The decade of the 1980’s brought new, unparalleled challenges to the OPD.  By the end of the decade, Ocala would be a major metropolitan area, experiencing both the pleasures and pain of rapid, diverse growth.

 The first sign of the 1980’s was the development of Paddock Mall on SR 200 on land that was once a horse farm.  Prior to the mall’s construction, SR 200 consisted of Central Florida Junior College, a few small businesses and mostly open country or horse farms.  Paddock Mall changed the entire complexion of Ocala, as this area became the primary growth section.

 Motorcycles were returned to the OPD in the 1980’s.  While they had been a major part of the police department in the 1940’s and 1950’s, motorcycles had lost their appeal in the 1960’s.  But with Ocala’s increasing traffic problems, the value of these vehicles was quickly seen.

 As crime increased in the city due to rapid growth and changes, the OPD established a Street Crimes Unit.  This group of officers worked both in uniform and plainclothes to handle street level crimes.  But as drugs became more dominant, especially crack cocaine in the mid 1980’s, this unit was merged with a unit from the Marion County Sheriff;s Department to become the Ocala / Marion Drug Task Force.  The unit is now known as the Multi Agency Drug Enforcement Team, or M.A.D.E.T.

 The OPD committed itself to a philosophy of policing that emphasized personal contact and involvement with the residents of Ocala, later labeled "Community Policing." Ocala was already well into implementing this personal style of policing.  The first organized effort was the Community Programs Unit (CPU), established in N.H. Jones Housing Complex, using a small building as a converted office.  Prior to the CPU, in 1984, the Community Awareness Program established offices at Deer Run 1 and 2, Parkside and Shady Hollow Complexes.  Programs were also held at Harvey Fellowship, Sutton Place, and Forest View complexes.  Deer Run 1 had the first out-of-headquarters office.