Cocoa Beach Police Department

09/04/2026

For Immediate Release: September 4, 2026
Cocoa Beach Police Provide Autism Training

During the Month of August, employees of the Cocoa Beach Police Department who deal directly with the public received extra training on Autism. Although police officers already receive basic Autism as part of being a certified Florida Police Officer, the department wanted to go further with intensive Autism Awareness training that directly involved several people who are on the Autism Spectrum.

The program, that included training Parking Enforcement and Beach Rangers, focused on helping personnel recognize characteristics and behaviors associated with autism, understand how an individual on the spectrum may respond to a law enforcement encounter, and use proven strategies to communicate, reduce stress, and provide appropriate support.

“Our department is committed to ongoing Autism training because knowledge and awareness is what will help keep both persons with Autism and our team members safe and informed”, said Chief of Police Kris Kuehn.

The in-house training was provided by the non-profit organization, Responding 2 Autism, founded by Martin and Margi Hedelund, alongside their twin sons, who are both on the Autism Spectrum, Martin Jr. and Dalton.

Responding 2 Autism also donated several “Calm Kits” to the department. The kits contain items that officers may use to help reduce sensory overload and provide comfort to an autistic or otherwise sensory-sensitive individual during a law enforcement response. CBPD is now working to expand the program by assembling additional kits with the goal of equipping each patrol vehicle.

For more information: www.responding2autism.org Beach

09/02/2026

For Immediate Release: September 1, 2026

Police Seek information on Criminal Mischief Suspect

Cocoa Beach Police Detectives are seeking the identity of a suspect who caused thousands of dollars in damage to a business late at night.

At approximately 1:20 a.m. on August 27th, a white male with no shirt was captured on surveillance video violently damaging a statue on the property of Cosmic Tiki, 101 N. Atlantic Ave. in Cocoa Beach. That suspect is facing felony criminal mischief charges. He was also seen on video ripping up campaign signs that were in the ground in the area.

Another male, who was with the suspect, is a person of interest in the case.

“We believe someone out there will recognize this suspect and provide us the information we need to identify him”, said Detective Sergeant David Ortiz.

Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact Criminal Investigators at 321-868-3294.

Anyone with information in this case can also remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward up to $1000.00 by contacting CRIMELINE at 800-423-TIPS.

09/01/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 1, 2026

Cocoa Beach Police Department Statement on FLOCK ALPR Cameras

On August 31st, the Florida Department of Transportation revoked permits for FLOCK automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras on all state road right-of-way. In Cocoa Beach, that includes State Road 520 and Highway A1A, our two primary thoroughfares. As a result of this decision made by the state, we are removing our officer access to them effective immediately pending significant changes made by the Florida legislature.

We want to be direct with our community regarding this topic. This tool has helped officers within our police department to solve crimes, and its removal will make some crimes more difficult to solve. In other words, this change will come at some level of cost.

This decision resides inside a much wider debate between providing tools for law enforcement that significantly aid in solving individual crimes, thus keeping our community safer on one hand, and enabling the continuous tracking of people who are under no suspicion on the other. These concerns are legitimate and the tension in this space is justified.

As an agency accredited through the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, our police department operates under the highest professional standards in the state. Our ALPR program has been governed by rigorous administrative policy, auditing procedures, and strict access controls designed specifically to protect civil liberties.

The City of Cocoa Beach Charter provides that paramount consideration will be given to “…the health, safety, welfare, comfort and quality of life for all citizens”. As such, while our choices are now limited with respect to this specific tool, we will continue to meet these goals and remain open with our community regarding the use of any future technology that is implemented and explain any tradeoffs that may occur.

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08/26/2026

SHRED EVENT REMINDER — COCOA BEACH RESIDENTS!

Time to clear out those old documents! Join us for a FREE community shred event:
📅 Saturday, August 29, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Sydney Fischer Park: 2200 North Atlantic Avenue

Up to 3 standard banker boxes per vehicle
Cocoa Beach City residents only — driver’s license or utility bill required as proof of residency.
Personal documents only — no commercial or business records. Paper only, please! Remove binders, large metal clips, plastic covers, CDs, and other media before arriving.
The event may end early if the shredding truck reaches capacity.
Clean out the clutter and safely dispose of those old personal documents!

08/22/2026

🚲 Not sure if your child’s bike helmet makes the grade? 🪖

Just ask us! If you see one of our Cocoa Beach Police officers out and about, feel free to stop and ask about your child’s helmet. We’re happy to help make sure our young riders are safe, secure, and ready to roll! 🚴‍♂️👮‍♂️💙

08/17/2026

📄 SHRED EVENT — COCOA BEACH RESIDENTS! ♻️

Time to clear out those old documents! Join us for a FREE community shred event:

📅 Saturday, August 29, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Sydney Fischer Park
2200 North Atlantic Avenue

🚗 Up to 3 standard banker boxes per vehicle
🏠 Cocoa Beach City residents only — driver’s license or utility bill required as proof of residency.
📄 Personal documents only — no commercial or business records. Paper only, please! Remove binders, large metal clips, plastic covers, CDs, and other media before arriving.

⚠️ The event may end early if the shredding truck reaches capacity.

Clean out the clutter and safely dispose of those old personal documents! 🔒♻️

08/17/2026

08/15/2026

Happy National Relaxation Day! While we are always on duty to keep our community safe, we hope you take a few quiet moments to rest, recharge, and enjoy a peaceful day.

Let us know in the comments what you did today to relax and enjoy this phenomenal city we call home.

08/15/2026

Last week, some of our officers were out at Sidney Fischer Park for E-Bike patrol training and familiarization. Bike patrol is a valuable asset for our department because it provides us with high-mobility access to areas cars cannont reach, and greatly increastes positive, face-to-face community engagment.

A special THANK YOU to the team at Salty Gator Bike Factory for helping our officers get comfortable with the equipment, and generously donating the CBPD's very first E-Bike! We truly appreciate them for the support and investment in our community.