Eric Randall was hired as Chief of the Pensacola Police Department on June 14, 2021 after a nationwide search, public participation and thorough review by a selection committee and Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson IV.

Prior to being hired in Pensacola, Chief Randall was the Assistant Chief of Police at Newport News, VA, Police Department.

Chief Randall was born and grew up in Pensacola and graduated from Washington High School in 1991. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for eight years before being honorably discharged. He began his career with Newport News Police Department in 1998 as an auxiliary officer. In February 2000 he became a full-time officer and worked as a patrol officer, bike officer, field training officer, narcotics detective, and explosive breacher on the department’s tactical Operations Unit.

In 2006, he was promoted to sergeant and served as a supervisor in patrol and the Organized Crime Division. As a sergeant in Organized Crime Division, he led investigations related to the illegal distribution of narcotics and supervised the FBI’s Peninsula Safe Streets Task Force. In 2010, he was promoted to lieutenant and served as Acting Precinct Commander, Acting Criminal Investigations Commander and Tactical Operations Unit Commander (SWAT).

On November 16, 2014 he was promoted to captain and served as the South Precinct Commander, and on August 14, 2017 he was promoted to Assistant Chief of Police where he served as the Investigations Bureau Commander.

Chief Randall earned a Master of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University. He is a graduate of the 63rd session of the Police Executive Research Forum – Senior Management Institute for Police. Among the awards and recognitions he has received during his law enforcement career are two Life Saving Awards, Homeless Outreach Collaborative Team Outstanding Community Service Award, William F. Corvello Leadership Award, United States Attorney Public Service Award, Federal Bureau of Investigation Top Gang Investigation, NOBLE Criminal Justice Achievement Award, and the United States Attorney Award for Excellence in Management.

Police Chief Randall can be reached at 850.435.1855 or email Police Chief Randall.