In April of 1990, the department restructured itself in a big way.  Two districts – Ocala’s first precincts – were formed.  The two districts divided the city roughly in half, east and west.  These Districts, headed by majors, comprised an Operation Bureau.  Most operational functions, patrol, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, and street crime intervention, were unified under the district command.

 The department was given remodeled duplexes in two public housing projects.  District operations were moved out of the headquarters building into these two district offices.  Dual primary radio dispatch channels were implemented.

 The district commanders became responsible for nearly all activities and programs within their districts.  Remaining centralized were: Special Investigations, Crime Prevention, and the (combined) Narcotic and Vice Task Force.

 In February 1995, Morrey Deen is appointed Chief of Police to succeed Lee McGehee.

 The 800 Mhz Radio Communications system becomes operational.

 The B.O.L.O. (BE ON THE LOOKOUT) television show is developed and broadcast weekly.

 A Director of Community Affairs was appointed.  That position also held the public information officer role.

 Motorcycle Traffic Enforcement Units became self directed teams.

 Bicycle patrol units were formed, as was a department Honor / Color Guard.

 The department began conducting “Citizen Police Academies.”

 The department forms its own Member Advisory Team, empowering employees in decision making.

 City Council decided to purchase the old W.T. Grant building near South Pine Avenue and Third Street.  Plans went into effect to renovate it and in November 1999, it became the Ocala Police Department’s new state of the art headquarters.