Chief of Police
Chief Dennis Michael Jones
Dennis Michael Jones was born and raised in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. He earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the Pennsylvania State University. He brings with him a wealth of police experience with over 25 years of dedicated public service with the Daytona Beach Police Department. He has been described by both members of rank and file as being a "cop's-cop," having moved up through the ranks from patrol officer to appointed Chief of Police.
Chief Jones obtained his police certification through Daytona Beach Community College and began his career in 1978 with the City of Daytona Beach Police Department. Chief Jones worked as a patrol officer and was later assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division as a detective where he was assigned to the Burglary Unit, Robbery Unit and Homicide Unit. In 1986, Chief Jones briefly altered his career path, working in the private sector for approximately six years. While working in the private sector, Chief Jones maintained his connection to law enforcement by working as a Reserve Deputy and Reserve Beach Ranger with the Volusia County Sheriff's Department and Beach Patrol.
In 1992, Chief Jones rejoined the Daytona Beach Police Department and was later assigned to the Office of Special Investigations where he investigated organized crime and outlaw motorcycle gangs. He was promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant in 1995 and to Police Lieutenant in 1998. After supervising the agency's Office of Professional Standards, where he spearheaded the agency's State Accreditation, Chief Jones served as Deputy Commander for both Criminal Investigations and Support Services, until his promotion to Police Commander in 2002. As a Police Commander, Chief Jones supervised the Criminal Investigation Division, which included all aspects of major case investigations, narcotics, crime scene technicians, victim advocates and the Special Response Team. He also served as the Tactical Unit Commander for Special Events, which includes the Daytona 500, Spring Break, Motorcycle Week as well as numerous VIP dignitary protection details.
In November of 2002, the City Manager appointed him as Chief of Police of the Daytona Beach Police Department where he also served as the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Daytona Beach. During his tenure as police chief, he implemented the Community Policing Crime Team, whose efforts resulted in a 20 percent reduction in crime over a two-year period.
Chief Jones is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar. He has attended the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute's Senior Leadership Program and Chief Executive Seminar. He is also a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and other professional organizations.
Chief Jones is a Vietnam veteran, having served in the United States Navy from 1971 to 1975. He and his wife, Cindy, have two daughters, Heather and Shannon.
About TPD
TPD has a distinguished 164 year history of fighting crime and being a leader in innovative police services. Today, TPD leads the way in many areas. We are recognized nationally as being the third longest accredited law enforcement agency in the country and for our programs developed to provide public safety services equally to all and to protect all citizens' civil rights. Whether its routine patrol services, forensic science services, traffic safety enforcement, or implementing new technologies, the men and women who work for you at the Tallahassee Police Department have one purpose; making Tallahassee a safe place to live, work, and play!
Tallahassee is a growing community with growing demands for public safety. As an agency that embraces community oriented policing and problem solving, we have seen crime decrease over the last 6 years. Through enhanced community partnerships and improved community involvement in crime control issues serious crime decreased another 10% last year.
To meet the challenges of the coming years the Tallahassee Police Department has three "wildly important goals":
- Providing the best public service;
- Improving our crime fighting effort; and,
- Leveraging technology as a tool for success.
We are committed to accomplishing these goals. But, we need your feedback. I invite you to let us know how we're doing.
Executive Services
The Executive Services Unit assists the Chief of Police with department administration, research/planning, program implementation, and grant management. In addition, management oversight is provided for the Office of Professional Standards and the Public Information Office.
The Office of Professional Standards is comprised of two components: accreditation and staff inspections. As the only agency in our area that is nationally accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) and State of Florida accredited through the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA), OPS ensures continuous compliance with all accreditation standards. Members of OPS systematically conduct staff inspections of each unit and function within the Department once every three years. OPS members are also responsible for policy development, line inspections, and conducting quality control surveys.
The Public Information Office is responsible for coordinating the official release of information and activities to the media and the public on behalf of the department. The PIO helps the news media in educating and informing the citizens of the circumstances surrounding current events in the community.
Financial Services
The primary responsibility of the Financial Management Office is to provide fiscal resource management and support service for departmental programs and operations. This includes development and administration of the annual operating and capital budgets; procurement of goods and services; grant and contract monitoring; financial reporting; and supply, equipment and fixed asset management.