Chief Jakari E. Young began his career with the Daytona Beach Police Department in April 2001 after completing the Law Enforcement Academy at Daytona State College.
During his tenure, Chief 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.
In January 2017, Chief Craig Capri appointed him to the rank of Deputy Chief. He took over as Chief in November 2020 following Capri's retirement.
Chief Young 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.
Chief Young holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Bethune- Cookman University in Criminal Justice and Criminal Justice Administration, respectively.
He holds memberships in the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the Florida Police Chief’s Association, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and he currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).
Chief Young is a graduate the FBI National Academy (FBINA) and also a graduate of PERF’s Senior Management Institute for Police, the Southern Police Institute (SPI) and the Florida Leadership Academy.
Chief Young enjoys interacting with the residents and visitors of Daytona Beach. He particularly enjoys the wisdom and inspiration that he receives when conversing with the elder members of the community. He has a heart for mentoring and strongly believes in investing in our youth.
Chief Young is happily married to his wife, Tancye. They have three children.