Staff and Divisions

Todd R. Garrison, Police Chief

Chief Todd R. Garrison was officially sworn in as the 20th Chief of Police for the City of North Port on July 18, 2018. A third-generation law enforcement officer, Chief Garrison brings over three decades of dedicated public service and leadership to the North Port Police Department.

Chief Garrison began his law enforcement career in 1992 with the Kenneth City Police Department in Florida. In 1994, he joined the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, where he served in multiple divisions including Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Civil, and Special Operations. Rising through the ranks over a distinguished 24.5-year tenure, he retired as a Major in 2018 upon his appointment as Chief of Police in North Port.

Chief Garrison holds an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Edison State College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Hodges University. He is a graduate of the Executive Academy of Government Leadership and Ethics at Florida Gulf Coast University, the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) through the Police Executive Research Forum, and the prestigious FBI National Academy (Session 252).

A respected leader in Florida law enforcement, Chief Garrison currently serves as District 1 Director on the Board of the Florida Police Chiefs Association and is a Board Member of the Florida Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates. He also chairs the Sarasota Criminal Justice Academy Advisory Board and serves as Co-Chairperson of the Region 10 Training Council under the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission.

Chief Garrison's exemplary service and leadership have been recognized with several honors, including the William B. Berger Outstanding Chief Executive of the Year Award (2023) from the Florida Police Chiefs Association and the Chief Executive of the Year Award (2023) from the Southwest Florida Police Chiefs Association.

Christopher Morales, Deputy Chief of Police 

Deputy Chief Chris Morales began his law enforcement career as a North Port Police Explorer and a Sarasota County Sheriff Corrections Deputy before being hired as a police officer in 2000. Deputy Chief Morales has served in many different facets of the Department beginning as a road patrol officer, Field Training Officer, Detective in property crimes and person crimes, with his longest tenure in the Criminal Investigations Division. In February of 2011, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, assigned to road patrol and was later reassigned to the Criminal Investigations Division as the Detective Sergeant over the Person Crimes Unit. In February of 2013, Deputy Chief Morales was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant of the Criminal Investigations Division and later promoted to Captain. He was sworn in as Deputy Chief on August 6, 2018.

During his tenure as Captain, Deputy Chief Morales was instrumental in the creation of our Department’s Computer Forensic Lab, Narcotics Unit, Special Response Team, and Traffic Unit. He offers a variety of expertise to the management team and currently oversees all operations of the agency.

Among his many accomplishments, Deputy Chief Morales has earned a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Criminal Justice from Hodges University graduating with honors Summa Cum Laude. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy 264th Session and has obtained the Leadership Trilogy status through the FBI-LEEDA program. He is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) Session 81. He is also the recipient of the 2014 and 2024 Command Officer of the Year Award for the Southwest Florida Police Chiefs' Association.

Josh Taylor, Chief of Staff/Public Information Officer

jtaylor@northportpdfl.gov

Josh Taylor joined the city of North Port as the Public Information Officer in 2015. Josh was named the Communications Manager/Public Information Officer for the City in 2017. Josh was named the Chief of Staff/Public Information Officer for the North Port Police Department in 2024.

The Chief of Staff/PIO oversees critical projects by the Office of the Chief of Police, streamlines decision-making processes, and continues to ensure that the department's resources are allocated effectively to support officers and the community. The position heads all communications, social media, and traditional media relations for the NPPD as the lead PIO.

Prior to joining the City's team, Josh was a news reporter and anchor with ABC 7 WWSB in Sarasota, Florida. Josh spent 13 years on-air with ABC 7. Josh is currently a member of the Florida Police Chief’s Association, National Information Officers Association, North Port Police Officers Association, and sits on the board as Past President of the Florida Municipal Communicators Association. Josh has received additional training through the International Association of Chiefs of Police and is a graduate of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. He is a lifelong resident of Sarasota County. His background, education, and his deep understanding of our community and our operations make him the ideal fit.

With Josh’s help, the City of North Port has been recognized as one of the leading municipalities in the country for social media use. The accolades include the "Best Use of Facebook" by the 3CMA City-County Communications & Marketing Association. 3CMA has also recognized the city for their “Overall Social Media Strategy”. During Josh’s time, the Government in Social Media organization has recognized the City of North Port and the North Port Police Department for having the “Best Social Media Policy” and the “Best Social Media Strategy for Solving Crime” in the Country.

About the Office

The position is responsible for ensuring the public and staff have every ability to gather information relating to NPPD. This includes providing accurate and timely information through a number of platforms directly to the public, internally, and to media outlets.

Duties of this office include:

• Releasing accurate and timely information to the local media, the public, and staff
• Responding to media inquiries in a timely manner to ensure stronger communication with the public
• Oversight of NPPD's news content on its social media channels and website
• Content creation for NPPD's many communication channels, including social media sites and publications

Business Manager

The Business Manager prepares, processes, and administers annual operating and capital improvement project (CIP) budgets, prepares periodic financial and statistical reports and designs and develops accounting forms, controls, systems and procedures to promote more effective and efficient operations within the department.

The Business Manager is a member of the management team who works directly with the Deputy Chief and Chief of Police. 

Captain Paul Harvey, Special Operations Bureau

Captain Paul Harvey has two decades of law enforcement experience in the State of Florida. He spent 18 years with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. During his career he has worked road patrol and as a Detective in various units such as, District Criminal Investigations, Anti Crimes Unit, Major Crimes Unit/ Robbery Unit and Marine Unit. In 2012, he was promoted to Sergeant and supervised the Grand Theft Auto Unit and Economic Crimes Unit (Major Case). The last five years with the Sheriff’s Office was spent in Lehigh Acres East District in the capacity of Patrol Supervisor, Selective Enforcement Team Sergeant and Criminal Investigations Supervisor. Captain Harvey served for three years on the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Hostage Negotiations Team and is a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. In 2018, North Port Police employed Captain Harvey and he is currently assigned to the Special Operations Bureau.

• K-9
• School Resource Officers
• Community Policing Officers
• Traffic

Commander Michael Laden, Special Operations Division

Commander Laden started his Law Enforcement career with the North Port Police Department in 2006 as a patrol officer. Since then, he has been a violent crimes detective, Internet Crimes Against Children task force officer, Joint Terrorism Task Force Officer, patrol Sergeant, and Detective Sergeant. He spent 5 years as a member of the Special Response Team, certified as a less lethal and chemical munitions instructor. In 2018 he was promoted to the rank of Commander where he oversaw the Detective Bureau. In 2019 he was transferred to the Patrol Division over midnight shift. In 2020 he was transferred to the Professional Standards Bureau where he oversaw the Records Division, Fleet Management, and Internal Affairs. In 2021 he was transferred to the Special Operations Division where he supervises the Canine Unit, Special Enforcement Team, Narcotics Unit, Drone Unit, and Traffic Unit. He created the North Port Police Department’s Small Unmanned Aircraft System team which is responsible for all UAV missions. He also created the Critical Incident Stress Management team which serves the members of the department who experience traumatic incidents and provides peer counseling.

He is a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and the FDLE Leadership Academy.

The North Port Police Department has four canine teams that are assigned shifts to the Patrol Division. The K-9 teams are certified to Florida State standards by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and United States Police Canine Association standards for patrol, narcotics detection, explosive, evidence detection and missing persons.

The School Resource Officer (SRO) program is a partnership between North Port Police Department and the Sarasota County School District.

NPPD has resource officers assigned to each charter school located in the city of North Port.  

The SRO's address criminal activity, counsel students, and assist the school administration. Truancy interdiction is also a focus of the SRO's.

Other activities, such as Shop with a Cop, Police Explorers, and Bike Rodeo, are organized by the SRO's.

Captain Scott King, Administrative Bureau

Captain Scott King began his military and law enforcement career in 1998. He began his enlistment in the United States Air Force and was assigned to Security Forces. In 2002 he was honorably discharged at the rank of Senior Airman. In 2003 he was hired by the Sarasota Police Department, while at the Sarasota Police Department, he worked as a Patrol Officer and was a member of the Neighborhood Enforcement Team. In 2007 he was hired by the North Port Police Department as an Officer. During his career at the North Port Police Department, he has been assigned as a Road Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Officer In Charge, High Liability Instructor, SWAT Operator, Team Leader and SWAT Commander. In 2012, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant assigned to Road Patrol and later supervised the School Resource Officers and K-9 unit. In October 2015, he was promoted to the rank of Commander assigned to the Patrol Division and later the Training Division. In October 2018, he was promoted to the rank of Captain.

Captain King has earned a bachelor's degree of Science in Criminal Justice from Southern New Hampshire University graduating with honors Summa Cum Laude. He is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy 281st Session and has obtained the Leadership Trilogy status through the FBI-LEEDA program.

Commander Eric Sineath

Commander Sineath assists with training within the department. Eric began his law enforcement career in 2006. Prior to relocating to North Port, Commander Sineath worked with the State of Florida, Department of Insurance conducting Workers’ Compensation Fraud investigations. During his tenure with the North Port Police Department, Commander Sineath has served in the capacity of Field Training Officer, Traffic Homicide Investigator, Background Investigator, Officer In Charge and Patrol Sergeant. Commander Sineath was the Sergeant in charge of the Training Unit for over three years and still holds state instructor certifications for Firearms, Defensive Tactics, Defensive Driving, and First Aid. He spent four years in the Detective Unit where he investigated Property Crimes, White Collar Crimes and Major Crimes, a member of the Special Response Team and Commander of Youth and Community Services. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree of Criminology from Florida State University and earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of South Florida.

Commander Jason Brownie, Professional Standards Division

Commander Jason Brownie began his law enforcement career in 2008 with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office before coming to the North Port Police Department in 2013. During his career, he has served as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Criminal Investigations Detective, Background Investigator, Fraud Detective, Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant and now, Commander. Commander Brownie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Hodges University and is currently pursuing his Masters.

Commander John McDowell, Support Services

Commander McDowell has 20 years of law enforcement experience in the State of Florida. He started his career in 2001 with the St Petersburg Police Department where he spent 2 years as a patrol officer. He was employed by the Plant City Police Department where he spent 17 years. He was on patrol until 2007 when he was transferred to the Criminal Investigations Unit as a detective. He spent 5 years as a detective before being made the IT Manager for the department. He was a part of the Internet Crimes Against Children task force and was a SWAT Operator. He was employed by the North Port Police Department in 2020 and he is currently assigned to the Support Services Division. He is also the Special Response Team Commander.

Captain Brian Gregory, Patrol Operations Bureau

Captain Brian Gregory began his law enforcement career in 1996, at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. He served as a Road Patrol Deputy before continuing as a Detective in District Property Crimes, Auto Theft, and Economic Crimes Units. He became a Corporal in the Traffic Unit and served as a Motor Deputy, Traffic Homicide Investigator, and Aggressive Driving Enforcement team member. Starting in 2012 he was a Patrol Officer at the Miami Gardens Police Department for over 5 years and was a Field Training Officer. Captain Gregory holds a Bachelors of Science degree (Cum Laude) from Hodges University in Computer Information Technology and an Associates Degree from Vernon Regional Junior College in Criminal Justice. Captain Gregory started with the North Port Police Department in 2018 where he has served as a Patrol Officer, Economic Crimes Detective, and in 2019 he was promoted to Commander over Professional Standards. In 2020 he was promoted to Captain of the Administration Bureau. in 2025 Captain Gregory took over Patrol Operations. Captain Gregory is veteran of the United States Air Force and received the Air Force Achievement Medal during his enlistment.

Road Patrol is the largest bureau in the department and is divided into four (4)patrol divisions each of which is commanded by a Police Commander. Each division is responsible for patrolling the 100-plus square miles that make up the City of North Port and consists of two squads with two Sergeants and a minimum of twelve (12) officers. The squads currently work 12-hour shifts and are instrumental in providing for a safe community.

Road Patrol embraces a temporal model of responsibility and accountability with Division “A” and “B” making up our day shift coverage while Divisions “C” and “D” provide our night shift coverage ensuring our citizens and visitors receive police service 24 hours a day, 7 days per week for a total of 365 days per year.

City Limits Map(PDF, 756KB)

Commander Scott Miranda, Watch Commander

Commander Scott Miranda began his law enforcement career in 1998 in the State of Massachusetts. Commander Miranda started with the Massachusetts Department of Correction where he worked at various prisons in various positions. He then went on to work for the City of New Beford Police Department. Commander Miranda was hired by the North Port Police Department in 2005. During his career with North Port he has worked several positions to include Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Officer in Charge, and Patrol Sergeant. Prior to being promoted to Commander, he was the sergeant over the Community and Youth Services Division. Commander Miranda has an Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Excelsior University and an Undergraduate Certificate in Leadership and Workforce Development from the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy.

Commander Alexander Fisher, Watch Commander

Commander Fisher has been a Police Officer with the city of North Port for since 2013. He has served the city as a Patrolman, Traffic Officer/Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit officer, Honor Guard Member and Sergeant. He has been a supervisor over Night Shift Patrol, the Detective Bureau, Intelligence Unit/Real Time Intelligence Center the Traffic/Traffic Homicide Unit, and the Community Policing Unit. On top of his current duties as the Night Shift Watch Commander, he is the department’s Commander over the Crisis Negotiations Team. Commander Fisher is a general instructor through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Commander Fisher is currently seeking his Bachelor’s degree through the University of Florida.

Commander Kevin Lyon, Watch Commander

Commander Lyon has been a Police Officer with the city of North Port for since 2011. He has served the city as a Patrolman, Detective, Honor Guard Member and Sergeant. He has been a supervisor over Night Shift Patrol, the Detective Bureau’s Major Crime’s Unit, the Traffic Unit, and the Training Unit. On top of his current duties as the Night Shift Watch Commander, he is the department’s armorer and is an active member of the SWAT Team, where he serves as a Sniper and Assistant Team Leader. Commander Lyon is a certified general instructor through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement with high liability certificates in the area of Firearms and Vehicle Operations. He has graduated from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement - Florida Leadership Academy and the Southern Police Institute’s Command Officer Development Course and has earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Leadership, Development and Education from Texas A&M University.

Commander Scott Guzman, Watch Commander

Commander Scott Guzman is a North Port native who graduated from North Port High School in 2012. Commander Guzman began his law enforcement career in 2014 with the Florida Highway Patrol before coming to the North Port Police Department in 2016. During his career, he has served as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Honor Guard Team member, Traffic Unit Officer, Traffic Homicide Investigator, Special Enforcement Team Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Traffic Unit Sergeant and now, Police Commander. Commander Guzman is a graduate of the Florida Leadership Academy Class 51 and the St. Leo University Command Officers Management Program Class 30.

Commander William Myers, Watch Commander 

Commander William Myers began his military and law enforcement career in 1990. He began his enlistment in the United States Marine Corps where he worked in the Military Police. In 1994, he was honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal. In November of 1994, he started his career with the Pennsylvania State Police as a state trooper where he worked for twenty-one years, serving in various officer and supervisory roles, including patrol, criminal investigations, internal affairs, and barracks commander. Upon his retirement in 2016, he worked continued his career in law enforcement at the Department of Veteran’s Affairs and a large healthcare organization in Western Pennsylvania. In 2022, he was hired by the North Port Police Department as an Intelligence Analyst. Among his various accomplishments, Commander Myers earned an Associate’s Degree in Occupational Safety and Health and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University, graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors.

Captain Joseph Fussell, Investigations Bureau

Captain Joe Fussell began his law enforcement career in 2003 in the State of New Hampshire where he climbed to the rank of Sergeant for the New Hampshire Division of Liquor Enforcement. During his service for the State of New Hampshire, he served in the capacity of the Special Investigations Unit Supervisor, Arrest Control and Tactics Unit Supervisor, Training Supervisor, and he was assigned as Cadre for the police recruit academy. After relocating to North Port, Florida, he served in the capacity of a patrol officer, Detective, Field Training Officer, Officer In Charge, Patrol Sergeant, Commander, and now Captain. In addition, Captain Fussell currently holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from the University of Massachusetts.

The Investigations Bureau consists of:

• Investigations Division
  • Criminal Investigations
  • Special Investigations
  • Crime Scene / Property & Evidence
  • Special Enforcement Team

Commander Jason Selzer, Investigations Division

Commander Jason Selzer has served with the North Port Police Department since October of 2003. During that timeframe he has been a member of the Patrol Division, Field Training Unit, Criminal Investigations Unit, Special Enforcement Team, School Resource Unit, Community Policing Unit and was an Officer In Charge. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in October of 2015, where he supervised many of these same units. Commander Selzer was promoted to the rank of Commander in January of 2022. He is currently assigned to the Criminal Investigations Unit where he is involved with the daily activities of Detectives, the Digital Forensics Lab, Intelligence Unit, as well as various criminal investigations and intelligence operations. He attended the University of South Florida where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology.

Commander David Polce, Investigations Division

Commander Polce began his law enforcement career in 2016 with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department before coming to the North Port Police Department in 2018. During his career, he has served as a Patrol Officer, Detective, Unmanned Ariel Vehicle Team Leader, Detective Sergeant and now, Police Commander. Commander Polce has attended dozens of specialized and advanced courses to include Homicide Investigations, Internet Crimes Against Children, and recently attended the National Law Enforcement Conference on Child Exploitation. Commander Polce was awarded the Combatting Human Trafficking award in September of 2023 for the State of Florida’s Missing Children’s Day. Commander Polce is currently enrolled in the State College of Florida bachelor’s program in Public Safety/Emergency Management.