7 Crucial Facts About The City Of Sebastian Police Department: Leadership, Latest 2025 Incidents, And Specialty Units
The City of Sebastian Police Department (SPD) remains the primary law enforcement agency dedicated to ensuring the safety and quality of life for residents in Sebastian, Florida. As of late 2025, the department continues its commitment to community-oriented policing, focusing on proactive patrols, specialized investigations, and building strong partnerships with the local population. This detailed overview provides the most current information available, highlighting recent news, key personnel, and the operational structure that keeps the "Home of Pelican Island" secure.
Operating from its headquarters at 1201 Main Street, the SPD is a full-service agency that manages everything from routine traffic enforcement to complex narcotic investigations. The department's effectiveness is rooted in its divisional structure and the long-standing dedication of its leadership, including Chief Daniel Acosta, who has been instrumental in steering the SPD’s strategic direction for over two decades. The following sections detail the department’s core functions, leadership, and the crucial work being done today to maintain public trust and safety.
Meet the Leadership: Chief Daniel Acosta and the Command Staff
The Sebastian Police Department is led by a dedicated command staff, with Chief Daniel Acosta at the helm. His long tenure with the department provides a deep institutional knowledge and a strong connection to the Sebastian community.
Chief of Police Daniel Acosta Biography
- Current Role: Chief of Police, Sebastian Police Department.
- Appointment: Appointed Chief, succeeding Chief Michelle Morris upon her retirement.
- Tenure as Chief: Began his tenure as Chief four years ago.
- Total Service: Employed by the Sebastian Police Department since 1999, marking a 25-year journey with the agency as of 2025.
- Previous Rank: Served as Captain prior to his appointment as Chief.
- Location: 1201 Main Street, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
Chief Acosta’s leadership is characterized by a commitment to community policing and leveraging the experience of his command staff, which includes a Deputy Chief, a Criminal Investigations Lieutenant, a Patrol Lieutenant, and a Support Services Lieutenant, such as Lieutenant Roy Cole, who oversees key support functions.
Latest Sebastian Police Department News and Incidents (2024-2025)
Recent activity highlights the Sebastian Police Department's ongoing vigilance and responsiveness to crime and community needs. The department’s online blotter and news archives provide a real-time look at law enforcement operations in 2025.
Recent Law Enforcement Actions
- Vehicle Burglary Arrests (April 2025): SPD officers successfully arrested five individuals—three adults and two minors from Brevard County—following a string of vehicle burglaries across Sebastian. This swift action demonstrated the department’s commitment to addressing property crime.
- Major Incidents (May 2025): The department recorded a significant accident (S4 Accident) and a theft incident (S39 Theft) on May 12, 2025, underscoring the daily operational demands on the Road Patrol Division.
- Narcotics Enforcement (April 2025): An incident involving the possession of not more than 20 grams of marijuana (35A MARIJUANA-POSSESS) was logged on April 14, 2025, reflecting the ongoing focus of the Investigations Division on narcotic crimes.
Community Engagement and Outreach
Beyond traditional enforcement, the SPD actively participates in community outreach programs designed to foster trust and collaboration. These initiatives are a cornerstone of the department’s Community Policing (COPE) Unit philosophy.
- Community Night Out: A major annual event, the Sebastian Police Department’s Community Night Out, is typically held in October, serving as a vital opportunity for residents to interact with officers in a positive, non-enforcement setting.
- Cone with a Cop: In April 2024, the department hosted a "Cone with a Cop" event, which provides an informal setting for officers and community members to discuss local issues over ice cream, strengthening neighborhood relationships.
The Specialized Divisions That Keep Sebastian Safe
The Sebastian Police Department is structured into several key divisions, each with specific responsibilities that contribute to the overall safety and regulatory compliance of the city. This organizational depth ensures comprehensive coverage for every type of law enforcement need.
1. Road Patrol Division and Special Operations
The Road Patrol Division is the backbone of the SPD, providing 24/7 uniformed response to calls for service, traffic enforcement, and proactive patrols. A sub-division, the Special Operations Unit, works in concert with the Road Patrol to address specific, high-priority issues.
Key Specialty Units:
- Canine Unit (K-9): The SPD's Canine Unit is highly trained and one of the most requested assets in the department, utilized for tracking, narcotics detection, and suspect apprehension.
- Traffic Enforcement: Focused on reducing traffic accidents and ensuring the safe flow of vehicles on major Sebastian roadways like U.S. Highway 1.
2. Investigations Division
Staffed by a Detective Sergeant, sworn officers, and civilian support personnel, the Investigations Division handles all follow-up investigative needs for crimes that occur within the city limits.
Core Investigative Functions:
- Person's Crimes: Including assault, battery, and other crimes against individuals.
- Property Crimes: Such as the recent vehicle burglaries, theft, and vandalism.
- Economic Crimes: Addressing fraud, embezzlement, and white-collar crime.
- Narcotic Investigations: Targeting drug distribution and possession, as seen in recent enforcement actions.
3. Support Services Division
Overseen by a Support Services Lieutenant, this division is critical for the day-to-day operations and community-focused programs.
Key Units and Services:
- Code Enforcement: Ensuring compliance with city ordinances and maintaining the aesthetic quality of Sebastian.
- COPE Unit (Community Policing): The formal unit responsible for the organizational philosophy of community engagement and partnerships.
- School Resource (SRO): Placing officers in schools to ensure student safety and serve as a resource for faculty and students.
- Police Cadets: A program designed to mentor and train future law enforcement officers.
- Housewatch: A supplementary service where officers check on the residences of citizens who are away for an extended period.
Career and Recruitment Opportunities at Sebastian PD
The Sebastian Police Department is continuously seeking qualified candidates to join its ranks, offering competitive compensation and benefits packages. For certified Police Officers, the starting annual salary is $50,003, with non-certified officers receiving full-time employee benefits while undergoing training. The department's focus on professional development and specialized units like the K-9 and Special Operations ensures a dynamic career path for those interested in public service in Indian River County.
The commitment to excellence and community safety by the SPD is evident in its long-standing leadership and the diverse range of services provided. From the latest crime fighting efforts by the Investigations Division to the proactive community outreach of the COPE Unit, the men and women of the Sebastian Police Department are dedicated to protecting the city's residents and visitors. Their work ensures Sebastian remains a safe and vibrant place to live and work, a mission that is upheld daily in 2025 and beyond.
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