Tommi Lyter was appointed Chief of Police by Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward III on May 11, 2017.
He was named Acting Chief of the Pensacola Police Department on May 6, 2017, one day after the previous Chief of Police – David Alexander III – retired.
He began his career with the Pensacola Police Department when he was hired as a police officer in August 1990. He was promoted to sergeant in 2003, promoted to lieutenant in 2006, to captain in 2014, and to Assistant Chief on July 16, 2015.
Among his assignments have been Uniform Patrol, Investigations, Neighborhood Services, TAC, SWAT, K-9, Dive Team, and Field Training Officer. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. He also is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA.
Chief Lyter has received three bronze crosses, one unit citation, two Chief’s Awards, and one meritorious service award. His department responsibilities have included project manager for body cameras and a citywide surveillance system.
He is a former member of the Board of Directors for the Esca-Rosa Coalition on the Homeless and a former board member of the Community Drug and Alcohol Coalition, volunteers with the Make a Wish Foundation, is a past president and current member of the First Judicial Law Enforcement Association, volunteers with Fiesta Forces, is a committee member of the Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival, and works closely with neighborhood associations and Crime Watch groups. He also currently is a member of Florida’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coalition.
Chief Lyter can be reached by phone at 850-435-1855 or email Chief Lyter.