Chief Robert H. Harding, a veteran with the Panama City Beach Police Department, is a native of Panama City, Florida. He attended school locally and graduated from Gulf Coast Community College. His career with the Department began in April 1981 as an Auxiliary police officer. He worked in the communications center before transferring to uniform patrol in February 1982, moving to Panama City Beach, and has since worked his way up through the ranks, taking over as Chief on May 9th, 2001. Prior to being appointed as the Chief of Police, he was a Captain in charge of Uniform Patrol, Communications, Auxiliary/Reserve, Beach & Surf, and Community Services. Chief Harding is experienced in many areas of training and has spent time as a Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, Driving Instructor, PR-24 Instructor, CPR Instructor. He is also a member of the National
Rifle Association, Florida Police Chiefs Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, an alumni of People To People International - Citizens Ambassador Program.