Paul L. Acosta

Deputy Chief Paul Acosta, is a 32-year law enforcement professional having begun his career in the State of North Carolina, serving at different times with the Kinston Police Department and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Deputy Chief Acosta joined the Miami Beach Police Department in 1995. He has served in many capacities throughout his career that includes Assistant Chief, Major of Police over the Criminal Investigations and Patrol Operations Divisions, Support Services Division, Commander of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, Office of Emergency Management; Motorcycle Unit and is a current member of the Legislative Committee for the Florida Police Chief’s Association. He also helped establish the City Center RDA.

Deputy Chief Acosta served honorably in the United States Marine Corps. He participated in three major military conflicts; Operation Sharp Edge (rescue of Americans from Liberia), Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm (Liberation of Kuwait). As a result, he received the Combat Action Ribbon and prestigious Navy/Marine Corps Achievement medal for actions on the battlefield.

Deputy Chief Acosta has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Management from Union Institute and University has continued his education as a graduate of the Senior Management in Policing (SMIP) at Boston University, and IACP’s Leadership in Police Organizations Course. He has also attended the FBI National Academy Session #278 at Quantico, Virginia. Paul has successfully coordinated many major Special Events to include: the 2020 Super Bowl, 2017 Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C., Memorial Day Weekend, Spring Break, the world-famous Miami Marathon and the 2022 humanitarian deployment to Southwest Florida for Hurricane Ian operations.

Deputy Chief Acosta has received several honors and commendations throughout his career to include the Miami Beach Police Department’s Life Saving Award, and Exceptional Service Award. He is an active member of the FBI National Academy Association, Florida Police Chiefs Association, the Miami-Dade County Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.