Sheriff Paul Blackman
Our Vision is a safer Highlands County where citizens and law enforcement are joined together, the rights of all persons are respected, and community values are reflected.
Our shared vision for the Lakeland Police Department is dedicated professionals working together to provide excellent service which enhances the quality of life
in Lakeland.
In partnership with the community, while affording dignity and respect to all persons, our mission is to maintain order and improve the quality of life of the citizens we serve.
We are committed to doing things RITE:
The Polk County Sheriff`s Office is a full service law enforcement agency servingPolk County Florida. Polk County is the fourth largest county in the state with 2,010.2 total square miles, 1,874.9 square miles of which is land area. The Sheriff is an independent constitutional officer and by function is statutorily charged with the responsibility of providing all primary law enforcement services within Polk County. The agency also provides related law enforcement services to the entire county, including: civil and criminal process, limited service response, assistance to municipal agencies, crime prevention and education programs, victim assistance services, and providing school crossing guards for the Polk County School System.
The Sheriff is presently given the responsibility for the administration and every day operation of the Central County Jail, South County Jail Facilities, and Sheriff`s Training and Respect Program to include prisoner transportation throughout the state.
The Sheriff is also statutorily charged with the responsibility for providing deputies to attend the Board of County Commissioners meetings and for all sessions of Polk County and Circuit Courts within Polk County.
The Sheriff’s Office employs 1,578 full-time (623 sworn, 382 certified, 573 civilians), 256 part-time, and 1,000 volunteer members. The Polk County Sheriff`s Office primary service response area consists of the unincorporated areas of Polk County (those area with Polk County that are outside city limits). The unincorporated area of Polk County totals approximately 1,909 of the county`s total 2,010.2 square miles. This service area is subdivide into specific geographic areas of directed patrol and investigative responsibility composed of two divisions and five districts.
The City of Lake Alfred provides essential services in the areas of crime prevention, enforcement of the City Ordinances, Federal and State laws; maintaining the peace and order of the City; protecting life and property; and generally assisting citizens in urgent situations.
Our commitment to you…
Professionalism – We are committed to the highest degree of service through our standards, training, performance and conduct.
Respect – We are committed to valuing human dignity in everything we do.
Integrity – We are committed to excellence of character and the highest moral and ethical standards.
Diversity – We are committed to respecting individual differences and cultures while providing fair and equal treatment for all.
Excellence – We are committed to being an industry leader through exceptional levels of education, technology, equipment and police development.