chief

Robert Vincent was appointed Chief of Police in 2010, following sixteen years of service with the Gulfport Police Department.

Chief Vincent's previous assignment was as commander of the Investigative Services Division, although he has has held many other positions in his career, including Patrol Division Commander, Patrol Sergeant, School Resource Officer, and Youth Resources Detective. He has also served as an adjunct instructor for St. Petersburg College and as an assessor for the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation.

Chief Vincent has a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing from the University of South Florida. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy--Session #227, where he earned a graduate certificate of achievement from the University of Virginia. In addition, Chief Vincent completed the Florida Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar in 2002.

Professional affiliations include the International, Florida, and Tampa Bay Chiefs Associations, the latter of which he is currently serving on the board of directors. Chief Vincent volunteers on the Executive Board of the West Central Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America, and as a student mentor at Boca Ciega High School.