Uniformed Patrol Division

The Uniform Patrol Division is responsible for providing 24-hour response to calls for police service, conducting patrol activities, investigating crimes, and performing other law enforcement services. The Uniform Patrol Division is also responsible for overseeing the Police Department's K-9 program and School Crossing Guards.

Patrol

The Patrol Division serves as the backbone of the Fort Walton Beach Police Department and provides the most visible law enforcement presence in our community. As the first responders to emergencies, Patrol Officers are responsible for protecting life and property, deterring criminal activity, enforcing traffic laws, and maintaining public order.

The division operates in two platoons, “Alpha” and “Bravo,” with both day and night shifts working 12-hour rotations to ensure 24-hour coverage throughout the city. Each patrol squad is supervised by a Patrol Sergeant, ensuring strong leadership and accountability at all times.

Patrol Officers conduct proactive patrols, respond to calls for service, investigate crimes, and engage with community members daily. Beyond their enforcement duties, they play a critical role in community-oriented policing, building trust and relationships with residents and businesses to help solve problems collaboratively. Their presence and professionalism are essential to maintaining the safety and quality of life that Fort Walton Beach residents and visitors expect.

School Crossing Guards

These part-time civilians are responsible for assisting neighborhood elementary school children to safely cross streets within school zones, before and after school.

K-9 Unit

The Fort Walton Beach Police Department’s K-9 Unit plays a crucial role in supporting patrol operations and enhancing public safety. Each K-9 team consists of a highly trained police dog and handler, working together to assist in suspect tracking, building searches, narcotics detection, and locating missing persons. These capabilities provide patrol officers with critical support during complex or high-risk situations.

In addition to their operational duties, the K-9 Unit is an important part of the department’s community outreach efforts. Our teams regularly participate in school visits, demonstrations, and community events, showcasing their specialized skills and giving the public an opportunity to meet the dogs and their handlers up close. These interactions help strengthen community trust and highlight the dedication and discipline of our K-9 partners.

Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP)

Once hired, a Recruit Police Officer is required to successfully complete the Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP). The Field Training and Evaluation Program is designed to acquaint the Recruit Officer with agency policies, procedures, rules, and regulations and will have a curriculum based on tasks of the most frequent assignments. This training is designed to supplement formal classroom training received through any of the state's recognized Criminal Justice Training Centers. The minimum length of the Field Training and Evaluation Program for Recruit Officers is eleven (11) duty weeks in duration. Previous law enforcement experience will be evaluated to determine the length of the program.

While Recruit Officers are in the FTEP, they are assigned to Field Training Officers (FTO). The FTO will teach, train and evaluate the Recruit Officers through each phase of the FTEP. Customarily Recruit Officers will be assigned to a different FTO for each phase except the final phase. The FTO will complete a Daily Observational Report (DOR) for the Recruit Officer while in the FTEP. The DOR is used to rate the daily activity of the Recruit Officer and documents all aspects of their training in the FTEP. The Recruit Officer will complete the final phase of the FTEP with the FTO to which they were first assigned. This gives a good comparison of how the Recruit Officer has progressed through the FTEP.

The final step in order for the Recruit Officer to complete the FTEP is an Oral Board. The Oral Board is comprised of the Police Department's Command Staff. The Board presents the Recruit Officer with scenario-based questions. Recruit Officers are rated based on their responses. Upon successfully passing the Oral Board, the Recruit Officer will receive their first Duty Assignment.