Chief of Police
Chief Dennis Michael Jones
In May 2007, Dennis M. Jones became the 14th Chief of Police in the 170-year history of the Tallahassee Police Department. The Department is composed of 350 sworn members responsible for policing a geographic area over 100 square miles. TPD is the third oldest municipal police department in the country and is the fourth longest nationally accredited police agency in the U.S. Chief Jones is a graduate of Penn State University, the F.B.I. National Academy, and has over 30 years of law enforcement experience. He has committed his life to public service and protecting the people he serves.
Partnerships between law enforcement and citizens are fundamental to Chief Jones' approach to improving community safety. Citizens are the eyes and ears of the Tallahassee Police Department and are key force multipliers. Because of the trust and outstanding relationship between the citizens of Tallahassee and the Tallahassee Police Department, the community continues to experience a decrease in overall crime. As Tallahassee's Chief of Police a great deal of Chief Jones' time is focused on providing a positive and safe environment for children. At the core of this philosophy is the belief that children are key to a successful community and that police officers are not just the protectors of society, but are the examples for others to follow.
In an effort to improve efficiency, save tax dollars, and reduce the use of fuel, Chief Jones implemented a process allowing officers to report for duty in the field using mobile data computers. This process saves approximately $40,000 annually and enables officers to utilize more time fighting crime. By joining forces with local businesses, community leaders, and parents, Chief Jones strives for a community partnership in solving criminal activity. Trust, Loyalty and Commitment are the fundamental foundations through which Chief Jones guides the Tallahassee Police Department.
TPD has a distinguished 170-year history of fighting crime and being a leader in innovative police services. Today, TPD leads the way offering 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 consistently seen crime decrease. Through enhanced community partnerships and improved community involvement in crime control issues, the Uniform Crime Report indicates a 7.3% decrease in crime between 2008 and 2009.
The Tallahassee Police Department continues to build on success. The Department’s written plan for continued success is known as the Strategic Plan and is the "Blueprint for Success." The Strategic Plan for 2010-2011 includes the following goals and objectives: crime reduction, improving professional development of personnel and succession planning, enhancing our marketing strategies and community partnerships, positioning TPD as a model agency, and planning for a future police facility.
About TPD
TPD has a distinguished 170 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.
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.