Operations Support Division

The Operations Support Division is primarily responsible for conducting latent investigations of reported criminal activity and for initiating investigations of street-level criminal activity. The division is also responsible for providing logistical support to all other operational functions throughout the agency.

Investigations

Criminal Investigations Division

The Criminal Investigations Division (CID) is responsible for conducting in-depth investigations into crimes that go beyond the scope of initial patrol response. Detectives within the division handle a wide range of cases, including property crimes, violent offenses, financial crimes, and other complex incidents that require specialized training and investigative techniques.

CID detectives work diligently to identify suspects, collect and analyze evidence, interview witnesses and victims, and prepare comprehensive case files for prosecution. Their work often involves collaborating with other law enforcement agencies, forensic specialists, and the State Attorney’s Office to ensure that investigations are thorough and successful.

Beyond solving crimes, CID detectives are committed to providing support and compassion to victims and their families, recognizing the lasting impact crime can have on individuals and the community. Their dedication to uncovering the truth and bringing offenders to justice plays a critical role in maintaining the safety and trust of Fort Walton Beach.

Special Investigations Unit

The Street Crimes Unit is responsible for initiating investigations of crimes involving racketeering, street and intermediate-level drug investigations, prostitution, obscenity, gambling, and other street-level criminal activity.

Community Policing

The Community Policing Unit focuses on building strong partnerships between law enforcement and the residents of Fort Walton Beach. Officers assigned to this unit work closely with neighborhoods, businesses, schools, and civic groups to address concerns, reduce crime, and enhance quality of life through proactive problem solving.

Rather than responding solely to incidents after they occur, Community Policing Officers take a proactive approach, engaging directly with the community to identify issues early and develop collaborative solutions. They participate in neighborhood watch programs, attend community meetings, and organize outreach events designed to foster trust and open communication.

Through consistent engagement and relationship-building, the Community Policing Unit helps bridge the gap between officers and the public, ensuring that residents see their police department as partners and allies in maintaining a safe and vibrant city.

You can speak to a Community Policing Officer by calling 850-833-9900, ext. 39559.

Honor Guard

The Fort Walton Beach Police Department Honor Guard is a ceremonial police unit dedicated to upholding the highest values and traditions of the men and women of law enforcement. Officers of the Fort Walton Beach Police Department Honor Guard are committed to representing the City of Fort Walton Beach and their law enforcement family, both locally and nationally. The Fort Walton Beach Police Department Honor Guard honors fallen officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. They remain ready to serve at the direction of the Chief of Police and participate in several honor guard-related events such as memorial services for officers. The Fort Walton Beach Police Department Honor Guard is civically minded and remembers our military veterans, as well as individuals and organizations that are dedicated to public service.

Reserve Officers

The Reserve Officer Unit provides additional manpower in special situations and augments normal law enforcement operations. It is the policy of the Fort Walton Beach Police Department to maintain a unit of Reserve Police Officers in accordance with the definition in Florida Statute 943.10(6) for "Part-Time" Police Officers. Reserve Police Officers exercise full law enforcement powers only while serving as on-duty members of the Department.

It is the intention of the Police Department to continue to increase the number of Reserve Officers.

Crime Scene

The Crime Scene Unit is responsible for processing major crime scenes to document, photograph and collect physical evidence such as latent fingerprints and Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA). Crime Scene personnel are responsible for cataloging and storing all evidence and found property.

For questions regarding property status during a crime scene investigation, call the Property Section, Monday through Friday 8 am to 4 pm, 850-833-9551. Found property is held for 90 days and then donated or destroyed.