🏆 DETECTIVE OF THE MONTH – SEPTEMBER 2026 🏆 Congratulations to Detective John Dalles of the Orlando Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit for being named Detective of the Month for September 2026! Detective Dalles has served with OPD for seven years. Prior to joining our department, he served for six years with the Winter Park Police Department, where he worked as a detective. Detective Dalles earned this recognition for his outstanding investigative work on several violent crime cases, including shootings, armed robberies, a home invasion, and attempted murder. His attention to detail, determination, and investigative skills have led to multiple arrests, successful prosecutions, and significant prison sentences. In one investigation involving a downtown shooting, his work helped build a case that resulted in five defendants receiving prison sentences ranging from five to nine years. In another case involving an armed robbery at an ATM, Detective Dalles used fingerprint and electronic evidence to identify the suspect, who later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Detective Dalles also played a critical role in an attempted murder investigation where a suspect stabbed a victim and attempted to flee the country. Recognizing the possibility that the suspect would escape, Detective Dalles quickly obtained an arrest warrant and alerted airport personnel. The suspect was arrested while attempting to board a flight to Brazil. Detective Dalles later obtained a full confession. His investigative efforts have also helped identify individuals involved in gang-related violence, recover firearms, and bring multiple suspects into custody. Beyond his investigative responsibilities, Detective Dalles serves on OPD’s Emergency Services Unit and Domestic Violence Response Team. He also assists the Homicide Unit with complex investigations and was selected by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) to present case studies on coordinating complex investigations at this year’s conference. Outstanding work, Detective Dalles! Thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and continued commitment to keeping Orlando safe!

🏆 DETECTIVE OF THE MONTH – JULY 2026 🏆 Congratulations to Detective Alex Ham of the Orlando Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit for being named Detective of the Month for July 2026! Detective Ham is a 13-year veteran of the Orlando Police Department and a proud U.S. Army veteran, where he served as an officer. Detective Ham earned this recognition for his outstanding investigative work in four separate shooting investigations, three of which resulted in arrests, taking five violent offenders off our streets. Through his extensive knowledge of public safety camera systems, Detective Ham was able to track suspects, uncover critical evidence, and quickly provide responding officers with information that led to multiple arrests. In one case, Detective Ham spent hours reviewing footage and connected an unrelated trespassing incident to a downtown shooting, ultimately identifying the suspect. In another, he located surveillance footage of two victims being chased and shot at by suspects in two vehicles. His quick actions helped officers locate both vehicles and arrest three suspects for attempted murder. His investigative skills also helped identify and arrest a juvenile suspect involved in another shooting just hours after the incident. Even when faced with an uncooperative victim in a separate case, Detective Ham continued pursuing leads and uncovered valuable evidence to move the investigation forward. Detective Ham’s determination, attention to detail, and relentless pursuit of violent offenders demonstrate the dedication of our detectives to protecting our community and holding criminals accountable. Outstanding work, Detective Ham! Thank you for your 13 years of dedicated service to the Orlando Police Department, your military service, and your continued commitment to keeping Orlando safe!

Recently, Orlando Police Public Safety Cadets joined students from across Florida for the annual Delegates Meeting! Cadets put their skills to the test through a variety of scenarios and brought home some medals along the way. Congratulations to our shooting team for earning 2nd and 3rd place in the Marksman category! Great work representing OPD!

Large events require a coordinated law enforcement presence. Our officers are on the ground at the annual Come Out with Pride Parade to maintain a strong visible presence and help ensure the safety and security of everyone. At the Orlando Police Department, we are committed to protecting the community.

The Dueling Dragons hit the water at Turkey Lake for the 2026 International Dragon Boat Festival, bringing together Orlando police officers and students from neighborhood centers across the city. The teams put their teamwork to the test and brought home some hardware, finishing 1st and 2nd place in their division! 🏆 Beyond the competition, the festival gave officers and students a chance to build relationships, strengthen teamwork, and make memories both on and off the water.

UCF Student Government visited OPD Headquarters for its annual Downtown Day to learn more about how the department operates and the resources our officers use to keep Orlando safe. Students heard from OPD’s SWAT Team, participated in a Q&A with Chief Eric Smith and learned how our Digital Forensic Lab investigates digital crimes. They also got to meet OPD’s electronic detection K9 Linex! Thank you to UCF Student Government for visiting and taking the time to learn more about OPD!

District 3 residents had the opportunity to speak directly with Chief Eric Smith and the officers who serve their community during tonight’s community meeting. Those in attendance were able to discuss neighborhood concerns, crime trends, and OPD’s ongoing public safety efforts. Compared to the same period last year, shootings in the district are down 28%, and burglaries have decreased by 30%. Thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to work with OPD to keep our neighborhoods safe.

Recently, Corporal Cody Hammond brought OPD’s recruiting Jeep to the 29th Annual Jeeptoberfest in Ocala! While showing off the Jeep, Cpl. Hammond had the chance to meet fellow Jeep enthusiasts, connect with the community and spend time with eventgoers. The day ended with a big win as OPD’s recruiting Jeep took home Best in Show!

This morning, members of the Orlando Police Department, including our Violent Crimes Unit, attended the annual Breakfast of Champions hosted by the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association. Each year, OPD is proud to participate in this event, which supports individuals and families in our community. We remain committed to helping survivors of domestic violence access legal assistance and potentially life-saving services through the Law Enforcement Trust Fund and our Domestic Violence Response Team. Through these efforts, OPD continues to work alongside community partners to help build a safer community for all.

Out on the water for the last dragon boat practice of the year! This weekend, officers from the Orlando Police Department and students from our local neighborhood centers will compete in the Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival. At OPD, building community relationships goes beyond showing up, it’s about working towards a common goal and strengthening the connections that bring us together.

Our Neighborhood Patrol Unit has been keeping the community active through Lift with a Cop! Officers spent time working out with students at Rosemont Neighborhood Center, giving them an opportunity to stay active, learn about gym safety, and develop healthy habits. These sessions are also a great way for officers to connect with local youth and build positive relationships beyond the badge!

Today, the Orlando Police Department’s Fugitive Unit and SWAT Team arrested Dale Smith Jr., Michelle Parker’s former fiancé, on a charge of second-degree murder. This arrest follows years of investigative work and a renewed, focused effort over the past year. An expanded investigative team reexamined evidence and used advances in digital forensics to uncover and analyze additional evidence that moved this case forward. While Michelle has not yet been located, all evidence leads to Dale Smith Jr as the person responsible for Michelle's murder.  We will continue pursuing justice for Michelle, her family, and every victim we serve.

This morning, Chief Eric Smith joined other local police chiefs for Valencia College’s Executive Leadership Panel as part of the Public Safety Leadership Development Certification Program. The panel covered important leadership topics, including self-awareness, communication, building trust, navigating organizational challenges, and preparing the next generation of leaders. These conversations help strengthen leadership and support the continued growth of public safety professionals.

Tonight, Chief Eric Smith and officers joined residents in District 6 for the Chief’s latest community meeting. Those in attendance were able to discuss crime trends, neighborhood concerns, and learn more about more OPD’s ongoing public safety efforts. Compared to the same period last year, District 6 has seen a 22% reduction in violent crime, a 29% decrease in shootings, and a 26% drop in burglaries. Thank you to everyone who joined us tonight and continues to work alongside OPD to keep District 6 safe.

This afternoon, Chief Eric Smith met with our media partners to discuss a recent undercover operation targeting illegal drug sales and violations of after-midnight alcohol sales (AMS) permits inside Downtown Orlando bars and nightclubs. Chief Smith emphasized the importance of maintaining proper AMS policies, including the use of weapon detection systems in order to keep patrons safe. The operation is part of OPD’s ongoing efforts to address criminal activity and enhance safety in the downtown entertainment area. Over the past 10 months, OPD officers have made 2,848 arrests including 462 alcohol-related arrests and 469 drug-related arrests. During that same period, officers also encountered 249 firearms in Downtown Orlando - 180 legally carried and 69 illegally possessed. This efforts have resulted in a 20% reduction in overall crime Downtown. Violent crime has reduced 4% since the same time last year. OPD remains committed to reducing crime, holding offenders accountable, and protecting the people who live in, work in, and visit Orlando.

Today, members of the Orlando Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division attended Harbor House of Central Florida’s Purple Door Luncheon in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 💜 This annual event brings the community together to raise awareness, honor survivors, recognize advocates, and remember those who have lost their lives to domestic violence. The Orlando Police Department remains committed to supporting survivors, holding offenders accountable, and working with our community partners to help prevent domestic violence and keep our community safe.