Captain Allan Ortman joined the West Palm Beach Police Department in October, 1978. Assigned to the Uniformed Patrol Division, Ortman served as a road patrol officer, motorcycle officer and field training officer. In 1980, Ortman was selected to the SWAT team where he served in various capacities for the next fifteen years. In 1983, he received a “Police Combat Cross” for his actions during a hostage situation.

In 1984, Ortman was promoted to Sergeant and assigned to the Uniformed Patrol Division where he supervised officers on the “midnight” shift. In 1986, Ortman was selected to supervise the department’s Uniform Tactical Team which dealt with street crimes and narcotic issues. In 1989, Ortman returned to the Patrol Division where he supervised the Field Training Officer program. In 1991, Ortman was chosen to supervise the newly created Criminal Apprehension Team (CAT). This unit was responsible for operating in both uniform and plainclothes capacity to address violent street crimes, specifically associated with narcotic traffic areas. This group also addressed “quality of life” issues throughout the City such as prostitution, loitering and alcohol issues.

In 1997, Ortman was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to command a night shift road patrol platoon. He also became the commander of the department’s Bomb Squad which he had been a member of since 1996. In 1998, Ortman assumed command of the department’s Special Services bureau which included the traffic division, water catchment detail and police K-9's.

Promoted to Captain in 1999, Ortman was assigned to the Community Service Bureau where he supervised the Community Oriented Policing program, along with juvenile services and code enforcement. He is currently assigned to the Staff Services section where he is responsible for training, recruitment and promotional testing along with the department’s accreditation efforts.

Captain Ortman is a graduate of Palm Beach Community College ( A.S. degree), Florida Atlantic University (B.A. degree), and Lynn University (Masters degree in Criminal Justice Administration). He is graduate of the Administrative Officer’s Course of the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville where he served as the 92nd AOC President.

Captain Ortman is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators, Leadership West Palm Beach Steering Committee, Criminal Justice Advisory Committee, Palm Beach County Court System Task Force and he chairs the West Palm Beach Homeland Security Group.