The mission of the Tavares Police Department (TPD) is to work in partnership with the community to protect life and property, solve neighborhood problems, and enhance the quality of life in our City. 

The TPD is comprised of 27 sworn officers plus 1 civilian code enforcement officer and  1 civilian employee. The Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency.

The TPD serves a resident population of approximately 18,000 people with a large transient workforce population during the day. The department is comprised of a Uniform Road Patrol, a Criminal Investigations Unit, Street Crimes Unit (narcotics and vice), Code Enforcement and Marine Patrol.

The department is deeply committed to community policing and the motto for the department is "People Helping People". 

Chief Stoney Lubins oversees the operation of the department. He has been with the city since 1992, becoming chief in 2001. He has also worked as a paramedic and firefighter and is a graduate of Daytona State College.