PUBLIC SERVICE: Marquis Shackelford is Melbourne Police Department Newest Resource Officer

Officer Shackelford has been a dedicated department member for over seven years

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA — Marquis Shackelford is the newest Melbourne Police Department Community Resource Officer.

MPD officials said Shackelford has been a dedicated department member for over seven years, serving as both a Field Training Officer and a valued member of the Emergency Response Team.

What makes this even more remarkable is that he was born in Melbourne and is excited about this opportunity to connect with his community, build relationships, and make a positive impact.

Community Resource Officers are vital in strengthening relationships with citizens and youth, and the Melbourne Police Department can’t wait to see what great things he will accomplish in this role.

The Melbourne Police Department is committed to providing professional law enforcement services to a diverse population of approximately 85,000 residents. MPD operates under a community-oriented policing philosophy and strives to foster trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the public.

The MPD is organized into several major divisions and units, each responsible for specific aspects of law enforcement:

Command Staff

Chief of Police: The highest-ranking official responsible for the overall leadership and direction of the department.

Deputy Chiefs: Oversee major operations, including the Patrol and Support Services Divisions.

Divisions and Units

Patrol Division

Uniformed patrol officers provide 24/7 response to emergencies, traffic incidents, and calls for service.

Divided into geographical zones for faster and more efficient coverage.

Criminal Investigations Division (CID)

Handles investigations related to major crimes such as homicides, robberies, sex crimes, and narcotics.

Includes specialized units for violent crimes, property crimes, and juvenile offenses.

Special Operations Division

Includes K-9 Unit, Traffic Enforcement, SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics), and Marine Patrol.

Responds to high-risk operations and supports major events and public safety incidents.

Community Relations Unit

Builds partnerships with residents, businesses, and community groups.

Includes programs like Neighborhood Watch, Citizens Police Academy, and youth engagement initiatives.

Professional Standards

Oversees internal affairs, policy development, training, and officer certification.

Records and Support Services

Manages records, evidence processing, and administrative support tasks.

Staffing and Resources

Sworn Officers: Approximately 170-190.

Civilian Staff: Includes administrative assistants, dispatchers, evidence technicians, and more.

Fleet: Modern patrol vehicles, motorcycles, marine units, and tactical response vehicles.

Technology: Body-worn cameras, computer-aided dispatch (CAD), license plate readers, crime analysis software.

Community Engagement

MPD emphasizes transparency and relationship-building with the public through various programs:

National Night Out: Annual community-building event promoting police-community partnerships.

Coffee with a Cop: Informal meet-and-greets between officers and residents.

School Resource Officers (SROs): Deployed in local schools to ensure safety and provide mentoring.

Social Media Outreach: Active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to provide alerts, safety tips, and community updates.

Crime and Safety

Melbourne, like many urban areas, experiences crime typical of a city its size. MPD uses data-driven policing strategies such as:

Crime Mapping: Identifying hotspots for targeted patrols.

Intelligence-Led Policing (ILP): Gathering and analyzing criminal intelligence to predict and prevent crime.

Community-Oriented Policing: Collaborative problem-solving with residents and stakeholders.

Recent Developments and Initiatives

Body Camera Expansion: Increased transparency and accountability.

Mental Health Crisis Intervention Training: Officers trained to respond effectively to individuals in crisis.

Opioid Response Initiatives: Collaborating with public health agencies to combat overdose deaths.

Diversity and Inclusion Training: Promoting equity in policing practices.

Accreditation and Recognition

Accredited by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA).

Recognized for its commitment to professional standards, ethics, and community trust.

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