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Lynn Haven Police Department Welcomes New Chief

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Sunday, February 1st 2026 at 6:23 GMT by WJHG
      Locales: Florida, UNITED STATES

LYNN HAVEN, Fla. - February 1st, 2026 - The transition of leadership at the Lynn Haven Police Department is now fully underway, with Jeffrey Liles settling into his role as Police Chief following the retirement of William A. Davis on January 1st. While the announcement was made at the beginning of the new year, the first month of Chief Liles' tenure has been marked by a focus on community engagement and strategic planning, signaling a continued commitment to the safety and wellbeing of Lynn Haven residents.

Davis, a dedicated public servant, concluded a remarkable 27-year career with the Lynn Haven Police Department, leaving behind a legacy of service and a well-respected reputation. His departure, while bittersweet for many in the community, was celebrated with a reception honoring his years of dedication. The event served not only as a farewell to Davis but also as an introduction of Liles to the citizens he now serves.

Liles arrives in Lynn Haven bringing with him over two decades of law enforcement experience, most recently serving as Assistant Chief in Panama City. This experience is expected to be invaluable as he navigates the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the Lynn Haven community. Sources close to the Panama City Police Department describe Liles as a proactive and community-oriented leader, known for implementing innovative policing strategies and fostering strong relationships with local organizations.

The Lynn Haven City Council has voiced strong support for Liles' appointment, citing his proven track record and vision for the future of the police department. "We are confident that Chief Liles will build upon the strong foundation established by Chief Davis and lead our department with integrity, professionalism, and a dedication to serving the needs of our citizens," stated Councilwoman Patricia Miller at a recent town hall meeting. "His experience in a neighboring jurisdiction will be particularly beneficial, as we continue to collaborate with Panama City on regional safety initiatives."

Chief Liles has already outlined several key priorities for his first year in office. These include an increased emphasis on community policing, focusing on building trust and fostering positive relationships between officers and residents. He plans to implement regular "Coffee with a Cop" events and expand the department's participation in local school programs. He also intends to explore opportunities for enhanced training in areas such as de-escalation techniques, implicit bias awareness, and crisis intervention.

Another key area of focus is leveraging technology to improve public safety. Liles has expressed interest in evaluating the feasibility of implementing body-worn cameras for all officers, enhancing data analysis capabilities, and exploring the use of predictive policing tools - while ensuring strict adherence to privacy regulations and community concerns regarding data usage.

While acknowledging the department is well-managed, Liles has also indicated a desire to review current staffing levels and resource allocation to ensure the department is adequately equipped to meet the evolving needs of the community. Lynn Haven has experienced significant population growth in recent years, and the Police Department must adapt to address the increased demand for services.

Davis, speaking publicly about the transition, offered his full support to Liles. "I have had the opportunity to speak with Chief Liles and am very impressed with his leadership qualities and his commitment to serving the community," Davis said. "I am confident he will do an excellent job leading the Lynn Haven Police Department, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors."

The appointment of Jeffrey Liles represents not just a change in leadership, but an opportunity for the Lynn Haven Police Department to continue its evolution as a modern, proactive, and community-focused law enforcement agency. Residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming community events and engage with Chief Liles and his team to help shape the future of public safety in Lynn Haven.