Pensacola Police Department
| Pensacola Police Department | |
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| Abbreviation | PPD |
Patch of the Pensacola Police Department
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Badge of the Pensacola Police Department
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| Motto | We pride ourselves on our reputation in this community and do our best to ensure and uphold the law for every citizen |
| Agency overview | |
| Formed | 1821 |
| Legal personality | Governmental: Government agency |
| Jurisdictional structure | |
| Operations jurisdiction* | City of Pensacola in the state of Florida, USA |
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| Map of Pensacola Police Department's jurisdiction. | |
| Size | 39.7 square miles (103 km2) |
| Population | 54,283 |
| Legal jurisdiction | Pensacola , Florida |
| General nature | |
| Operational structure | |
| Headquarters | 711 N Hayne St Pensacola, FL 32501 |
| Sworn members | 150 |
| Agency executive | David Alexander, Chief of Police |
| Website | |
| Official website | |
| Footnotes | |
| * Divisional agency: Division of the country, over which the agency has usual operational jurisdiction. | |
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 Pensacola Police Headquarters are located at 711 North Hayne Street.Pensacola, FL 32501 The current Chief of Police is Chip Simmons.
The head of the department is the Pensacola Chief of Police. The current Chief is Chip W. Simmons, who assumed the role on June 10, 2010.
Contents
History
Early history
The history of the Pensacola Police Department goes back to the finding of Pensacola led by Tristan De Luna. When De Luna was establishing Pensacola with more than a 1,500 people they needed protection from future invaders and any other possible threats, so they built Fort Barrancas. Sadly the establishment didn't last long because of the hurricanes that hit the area. Many tried to re-establish what was the settlement of De Luna. So in 1692 Admiral Andre de Pez claimed the area that was known by the Native Americans as Panzacola. The Spanish fought for this area and was claimed by the Spanish, French, and English (all in separate times of history). Later on Fort Pickens and Fort San Miguel was established.
Later history
Later on in Pensacola's history many of the soldiers that had fought in the many battles and wars of Pensacola established the Pensacola Police Department. Many rules for the police officers were also established including the following:
- Officers could not sit down while on duty.
- Officers could not drink "spirituous liquor" in the police station.
- Officers had to be able to read and write in English, never have been indicted and convicted of a crime, of physical health and vigor, of good moral character, and of unquestionable energy.
- The more intelligent officers were stationed on the main streets.
- An officer could not use his club or pistol except when he was protecting his life or if someone showed resistance.
- An officer could not leave his beat unless he was taking an arrestee to the police station or for an emergency.
- Officers could not visit bar rooms while on- or off-duty.
- An officer could not be absent for roll call more than three times a month.
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 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.
Canine unit
The Pensacola Police Department is recognized as having one of the best trained canine units in the United States. At the annual USPCA Police Dog Field Trials—the largest competition of police dogs in the United States—Pensacola police dog "Uno" took second place in the 2013 competition, and "Charief" took fourth place in 2012.[1][2]
