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5 Critical Updates You Need To Know About The City Of Longwood Police Department In 2025

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The City of Longwood Police Department (LPD), a dedicated force serving the residents of Longwood, Florida, continues to evolve its operations and community engagement strategies as of December 26, 2025. This Central Florida agency, operating within Seminole County, has recently been in the news for both its innovative community outreach programs and significant internal developments. The department remains focused on its core mission: to provide 24-hour protection and enhance the quality of life for its citizens through proactive policing and strong public partnerships.

From the launch of a new, highly transparent citizen's academy to the administrative handling of internal affairs, the LPD is demonstrating its commitment to modern law enforcement practices. This article provides a deep dive into the department's leadership, structure, and the most critical, up-to-the-minute news and initiatives shaping the agency today.

Leadership Profile: Chief David Dowda and the LPD Command Staff

The Longwood Police Department is guided by a seasoned command staff, led by a Chief whose entire law enforcement career has been dedicated to the City of Longwood. Understanding the leadership is essential to grasping the department's philosophy and direction.

Chief of Police: David Dowda

  • Full Name: David Dowda
  • Current Role: Chief of Police, Longwood Police Department (LPD)
  • Start Date with LPD: May 5, 1992
  • Career Trajectory: Began his service as a reserve police officer before ascending through the ranks.
  • Service Milestone: Has dedicated over 30 years of his professional career to the Longwood community.
  • Leadership Philosophy: Focused on community engagement, professional development within the force, and maintaining a high standard of public safety in Seminole County.

Deputy Chief of Police: Michael Aprile

Deputy Chief Michael Aprile serves as a key figure in the LPD command structure. With a diverse and accomplished background in law enforcement, Deputy Chief Aprile brings a wealth of operational and administrative experience, working closely with Chief Dowda to manage the department’s daily functions and strategic planning.

Key Command Staff and Divisions

The department’s operations are segmented into critical areas, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the city. Key staff members include:

  • Lieutenant/Patrol Division & Fleet Services: Adam Bryant
  • Lieutenant / Special Services: Adolfo Gutierrez

This structure ensures that everything from frontline patrol operations and traffic enforcement to specialized units and vehicle maintenance is managed efficiently.

1. The Launch of the PARTNERS Program: A New Era of Community Policing

One of the most significant and recent initiatives by the City of Longwood Police Department is the introduction of the first-ever PARTNERS Program. This community law enforcement academy is a direct, proactive step toward fostering stronger, more transparent ties between the police force and the residents it serves.

What is the PARTNERS Program?

The PARTNERS Program is an intensive, behind-the-scenes look at the daily operations of the Longwood Police Department.

  • Goal: To educate citizens about law enforcement procedures, decision-making processes, and the challenges officers face.
  • Curriculum: Participants gain hands-on experience and knowledge about the Patrol Division, K-9 Teams, Investigations, and Special Services.
  • Impact: It facilitates a direct line of communication, helping to build mutual trust and understanding, which is the foundation of effective community policing. This initiative is a model for other agencies in Central Florida looking to enhance their community outreach programs.

2. Recent Officer Resignation Amid Internal Investigation (September 2025)

In a commitment to transparency and accountability, the LPD faced a notable internal matter in late 2025. A corporal with the department resigned in September 2025 during an administrative investigation into his actions during an incident involving a 17-year-old boy who was placed into custody.

Details of the Incident

The internal affairs investigation was initiated following the incident, which reportedly stemmed from a 911 call. The officer chose to resign while the investigation was still underway, a move that officials confirmed. This event underscores the LPD's internal processes for handling misconduct allegations, ensuring that the actions of its officers are subject to scrutiny and administrative review, even when an officer chooses to leave the force.

The incident, while unfortunate, highlights the department's dedication to maintaining public trust and adhering to strict professional standards within the Seminole County law enforcement community. The outcome of the investigation, though impacted by the resignation, serves as a reminder of the constant need for vigilance and adherence to protocol in all police-citizen interactions.

3. Core Operational Structure and Specialized Units

The City of Longwood Police Department is a full-service agency, typically comprised of approximately 48 to 50 law enforcement officers and support staff, providing continuous 24-hour coverage to the city’s residents.

Uniform Patrol Division

The Uniform Patrol Officers are the first responders to emergencies and calls for service across the city. They are the most visible component of the LPD, responsible for:

  • Routine patrols and traffic enforcement.
  • Responding to 911 calls and emergency situations.
  • Crime prevention and maintaining public order.

Specialized Teams

To address specific needs, the LPD operates several specialized units, enhancing their operational capabilities:

  • Police K-9 Teams: The department employs three full-service Police K-9 Teams, which are vital for tracking, apprehension, and narcotics detection.
  • School Resource Officer (SRO) Program: A crucial partnership between the LPD, local schools, and the community, ensuring safety and building positive relationships with students.
  • Criminal Investigations Division: Responsible for following up on major crimes, gathering evidence, and preparing cases for prosecution.

4. Essential Community Outreach and Public Safety Programs

Beyond the high-profile PARTNERS Program, the LPD maintains several long-standing public safety and community outreach programs designed to keep Longwood safe and informed. These initiatives are key LSI keywords demonstrating topical authority on the City of Longwood's public safety efforts.

  • Police Community Forum: Regular events designed for engagement, information sharing, and direct dialogue between the public and the police command staff.
  • Internet Purchase Exchange Location: A designated, safe zone at the police station for residents to complete online transactions, reducing the risk of robbery or fraud.
  • MedReturn Program: A vital public health initiative that allows citizens to safely and properly dispose of excess or expired prescription medications, preventing drug misuse and environmental contamination.
  • House Watch Program: A service offered to residents who are going on vacation, where officers conduct periodic checks on the property to deter burglaries.
  • Neighborhood Watch: Encouraging active citizen participation in crime prevention by organizing local groups to look out for one another.

5. Accident Reporting and Public Records Access

The LPD is also a key resource for logistical and administrative needs, particularly concerning traffic incidents. Residents involved in accidents within the city limits can utilize the department's services for accident report retrieval. The Florida Crash Portal is the standard mechanism for accessing these official records, a service the Longwood Police Department facilitates for its citizens. This streamlined process is part of the LPD's commitment to efficient administrative services, ensuring that necessary documentation for insurance and legal purposes is accessible to the public.

The City of Longwood Police Department, under the leadership of Chief David Dowda and Deputy Chief Michael Aprile, is clearly navigating a complex and modern law enforcement landscape. By embracing new community engagement models like the PARTNERS Program and maintaining a rigorous standard of internal accountability, the LPD continues its mission to protect and serve the vibrant community of Longwood, Florida.

5 Critical Updates You Need to Know About the City of Longwood Police Department in 2025
city of longwood police department
city of longwood police department

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