Panama City Police Department
Dedicated to Excellence .. People Serving People
Field Services
The Field Services Section is a 24/7 operation that serves as the backbone of uniformed response within our community, consistently providing a prompt and professional reaction to a diverse range of calls for service. From managing minor traffic accidents to handling critical incidents that involve in-depth criminal investigations, this team embodies the first line of defense in maintaining public safety. Staffed by a dedicated force of approximately 65 officers, the Patrol Division is equipped to handle the unpredictable nature of law enforcement with expertise and resilience.
The Field Services Section includes specialized teams that enhance the department's capabilities. The Field Officer Training team prepares new recruits, promoting continuous learning and professionalism. The SWAT team handles high-risk situations requiring tactical precision, while the Crisis Negotiations Team focuses on conflict resolution in volatile scenarios.
The Honor Guard upholds the ceremonial traditions and represents the department with distinction at public events and memorials. The Marine Unit extends the department's reach to waterways, ensuring safety and enforcement on the water. The Traffic Unit specializes in road safety, focusing on accident investigation, traffic flow, and enforcement to protect our community's drivers and pedestrians.
Further strengthening our capabilities, the K-9 Unit provides support in tracking, narcotics detection, and search operations. The Bike Unit adds agility and flexibility to our patrols, particularly in crowded or pedestrian-heavy areas, fostering close community engagement. Finally, the Unmanned Aircraft Operations Team, equipped with drone technology, enhances our capacity for aerial reconnaissance and surveillance, proving invaluable in search-and-rescue missions, crowd monitoring, and crime scene documentation.
Each of these specialty teams plays a crucial role in ensuring that the Field Services Section can meet the evolving challenges of law enforcement and maintain the highest standards of service to our community.
Meet The Captain
Captain Kristain Shaw began his journey in law enforcement in 2005 as a corrections officer after relocating to the Panama City area as a military dependent. He joined the Panama City Police Department in 2015, where he has risen through the ranks with dedication and excellence. Throughout his career, Captain Shaw has served in various key roles, including Patrol Officer, Street Crimes Investigator, Detective, Corporal of Street Crimes, Corporal of Investigations, Sergeant of Street Crimes, and Captain of Investigations.
Recognized for his exceptional contributions, Capt. Shaw was honored as Detective of the Year in 2018. He is an active member of the Homeland Security Task Force and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, bringing specialized skills to his work. A Cellebrite-certified mobile examiner, CVSA (Computer Voice Stress Analysis) operator, and FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) General Instructor, Capt. Shaw has also completed the prestigious FBI-LEEDA Leadership Academy.
In January 2022, he received an Exceptional Service Award, further underscoring his commitment to excellence in law enforcement and community safety.