When you think of New Smyrna Beach, you probably picture the surfers at the inlet or the crowds on Flagler Avenue. You aren’t thinking about the logistics of keeping a "shark bite capital" and a top-tier tourist destination safe. Honestly, most people don't. But the New Smyrna Beach Florida Police Department deals with a reality that’s a lot more complex than just writing parking tickets for beachgoers.
Managing a city that swells from roughly 30,000 permanent residents to hundreds of thousands of visitors during peak season is a wild balancing act.
Who Is Actually Running the Show?
Right now, Chief Chris Kirk is at the helm. He stepped into the role following the resignation of Eric Feldman in 2025. Kirk isn't some outsider; he was the Deputy Chief before moving up, so he knows the local quirks. He’s basically the guy responsible for making sure the department stays ahead of the rapid growth Volusia County is seeing.
The department operates out of its headquarters at 246 Industrial Park Avenue. If you’ve ever had to pay a parking citation in person, you’ve likely been there. It’s tucked away from the beach, which is probably for the best given how crazy traffic gets on the North Causeway during the summer.
The Co-Responder Model: Something You Won't See Everywhere
One of the coolest things—and I use that term seriously—about the New Smyrna Beach Florida Police Department is their Community Outreach Unit. Most people assume police work is just handcuffs and sirens.
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But NSB was the first in Volusia County to really lean into a "Co-Responder" model. Basically, they have a full-time Mental Health Clinician, Kimberly Jensen, who rides along or consults with officers. Instead of just throwing someone in jail who's having a mental health crisis or struggling with homelessness, they actually try to bridge the gap to social services. It’s a nuanced approach that saves a lot of tax dollars and, more importantly, keeps people out of a cycle of unnecessary arrests.
The Specialized Squads
You’ve got the standard patrol officers, sure, but there are a few units that do the heavy lifting in specific areas:
- The Marine Unit: Essential for a town with this much water. They handle everything from boating safety to those rare, dramatic water rescues.
- K-9 Unit: These dogs aren't just for show; they're heavily involved in narcotics and tracking.
- Animal Services: In a beach town, you’d be surprised how many "disturbances" are actually just loose dogs or wildlife issues.
- Criminal Investigations Division (CID): These are the detectives. They handle the bigger stuff—burglaries, aggravated assaults, and the occasional high-profile case that makes the local news.
Real Talk: The Challenges of 2026
NSB isn't Mayberry.
The department has been dealing with some pretty heavy stuff lately. In late 2025, they were investigating a massive $126,000 vandalism case at a local golf course where some teenagers decided to do donuts in a truck and destroyed the greens. Then you have the "Spring Break" effect. Every year, the department has to ramp up patrols to deal with the influx of college kids, which often leads to arrests for weapons or disorderly conduct.
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And let's not forget the "Shark Bite Capital" title. While the lifeguards handle the water, the New Smyrna Beach Florida Police Department is often the first on the scene for the chaos that follows on the shore when a 72-year-old surfer has to rescue someone from a rip current or a teen gets nipped by a blacktip.
How to Actually Get Help (Without Calling 911)
Don't be that person who calls 911 because someone parked in front of your driveway.
If you need a report or want to report something minor, use the non-emergency dispatch number: (386) 424-2000. If you’re looking for records or background checks, the lobby is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Also, they have this thing called the Police Care Program. If you live alone or you're elderly, you can sign up, and the department basically keeps a closer eye on your well-being. It’s one of those small-town touches that still exists even as the city grows.
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Actionable Steps for Residents and Visitors
If you're interacting with the New Smyrna Beach Florida Police Department, here’s the smart way to do it:
- Download the App: Use the "NSBConnect" app or follow their Facebook page (@NSBPolice). They are surprisingly active there with traffic alerts and crime stubs.
- Pay Citations Online: Don't waste your vacation driving to Industrial Park Ave. You can pay parking tickets via the city's official website.
- Register Your Tech: If you live here, register your security cameras with the department. It doesn't give them "live access," but it lets them know who to call if a crime happens on your street.
- Join the Volunteers: They have a Citizen Volunteer Program if you actually want to help with neighborhood security patrols or special events.
The department is currently working through their 2025-2027 Strategic Plan, focusing heavily on technology upgrades and recruitment. Given the cost of living in Florida right now, keeping good officers is a challenge every department is facing, and NSB is no exception. They’re constantly looking for new recruits, so if you're looking for a career change that involves a beach view, that's where to start.
Official Contact Details:
- Address: 246 Industrial Park Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
- Non-Emergency Phone: (386) 424-2220
- Records Division: (386) 424-2241
- Police Chief: Chris Kirk