Director’s Message

                                     Robert H. Stabe Jr., Director

The mission of the Indian River Shores Department of public Safety is to protect the lives and property of its citizens and visitors by providing the highest level of professional Public Safety services possible in partnership with the community. The goal of the Department is to ensure the highest quality of life for every citizen we serve. The Department's foundation is to provide a commitment of "Service Excellence," that is, to begin with pride and end with excellence.

        "Service Excellence" implies that the Department places an emphasis on resident communication, community needs, public safety, and education. "Service Excellence" requires that Public Safety Officers strive to maximize their visibility and communicate with its residents through its Community Liaison, and Code Enforcement Officers. "Service Excellence" translates to Community Oriented Policing, which places the Officers in the neighborhoods, providing whatever services and security are necessary on a continuing basis.

         In February of 2009, the Commission of Florida Law Enforcement awarded Accreditation Status to the Department. Reaching this level of professional standards has only been received by 30% of the over 400 law enforcement agencies in the State, and assures that the Department has complied with over 300 policies that govern each aspect of the operation including structure, organization, training, hiring, personnel, and response to emergencies and routine calls. This accreditation was only valid for three years, after which it was required that the Department re-demonstrate that it has continued to meet and provide extensive documentation in support of satisfying all of the policies which the State dictates are prerequisites for accreditation.

        Everyday management of the Department is the responsibility of Lieutenant Mike Jacobs. Lt. Jacobs oversees all law enforcement and fire/rescue responsibilities including planning, administrative management, personnel matters, training, and equipment maintenance. Reporting to Lt. Jacobs are four Sergeants with responsibility to manage each of the three shifts (Sergeants Bart Crosby, Mark Shaw, Tony Dudley) and Detective Sergeant and Community Liaison Officer Shawn Hoyt.

         The Department's website and its "My Community Watch" page are updated continuously providing Town residents with articles of interest relating to health and safety, Public Safety services, Town news, and hurricane information. The Public Safety Alert System provides subscribers with cell phone and/or e-mail notifications related to weather, suspicious activity, and any public health/safety threats. Residents can choose to receive these alerts by signing-up at www.irspsd.org and click onto My Community Watch/Sign-Up Now.