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7 Major Changes And New Initiatives Driving The City Of Eustis Police Department’s Modern Era

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The City of Eustis Police Department (EPD) has entered a transformative period, marked by new leadership, cutting-edge technology, and a renewed commitment to community-centric policing. As of the current date in late 2025, the department is actively pursuing expansion and implementing initiatives that are setting new standards for law enforcement across Central Florida, directly responding to the city’s significant population growth and evolving public safety needs. This deep dive reveals the most critical updates and programs defining the EPD’s proactive approach today.

The changes are not merely cosmetic; they are structural and technological, aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and officer presence. From achieving perfect compliance in state accreditation to pioneering the use of school-zone safety technology, the Eustis Police Department is focused on maintaining the city’s reputation as a safe and thriving community on the shores of Lake Eustis.

The New Era of Leadership: Chief Craig Capri and Department Profile

The recent shift in the department’s trajectory is largely attributed to the arrival of its new leader. Chief Craig Capri brought decades of experience from the Daytona Beach Police Department, immediately initiating a series of structural and operational changes to modernize the EPD and foster a closer relationship with residents. His tenure has been defined by a philosophy of proactive policing and community engagement.

Eustis Police Department Leadership & Profile:

  • Department Head: Chief Craig Capri
  • Total Employees: 62 personnel
  • Sworn Officers: 41 officers, maintaining a highly visible, proactive patrol strategy.
  • Jurisdiction: The City of Eustis, Florida, including the historic downtown and surrounding residential areas.
  • Core Mission: To provide professional, courteous, fair, and equitable law enforcement services through excellence and integrity.
  • Recent Focus: Expansion of officer ranks through seeking federal funding to meet the demands of rapid population growth.

1. Achieving 100% Compliance: The Gold Standard Reaccreditation

One of the most significant recent achievements for the department is its reaccreditation by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA). This process is rigorous, requiring a department to meet and maintain hundreds of standards covering every aspect of police operations, from use of force to property management.

The Eustis Police Department was reaccredited with a rare and impressive 100% compliance rating. This perfect score is a testament to the dedication of the officers and staff, signaling that the department's policies and practices are not only up-to-date but exceed state benchmarks for professional excellence. The reaccreditation provides a strong foundation for the EPD's commitment to accountability and Bias Free Policing.

2. Florida’s First: Pioneering School-Zone Speed Cameras

Under Chief Capri’s direction, the Eustis Police Department became the first law enforcement agency in Florida to install and activate school-zone speed cameras. This groundbreaking initiative is a direct response to concerns about student safety during peak school hours and represents a major technological and policy shift.

The implementation of the speed cameras is part of a broader safety measure designed to deter reckless driving in areas where children are present. The initiative has been noted for its effectiveness in immediately reducing the number of speeding violations in the designated school zones, highlighting the department’s willingness to adopt innovative solutions to protect its youngest citizens. This technology is a key component of the EPD’s Proactive Policing strategy.

3. Enhanced Community Engagement Through New Technology and Programs

The EPD is leveraging modern tools to close the gap between officers and the community they serve. A key step in this direction was the launch of a dedicated Eustis Police Department smartphone application. This app serves as a centralized hub for residents to access:

  • Real-time community event updates and program schedules.
  • Alerts and notifications for public safety issues.
  • Easy access to non-emergency services and contact information.
  • Crime Reports and transparency data.

Beyond the digital realm, the EPD continues to invest heavily in traditional, high-impact community outreach programs. These initiatives are essential for building trust and gathering crucial intelligence from the Neighborhood Watch groups:

  • Citizens Police Academy: An educational program offering residents an in-depth, hands-on look at police operations.
  • “Coffee with a Cop”: Informal sessions designed to foster open dialogue between residents and officers.
  • “Shop with a Cop”: An annual holiday event where officers take local children shopping, supported by donations from the community and organizations like the Golden Triangle Eagles 4335.

4. The Evolution of Specialized Units and Canine Support

The department maintains a robust structure of specialized units to handle diverse law enforcement challenges, contributing significantly to the city’s lower-than-national-average crime rates. These units ensure a tailored response to complex situations:

  • Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU): Focused on solving major crimes and complex cases.
  • Special Enforcement Unit (SEU): Targets specific crime trends and high-risk operations.
  • SWAT Team: Provides tactical support for high-risk warrants and hostage situations.
  • Bicycle Patrol Program: Increases officer visibility and accessibility in downtown areas and parks.

The EPD’s K-9 Unit is also undergoing modernization. The unit utilizes highly trained dogs, including breeds like the German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Labrador, for patrol, scent work, and narcotics detection. A particularly heartwarming addition is the department’s new therapy dog, Echo, who is tasked with providing comfort and support to victims, witnesses, and department personnel, signaling a focus on mental well-being within the community and the force.

5. Investing in Youth and Future Generations

The Eustis Police Department understands that community safety begins with investing in youth. The department has become a key partner in the City Manager's Education Initiative, a mentorship and tutoring program designed to support local students. By reinvesting seized funds back into these types of programs, the EPD is directly contributing to educational and constructive outlets for young residents.

Furthermore, the department has shown direct support for local school activities, such as funding new uniforms for the Eustis Junior High School football team. This contribution aligns with the EPD’s goal of providing positive, structured opportunities that build character and community spirit, reinforcing the role of School Resource Officers (SROs) in the city’s educational institutions.

6. Strategic Expansion to Meet Population Demands

As the City of Eustis continues to experience significant population growth, the demand for law enforcement services is increasing. The EPD is proactively addressing this by planning a major expansion of its police force. The department is actively seeking federal funding to add more sworn officers to its ranks. This strategic move is crucial for maintaining the current high level of service and low crime rates. By increasing staffing, the EPD aims to:

  • Reduce response times across a growing service area.
  • Increase the frequency of proactive, highly visible patrols.
  • Maintain manageable workloads for the existing 41 officers.

7. Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

Under the new leadership, there is an explicit commitment to transparency. The EPD openly promotes its adherence to principles of Bias Free Policing and Proactive Policing, inviting public scrutiny and feedback. The department makes it easy for citizens to access crime reports and information, ensuring that the community remains informed about local public safety trends. This focus on accountability is what earned the EPD its perfect compliance rating and continues to be a cornerstone of its operational philosophy, solidifying the department’s modern, professional identity.

7 Major Changes and New Initiatives Driving the City of Eustis Police Department’s Modern Era
city of eustis police department
city of eustis police department

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