History of the Cape Coral Police Department

1970 The City of Cape Coral, with a population of 11,470, was incorporated.
1971 The Cape Coral Police Department was founded with a staff of six, with James White
            as the Chief of Police.
1974 Staff moved into a new (existing) police station at 815 Nicholas Parkway. 
           There is now a staff of 45 employees.
1977 The department has a multi-channel communications system which monitors
            public works, sheriff & ambulance frequencies, as well as calls from patrol cars.
1977 One of the most requested police programs is the vacation housecheck.
           Owners leave the information on whom to contact, who has a key to the house,
           which lights will be left on, and what cars are in the driveway. Police stop 
           and check the property as often as possible.
1980 Staff now consists of 58 employees; sworn and civilian.
1985 First K-9 unit consisted of one dog; "Thunder".
1986 The police department was expanded at its current site.
1986 Chief Mac Vines replaces Chief James White.
1987 SWAT team first organized.
1988 First Motorcycle Unit consisted of two mortorcycles.
1989 Chief Lynn Rowe replaces Chief Mac Vines.
1989 The Cape Coral Police Department's first accreditation was awarded.
1990 The Volunteer Unit was formed to aid in community policing.
1994 Chief Arnold Gibbs replaces Chief Lynn Rowe.
1995 First department run youth center in operation.
1995 Series of grants written to advocate community policing including Neighborhood
           Resource Officers, Victim's Advocate, and the Youth Crime Intervention unit.
1995 Vehicle "take home" program was initiated.
1996 "Do The Right Thing" youth recognition program held its first ceremony.
1998 Cape Coral's first Citizens Police Academy took place.
2002 Chief Daniel Alexander replaces retiring Chief Arnold Gibbs.
2002 Patrol cars are equipped with in-car video cameras.
2003 Laptop computers purchased for patrol cars.
2003 Wm. "Bill" Austin Youth Center opens.
2003 Police Department is expanded to include the attached "city hall" building.
2004 Cape Coral's first Youth Police Academy took place.
2006 Department gets underwater operations vehicle and gear including underwater
           wireless coms and encapsulation suits (dry suits) for our 5 person dive team.
2006 Police Department obtains a 44 foot mobile command vehicle to assist with
           disaster recovery, homeland security, and major incident and event coordination.
2006 Chief Rob Petrovich replaces Chief Dan Alexander.
2008 August - ground breaking for new police headquarters 
         October - 252 sworn staff, 129 civilian staff