On May 1, 2002, Chief Robert C. Merchant, Jr., was sworn in as the as the 16^th Police Chief for the City of Altamonte Springs.

Chief Merchant was hired by the Altamonte Springs Police Department in March 1980, following his honorable discharged from the United States Marine Corps.  During the past 28 years, he has worked in a variety of different assignments in each of the Department’s bureaus. 

Chief Merchant has a Bachelors degree in business from Rollins College.  He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Masters degree in Criminal Justice.  Chief Merchant is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (178^th Session) and the Florida Criminal Justice Institute’s Chiefs Executive Seminar.  Chief Merchant served as President of the Central Florida Criminal Justice Association in 2002. 

Chief Merchant has been directly involved in a number of key initiatives.  In 2002, Chief Merchant implemented strategic planning to identify the organization and community goals for each fiscal year.  This process allows for citizen and employee input on the priorities for the agency.  The Strategic Plan is posted on the Department’s Website.  He also facilitated a full-time police presence in the Altamonte Mall by agreeing to relocate our Community-Oriented Police Service Section to a storefront inside the mall.  In 2005, Chief Merchant wanted today’s youth to have the ability to get involved in policing.  This resulted in the creation of a Police Explorer Post.  In addition, he facilitated the development of a Community-Policing Plan specifically developed for the downtown business district (Uptown Altamonte).  In 2008, Chief Merchant and Seminole County Sheriff Don Eslinger partnered to provide the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office with office space inside the public safety complex to operate their district operations.  This has resulted in financial savings and enhanced levels of communication in the delivery of police services.

Chief Merchant takes an active role in educating children by periodically visiting middle schools in Seminole County and discussing his role in the community and answers questions they may have about the law enforcement profession.  Through example, he encourages the members of the Department to serve the community while embracing the mission and core values of the Altamonte Springs Police Department, also known as PRIDE, Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence.

Chief Merchant has been married for 30 years.  He and his wife Donna have two daughters, Heather and Brook, and a grandson Keyan.