Niceville Police Announces New Chief

In Brief:

Mark Hayse has been appointed as the new Chief of Police for Niceville, bringing over three decades of experience in law enforcement.
Chief Hayse will begin his new role on August 30, 2024, overseeing all operations of the Niceville Police Department.
The City of Niceville expresses confidence in Chief Hayse’s leadership and his ability to serve and protect the community.

According to a social media post, the City of Niceville has appointed Mark Hayse as the new Chief of Police. Hayse will begin his new job with the city on Friday, August 30, 2024.

“Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to public safety and has earned the trust and respect of his colleagues and community members,” the post added.

Hayse has three decades of law enforcement experience and comes to the city from neighboring Fort Walton Beach.

“Congratulations Chief Hayse. Your leadership will be missed in FWB but your vision and leadership will be a great asset to the Niceville Police Department,” said current Fort Walton Beach City Councilman and candidate for School Board District 2 David Schmidt on the post.

Hayse replaces outgoing interim chief Rob Lovering and Chief David Popwell, who abruptly retired earlier this year after a high profile arrest of suspect Dylan Deschaine in connection with the death of Mike Ledford in February.

Hayse will lead a department of approximately 30 sworn officers that protects almost 17,000 residents in the city limits of Niceville. Niceville has won the designation of “safest city in Florida” multiple times in the last five years.

Niceville has continued its low-crime streak with another month of low arrests and police calls. According to their reports to the city council on August 13, Niceville police made just 11 arrests in July – including three DUIs.