Panama City Police Department
Dedicated to Excellence .. People Serving People
Investigative Services
The Investigative Services Section of the Panama City Police Department is dedicated to pursuing justice, reducing crime, and supporting the community through meticulous follow-up investigations. This section is responsible for investigating crimes occurring within Panama City, analyzing crime trends, and providing crucial assistance to crime victims. With a structure that includes the Criminal Investigations Unit, Street Crimes Unit, Crime Scene Unit, and Intelligence Unit, the section leverages specialized expertise and a collaborative approach to address complex criminal cases.
Officers selected for the Investigative Services Section begin their careers as uniformed patrol officers, gaining essential hands-on experience in the field before transitioning to investigative roles. Their assignment to Investigative Services is based on demonstrated knowledge, experience, and investigative skill, ensuring that each detective brings a deep understanding of law enforcement principles and a commitment to thorough case resolution. This rigorous selection process helps maintain a high standard of investigative excellence within the section.
Detectives handle a range of responsibilities critical to solving cases and serving justice. They begin by locating and interviewing victims and witnesses, whose accounts provide foundational insights into each case. Detectives are trained to identify, collect, and preserve physical evidence at crime scenes, utilizing forensic techniques that increase the reliability of their findings. This detailed evidence collection is essential in building strong cases and often includes the recovery of stolen property, restoring a sense of security to victims and the community.
In addition to their work with evidence and interviews, detectives are also responsible for identifying, locating, interviewing, and apprehending suspects. This aspect of their role requires a blend of investigative intuition, legal knowledge, and tactical skill to ensure suspects are brought to justice safely and effectively. Once their case files are complete, detectives present the evidence to the State Attorney’s Office for prosecution, working closely with legal teams to prepare cases for court. Their commitment to thorough, accurate case preparation is essential to achieving successful prosecutions.
The Investigative Services Section’s impact on Panama City extends beyond crime-solving; by analyzing crime trends and patterns, they contribute to proactive crime prevention strategies and support broader public safety goals. Their dedication to supporting crime victims, restoring stolen property, and holding offenders accountable makes a lasting difference in the lives of Panama City’s residents. Through their specialized skills and unwavering commitment, the Investigative Services Section embodies the highest standards of the Panama City Police Department, promoting justice and security within the community.
The Panama City Police Department's Street Crimes Unit is a specialized division focused on addressing street-level criminal activities, including drug offenses and firearm-related crimes. This unit collaborates with other local law enforcement agencies to enhance public safety. For instance, in early 2020, a joint effort with the Panama City Beach Police Department and the Bay County Sheriff's Office led to the arrest of 138 individuals over a three-week period, resulting in 270 charges and the confiscation of illegal narcotics and firearms. The unit continues to play a crucial role in maintaining community safety through proactive enforcement and partnerships.
Meet The Captain
Captain Chris Nichol grew up in Bay County and began his law enforcement career with the Panama City Police Department in 2007, joining as a Patrol Officer and quickly proving his dedication and skill. Before entering law enforcement, he served in the Florida Army National Guard and the Army Reserves, where he was enlisted until 2012, bringing valuable discipline and leadership experience to his role in public safety.
Captain Nichol holds an Associate’s Degree from Troy University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Organizational Leadership from American Military University. His commitment to professional development is reflected in his completion of the FDLE Florida Leadership Academy (FLA), the FBI-LEEDA Supervisor Leadership Institute (SLI) and Command Leadership Institute (CLI). He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, class #289. In addition to his professional development, Captain Nichol has gone above and beyond throughout his career to share knowledge as a certified FDLE Instructor.
Throughout his career with the department, he has served in a variety of roles, gaining extensive field and supervisory experience. His positions served have included Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant in Patrol; Investigator and Corporal in the Special Operations and Street Crimes Units; and Sergeant and Lieutenant in the Criminal Investigations Unit. As a Captain he has led the Professional Services, Field Services, and Investigative Services Sections. Captain Nichol also serves as the Peer Support Coordinator, ensuring our officers have access to support in all aspects of their lives and careers.
Captain Nichol has also dedicated more than 15 years to the Panama City Police Department SWAT Team, where he served as Team Leader from 2019 to 2022. His expertise and leadership in SWAT operations have been instrumental in advancing the department's tactical capabilities. In 2022, Captain Nichol was promoted to Captain, a role in which he oversees critical department operations and training initiatives. He is currently assigned to the Investigative Services Section, where he oversees the operations of the Panama City Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center, Crime Scene Unit, Street Crimes Unit, and Criminal Investigations Unit.
Captain Nichol's extensive experience across multiple divisions, coupled with his commitment to leadership development, positions him as a dedicated leader within the Panama City Police Department, embodying professionalism, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to public service.