Central District- Captain Richard Edwards
The Ocala Police Department Central District is operated under the management of a Captain, overseeing four Sergeants and twenty officers who are assigned community policing functions making contacts with both the business and residential communities.
The Ocala Police Departments Central District is in the heart of Ocala with several major roadways (SR 40, SR 200, US 27, 441 & 301) as well as CSX railroad which traverse the middle of the city as arteries. The boundaries are from Martin Luther King Ave (west) to NE/SE 14th Ave (east) bordered by north and south city limits.
There are three Industrial Park or Business areas including two hospitals (MRMC and Ocala Regional). Public schools include 1 high school, 1 middle school and 3 elementary schools and CFCC – Hampton Campus. In addition there is an Adult Educ. school and several private schools. Many churches of various denominations and several shopping centers are within the Central District.
The Central District is the most diverse District in the city composing of residential areas from single home dwellings to several (low income) housing/project complexes. Central District is home to three Historic sites (Ocala Historic District, Tuscawilla Historic District and the West Ocala Historic District).
The middle of the District is Downtown Ocala where you will find the Downtown Square and Tuscawilla Park where most of the City’s major Events and Festivals are hosted such as Light Up Ocala and Ocala Cultural Festival. Here you will find the City’s Governmental Offices, Judicial buildings such as both Courthouses (Marion County and Federal), the Ocala –Marion County Chamber of Commerce and the Ocala Police Department. You will find the local yet Historical Train and Bus Stations just north of downtown.
Current projects in the Central District area the SR 40 remodeling/facelift, NW 20th Street Jacksonville Road widening, and Operation Tuscawilla. Influencing bodies within the District includes the DBA (Downtown Business Alliance), North Magnolia CRA, and the DDC (Downtown Development Corporation) not including the city’s governing bodies.
East District- Captain Mike Scroble
The Ocala Police Department’s East District office is located at 38 S.E. 15th Ter, which is one block south of East Silver Springs Blvd. The District is comprised of four zones which begin in the 1600 blk of East Silver Springs Blvd. and continue east to the city limits. Each District within in the city limits is commanded by a District Captain, who oversee the management of their designated area. The East District is also has four Patrol Sergeants who supervise twenty Patrol Officers. Each District is also assigned a Criminal Investigative Unit that investigates all property crimes that occur in the District.
The majority of this District is residential with numerous businesses and retail food establishments along the main thoroughfares throughout the District. The District has several large public parks, the City of
Ocala Public Library
and a Veteran’s Memorial Park that is the site of numerous celebrations honoring veterans.
The Police Department is also well known for its community interactions with Neighborhood Watch Groups and community celebrations, such as the annual City of
Ocala Christmas Parade
.
Presently, our District is conducting an operation called “safe neighborhood” where Officers and residents are working together to improve quality of life issues in a large apartment complex.
West District- Captain Carmen Sirolli
The Ocala Police Department’s West District office is located approximately one mile east of I-75, at 2400 West SR 40. The District is comprised of four zones which begin at Martin Luther King Boulevard and continue to the West City limits. Each District within the city limits are also guided by Captains, who oversee the management of their designate area. The West District also has four Patrol Sergeants who oversee twenty officers. The West District is also assigned a Criminal Investigation Unit, which oversees property crimes.
This District consists of numerous businesses along the SR 200, SR 40 and US Highway 27 corridors. Most of businesses are retail/food establishments, with well known hotels and motels nestled in along the I-75 interchange area. We also encompass the City’s largest College, “Central Florida Community College,” who facilitates satellite Universities as well.
The Police Department is also well known for its community interactions in Neighborhood Watches, Community celebrations, such as, Martin Luther King’s Birthday, to local personalities being honored for their community awareness.
Presently, our District continues to work along with the residents of the Poinciana Heights to improve their quality of life through our “Operation Safe Neighborhood” program.
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