Meet the Chief
Chief Rob Hicks has more than 30 years of progressive law enforcement experience; proudly serving the citizens of the City of Leesburg and the Leesburg Police Department for the past 26 years. He is also a proud veteran of the United States Army, having participated in several multi-national operations, including the Gulf War in Iraq and Kuwait. Upon honorably completing his military service he began his local law enforcement career. Having diligently worked his way through the ranks of the Leesburg Police Department from patrol officer to Chief of Police, he has a vested interest in this community.
Chief Hicks is a recent graduate of the Senior Management Institute Program for Police from the Police Executive Research Forum and a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session #270, as well as being appointed as a council member of The State of Florida’s Violent Crime and Drug Control Council.
The Leesburg Police Department has recognized continuing education as an important component in career development and Chief Hicks has adopted that philosophy. He holds a Masters of Business/Public Administration, a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Management, and an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Chief Hicks completed the Southern Police Institute & Administrative Officers Course and Police Executive Leadership Graduate Program at the University of Louisville. Other executive leadership training include The Florida State University Certified Public Manager Program and the 49th Session of the Chief Executive Seminar at the Florida Criminal Justice Institute in Tallahassee. In addition to being a lifelong learner, Chief Hicks is committed to the mentoring and development of future leaders. His scholarly pursuits have afforded him the opportunity of adjunct professorship of Criminal Justice Administration at Columbia College (Orlando Campus) and course design and classroom instruction of Organizational Management at Lake-Sumter State College.
Chief Hicks is committed to building and maintaining relationships between the Leesburg Police Department and the citizens it serves. Operating by a people-centered approach he understands that successful organizations must be flexible and have the ability to change with its environment. Chief Hicks has implemented an Intelligence-Led Policing model within the Leesburg Police Department. This model uses existing technology coupled with traditional policing methods to identify and address crime trends, hot spots, and other areas of concern. The Leesburg Police Department also enjoys partnerships with multiple law enforcement agencies throughout Central Florida for the purposes of sharing information and developing industry best practices.
Chief Hicks serves on the Board of Directors (District 14) for the Florida Police Chiefs Association, is the Past President of the West Central Florida Police Chiefs Association and a Member of Good Standing of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Tactical Officer Association, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Chief Hicks understands the unique challenges facing the citizens of the City of Leesburg and is committed to engaging the community and leading the Leesburg Police Department now and into the future.