City Manager James Chisholm announced the appointment of Deputy Chief Jakari Young as Daytona Beach’s next police chief. Chief Young will take over as police chief on Friday, Nov. 6, and he will take his oath of office at a swearing-in ceremony Friday, Nov. 6 at 11:30 a.m. on the steps of City Hall, 301 S. Ridgewood Ave. Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick L. Henry will administer the oath.
Young, 42, will be the department’s first African American police chief and its 17th chief since 1919. Young has served as the department’s deputy chief since 2017 and has been a member of the command staff for the past six years.
“I believe Jakari’s the right choice to serve as Daytona Beach’s next police chief. He knows our community, has a stellar track record and has the respect of his peers. He has established himself as a competent law enforcement professional and is well qualified to lead our department,” said Chisholm.
Young will replace outgoing Chief Craig Capri, who is retiring from the Daytona Beach Police Department after a 30-year career. Capri served as police chief since 2017.
“I would like to thank our City Manager James Chisholm for providing me this opportunity,” Young said, “I am extremely humbled and honored to lead this great organization. The dedication, commitment and professionalism displayed by the men and women of this department is second to none, and I couldn’t be any prouder to be their leader. I am also extremely excited to be able to continue to both serve and partner with our 68,000 plus residents and business owners on a daily basis while executing 21st century policing strategies to both reduce and prevent crime.”
He added, “Much love and respect to my friend, mentor and predecessor Chief Craig Capri for all of his support and guidance throughout my career. I wish him nothing but the best in all future endeavors.”
During his 19-year tenure with the Daytona Beach Police Department, Young has worked in various operational and administrative capacities, including the Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations, Special Response Team, Crisis Intervention Team and the Office of Professional Standards. He has been recognized with several awards and accolades throughout his career, including multiple Medals of Merit, Chief’s Awards, commendations and the Bernard Schneider Award.
Young holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree from Bethune-Cookman University in Criminal Justice and Criminal Justice Administration, respectively. He holds memberships in the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). Young is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and PERF’s Senior Management Institute for Police, the Southern Police Institute and the Florida Leadership Academy. He also serves on the Board of Directors for SMA Healthcare. He is a happily married father of three children.
The Daytona Beach Police Department has an annual budget of $40 million and employs 256 sworn officers and 60 civilian employees.