7 Vital Facts About The Atlantic Beach Police Department (ABPD) You Need To Know In 2025

The Atlantic Beach Police Department (ABPD), a cornerstone of public safety in the picturesque Duval County, Florida, remains committed to serving its residents and visitors with a focus on community-oriented policing. As of today, December 17, 2025, the department continues to implement modern strategies and foster strong local partnerships to maintain the city’s reputation as a safe, desirable coastal community.

This article provides an in-depth look at the ABPD's current operations, key leadership, recent developments from 2025, and the essential programs designed to enhance public safety, offering a fresh, unique, and authoritative perspective on law enforcement in Atlantic Beach, FL.

Leadership and Structure: Meet Chief Victor Gualillo

The Atlantic Beach Police Department is led by a dedicated team, with Chief of Police Victor Gualillo at the helm. Chief Gualillo is a familiar and respected figure in the community, having begun his law enforcement career as a patrol officer with the ABPD in March 1991.

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His deep roots in the department and decades of experience provide a stable foundation for the city’s law enforcement strategy. The department’s structure is designed for comprehensive coverage of the beach community, balancing traditional policing with specialized services.

• Chief of Police: Victor L. Gualillo
• Sworn Officers: The department employs 33 sworn police officers.
• Non-Sworn Staff: 15 non-sworn members support administrative and operational functions.
• Seasonal Lifeguards: Over 20 seasonal lifeguards fall under the ABPD’s umbrella, playing a crucial role in beach safety and emergency response, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Location: The ABPD is headquartered at 850 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233.

Atlantic Beach Crime Statistics: A 2025 Overview

Atlantic Beach, FL, consistently maintains a safety profile that is significantly better than the national average. The department’s proactive approach to community policing is reflected in the city’s overall crime metrics.

According to recent analysis, Atlantic Beach’s total crime rate is reported to be 41% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This places the city in a favorable position regarding safety, making it an attractive place to live and visit.

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Key Crime Data Points:

• Overall Crime Score: The city holds an impressive overall crime score of A-, indicating a Very low crime environment.
• Projected Cost of Crime (2025): The total projected cost of crime in Atlantic Beach for 2025 is estimated at $1,671,037, which translates to approximately $65 per resident.
• Reporting System Transition: In 2022, the ABPD successfully transitioned its reporting methods from the older Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) summary system to the new Florida Incident-based Reporting system (FIBRS). This transition provides more detailed and comprehensive data on criminal incidents.

Recent Developments and Public Safety Initiatives in 2025

The year 2025 has seen the Atlantic Beach Police Department actively involved in several high-profile incidents and crucial public safety campaigns, demonstrating their commitment to immediate response and community awareness.

High-Profile Incidents:

In August 2025, the ABPD was involved in a significant incident that resulted in a police-involved shooting following a standoff in Atlantic Beach. Additionally, the department launched an investigation into the death of a woman found in an Atlantic Beach home in early August 2025. These events underscore the reality of serious crime even within a low-crime area and the demanding nature of police work.

Community Alerts and Awareness:

The department has been proactive in issuing public warnings. In July 2025, the ABPD shared an email scam alert to warn residents about potential fraudulent activities. They also issued a Rabies Alert to ensure the safety of residents and their pets. Furthermore, the ABPD continues to provide safety tips, such as those for Trick-or-Treat and Halloween safety, to ensure seasonal community events remain secure.

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Strengthening Community Engagement and Partnerships

A core tenet of the ABPD's philosophy is community engagement. The department leverages several programs and partnerships to build trust and facilitate a two-way flow of information with residents, a concept often referred to as community-oriented policing.

The Relaunch of the Citizens Police Academy (CPA)

A major development for community relations is the planned relaunch of the Citizens Police Academy (CPA). The program is scheduled to gear back up in January 2026. The CPA is designed to strengthen the relationship between the ABPD and the public by offering citizens a hands-on, educational experience that provides insight into the daily operations and challenges of law enforcement.

SaferWatch App Partnership

The ABPD actively promotes the use of the SaferWatch App. This innovative tool allows citizens to partner with the police for enhanced public safety. The app enables community members to report non-emergency issues, share tips, and receive timely alerts from the department, creating a powerful, collaborative network for crime prevention.

National Night Out (NNO)

The department is a regular participant in National Night Out (NNO), an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. The event is a crucial opportunity for residents to meet officers in a relaxed setting and discuss local issues.

Essential Police Services and Divisions

Beyond patrol and investigations, the Atlantic Beach Police Department offers a variety of specialized services crucial to the unique demands of a coastal Florida city.

• Beach Safety and Lifeguard Services: As a beach town, the integration of lifeguard services is vital. The ABPD oversees the seasonal lifeguards who ensure the safety of swimmers and beachgoers, often being the first responders to water-related emergencies.
• Animal Control: The department also manages Animal Control services, addressing issues related to domestic and wild animals within the city limits, including responding to alerts like the Rabies Alert issued in 2025.
• House Check Requests: For residents who are traveling, the ABPD offers a House Check Request service, allowing officers to periodically check on a vacant property to deter potential burglaries.
• Home Security Checklist: The department provides resources like a Home Security Checklist to help residents proactively secure their homes against property crime.

Partnering with the ABPD for a Safer Atlantic Beach

The Atlantic Beach Police Department emphasizes that public safety is a shared responsibility. The low crime rate statistics are a testament not only to the dedication of the 33 sworn officers but also to the active participation of the Atlantic Beach community. By utilizing resources like the SaferWatch App, participating in the upcoming Citizens Police Academy, and staying informed via official alerts, residents can directly contribute to maintaining the high quality of life and safety that Atlantic Beach, FL, is known for. The commitment of Chief Victor Gualillo and his team to transparency and community partnership ensures the department remains a respected and effective guardian of the city.

For non-emergency inquiries or to learn more about programs like Volunteers In Police Services (VIPS), citizens are encouraged to visit the official City of Atlantic Beach website or contact the department directly at their Seminole Road location.