Pensacola Police Department (Florida)

The Pensacola Police Department (or PPD) is the primary law enforcement agency for Pensacola, Florida in the United States. The department was founded on July 18, 1821 by Gen. Andrew Jackson, who had appointed city constable (policeman) to keep order within the city. On July 17, Jackson had entered Pensacola to accept the territory of East and West Florida for the United States. The following day, he established the government within the city.

The current Chief of Police is John W. Mathis, who assumed the role on April 8, 2002.

Departmental organization

Currently the PPD has approximately 150 sworn police officers divided into four divisions:

• The Uniform Patrol Division (UPD) is the largest and most visible. These officers are the Department's quick response unit and are most likely to answer emergency calls for help.

• The Neighborhood Services Division (NSD) is tasked with solving long-term problems and disseminating information to the public through Neighborhood Watch meetings and the like. This divisions also includes the Bike Unit and School Resource Officers. The Department wisely terminated its D.A.R.E. program in 2008.

• The Criminal Investigations Division (CID) provides follow-up on reported crimes and is responsible for long-term investigations. Within this division is the Crime Scene Unit and Vice & Narcotics.

• The Administrative, Technical, and Services Division (ATSD) is the smallest but is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of records, computer systems, vehicles, facilities, training, and any other support function.

See also

• List of law enforcement agencies in Florida

External links

• Official website