California and throughout the nation.
That tradition of excellence and mentorship continues today, reflecting a culture built on integrity, accountability, and service that extends far beyond Broadmoor’s borders.
Broadmoor Today and Tomorrow
More than seventy-five years after its founding, Broadmoor continues to provide 24-hour, full-service law enforcement with the same commitment to integrity and professionalism that inspired its creation.
The District remains fiscally sound, fully POST-compliant, and an active partner with Daly City, Colma, and San Mateo County agencies.
As Broadmoor looks to the future, the District remains committed to evolving with its community—investing in technology, training, and partnerships that ensure its tradition of excellence endures.
The same spirit that founded the District in 1948 continues to guide it today: local service, professional standards, and an unwavering commitment to public trust.
