Chief Daniel Acosta’s 25-year journey with the Sebastian Police Department, including his current four-year tenure as Chief, is a testament to his unwavering commitment.
“As I reflect on my 25 years with the Sebastian Police Department, I am deeply grateful for the phenomenal team of men and women who have dedicated themselves to serving our community. Their unwavering commitment and hard work make my job not only easier but also incredibly rewarding. Together, we strive every day to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens, and it is an honor to lead such an exceptional group,” Chief Daniel Acosta told Sebastian Daily.
Before assuming the role of Chief, Acosta served as Operations Captain, where he oversaw critical areas such as Road Patrol, Criminal Investigations, School Resource Officers, Communications Center, Community Oriented Policing Endeavor (COPE), Special Response Team, and Volunteer Program, leaving an indelible mark on each of these departments.
Chief Acosta’s commitment to professional development is evident in his educational achievements. He holds an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice from Brevard Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Administration, and a Master’s in Public Administration from Barry University. He further honed his leadership skills by graduating from the University of Louisville’s Southern Police Institute Administrative Officers Course, among other leadership courses.
Acosta began his law enforcement career in 1995, attending the Police Academy of Brevard County. He worked for the Fellsmere Police Department before joining the Sebastian Police Department in 1999.
Prior to becoming our Chief of Police, Acosta served in various roles, including Field Training Officer, Patrol Officer, Detective, tactical member of the Special Response Team (SRT), Patrol Corporal, Hostage Negotiator, Detective Sergeant, Patrol Sergeant, and Support Services Commander.
He has also worked as a background investigator and Computerized Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA) operator for investigative and employment purposes.
Former Sebastian City Manager Paul Carlisle appointed Acosta as Chief on May 8, 2020, following the retirement of Chief Michelle Morris.
