Community Services
Surfside Police Department Crime Prevention Programs
Citizens Police Academy – We have conducted nine Citizen Police Academies. The CPA has been an extraordinary success and we have over one hundred graduates. Residents and business people attend the firearms range, ride on a police boat, attend a K-9 demonstration, listen to guest speakers from the FBI and other agencies, and meet our officers over an eleven week period.
Residential and Commercial Security Assessment
The Surfside Police Department is now offering Surfside residents and business owners the opportunity to receive a residential or commercial security assessment at no charge. The surveys will be conducted by Officer Jay Matelis, a State of Florida Crime Prevention Practitioner.
Crime Prevention Workshops – Once a month we host a crime prevention workshop or seminar. Topics include Back to School Safety; Crimes Awareness for the Elderly, Women, and Children; Hurricane Preparedness; Home Security; Drug Awareness; School Bullying; and others.
Bicycle Registration Program – Residents may register their bicycles with the police department. This program will aid in the recovery of bicycles lost, stolen, or recovered.
Seniors in Surfside – Seniors are assisted with crime prevention awareness programs and regular contact by police officers.
Crime Mapping and Alerting System – This program is located on the Police Department's homepage in the crime reports section and allows residents to check on daily crimes or trends in their neighborhood.
Moonlight MADDness Parade and Beach Party – This is an annual event in October with Mothers Against Drunk Driving. It includes a parade to the beach where we have food, music, and fireworks with the theme to deter drunk driving.
Halloween Safety Day – Officers block off streets in the neighborhood ensuring the safety of the children and distribute glow sticks and bags of candy to the children.
Dog Registration Program – Residents may register their dogs with photos at the police station. This allows us to return found dogs to their owners instead of having County Animal Control take the animal to the pound.
Police Teen Summer Camp Program – This program operates annually during the Parks and Recreation Teen Summer Camp. One day a week the teenagers attend classes managed by police officers on different subjects. The goal is to build better relations with teenagers.
Family Fun and Drug Awareness Day – This annual family event is managed jointly by the Police Department and the Parks and Recreation Department. It includes food, games, and demonstrations by the police with the theme of drug awareness.
Neighborhood Resource Officer Program – This officer is assigned to address quality of life issues with the residents and attend homeowner, condominium, and business association meetings. Issues addressed include unleashed dogs, dogs on the beach, graffiti, trash, parking and traffic problems.
Physical Fitness Beach Boot Camp – Twice a week , an after work wellness program for Town employees is managed by a police officer who is a certified trainer. It has quickly built teamwork and camaraderie as well as fitness for fellow workers.
Neighborhood Advisory Bulletin (NAB) – Crime problems, special events, and traffic advisories will be sent from the Chief’s Office directly to residents’ email addresses to keep them up to date.
Code Red Emergency Telephone Notification System – Emergency telephone notifications or informational messages such as hurricane warnings, evacuation notices, beach closings, and missing child alerts are delivered timely and accurately to our residents and businesses.
Reserve Police Officer Program – This program consists of four certified police officers with many years of law enforcement experience. They volunteer their time to supplement the police department at no cost. Their duties include training, investigations, patrol, and assisting at community events.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) – This training will prepare you and your neighbors to respond and assist your community when an emergency strikes.