Canaveral Creates Seaport Police Department
Joseph Hellebrand, a 30-year law enforcement veteran, will serve as chief of the newly created Port Canaveral Police Department. The Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners established the department late last year as culmination of a four-year initiative to enhance public safety at the world’s second busiest cruise port and Central Florida’s outlet to the sea.
“The formation of the Police Department is simply the next step in the evolution of public safety at Port Canaveral in the aftermath of 9/11 and the increased demands of both federal and state laws and regulations,” said Port CEO Stan Payne. “Canaveral has the unique challenge of maintaining a secure environment for both commerce and recreation and the Department’s blend of law enforcement officers, seaport security officers, and Public Safety officials clearly is the best structure to meet these changes.”
Hillebrand, who rose through the ranks from rookie officer to deputy chief with Melbourne, Florida Police Department, will develop the Port’s new department during the next few months.