Polk County Sheriff's Office, FL

Come be part of the Polk County Sheriff's Office Communications team and help keep our community informed! We are hiring a full-time Public Information Officer (PIO). The PIO is responsible for disseminating information of general and newsworthy interest to the news media, public officials, and the general public. The PIO is also a key content creator for the Polk County Sheriff's Office website and all social media platforms. The position includes a take-home vehicle. Pay range: $64,815 to $88,336 Qualifications: *Four-year degree from an accredited college or university *Valid Florida driver's license *Strong verbal and written language skills *Social media & digital marketing skills and experience

This month, we proudly welcomed 15 new members into orientation, including three returning members! At our agency, you are more than just a number—orientation marks the beginning of a journey focused on training, growth, and dedication. While completing training is not guaranteed, we strongly value progress, initiative, and commitment. We’re excited to introduce one of our newer members transferring to a new position. Welcome to the team! ????

First Illegal Alien in Polk County (Possibly State) to Face Enhanced Charges for Negligent Child Abuse, Child Abuse Cause Great Harm, Incest and Sexual Battery. The Polk County Sheriff's Office arrested and charged an illegal alien from Guatemala for Negligent Child Abuse F2, Child Abuse Cause Great Harm, Sex Battery by Custodial Figure, and Incest which was upgraded to one degree because the suspect is here illegally in the country. Alvaro Alfaro Jimenez, DOB 09/17/1992, was taken into custody on February 24, 2025 - he was living in Mulberry. "This is the first case so far in our county, and maybe even the state, where we can increase the severity and penalty of felonies committed by a suspect who is in our country illegally. Not only is he here illegally, but his crimes are also the worst of the worst - he has been sexually abusing a girl for several years since she was just 12 years old. This brave young victim reached out for help, and we will make sure she receives all the resources available to be able to recover from this terrible abuse." - Grady Judd, Sheriff. The victim contacted the Sheriff's Office for help. With the aid of a Spanish-speaking deputy and detective, she reported that she was brought to the United States illegally by the suspect in 2019, where they first went to Michigan and South Carolina. Her mother remained in Guatemala. Since 2023 the suspect has not enrolled the victim in school and has kept her enslaved inside the home in Mulberry, where he repeatedly sexually abused her for approximately three years since she was 12 years old. The victim was immediately taken to a local hospital to be examined and treated for abdominal pain. The Florida Department of Children and Families has taken custody of and cares for the victim. The suspect, Alvaro Alfaro Jimenez, was booked into the Polk County Jail.He is being held in the Polk County Jail on no bond. Pursuant to Florida State Statute 775.0848 the criminal charges are upgraded to one degree due to the suspect's specific illegal entry into the United States and the state of Florida. According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Jimenez unlawfully entered the United States in 2019. (Press Conference at 2:30pm EST)

?? Join Our Law Enforcement Recruiting Team at Travis Technical College! ?? Looking for a rewarding career in law enforcement? Meet Background Investigator Coy from our recruiting team this morning from 9 AM to 12 PM at Travis Technical College to learn more about opportunities to serve your community. ?? Where: Travis Technical College ?? When: Today, 9 AM - 12 PM Whether you’re considering a career in law enforcement or looking for the next step in your journey, we’re here to answer your questions! #LawEnforcement #Recruiting #JoinTheForce #ServeAndProtect #CareerOpportunities

A tragic and senseless act that should have never happened. A 22-year-old, lured through an app, stood holding a bag of weed, unaware that the two so-called buyers had no money—only bad intentions (a RIP). In seconds, the deal turned deadly. Gunfire erupted. Now, a 16-year-old and a 15-year-old face first-degree murder charges. And yet, some still call this a “low-level, non-violent” crime. Try telling that to a mother who will never see her child again. #frostproof #homicide #HomicideInvestigation #truecrime #WeedRip #appbasedcrime https://lnkd.in/gvdNVxBG

This year’s Jeepin’ with Judd event is free to attend and has something for everyone—whether you’re a Jeep owner, enthusiast, or just looking for a great time! Check out the vendors, grab awesome gear for your Jeep, browse the merch store, and watch Jeeps tackle the trails. Let your child take on the kids’ Jeep course, enjoy delicious food from local vendors, and don’t miss one of the highlights—get a fitted hat from Way Out West, custom-stitched with your initials or brand. Plus, enter the raffle for a chance to win amazing prizes, including a Jeep! This is also a great opportunity for job professionals and job seekers to network and connect within the off-road and automotive community. Join us at Clear Springs Ranch in Bartow for an unforgettable experience!

Honoring Our Trailblazers and Heroes For years, our agency has proudly celebrated the contributions of African American pioneers, particularly through our "Throwback Thursday" videos, highlighting individuals who have shaped our commitment to integrity and service. This Black History Month, we recognize current employees whose dedication continues to make an impact. D/S Josiah McPlatt – Answering the Call Deputy Sheriff Josiah McPlatt, just one year into his service, demonstrated remarkable courage on October 22, 2024. Responding to an armed suspect in Haines City, he and his team faced a life-threatening confrontation while trying to assist the suspect’s wife. Despite their efforts, both the suspect and his wife succumbed to their injuries. This incident underscores the dangers of law enforcement and the unwavering commitment required to protect our community. Mederican Warner – A Leader in Training Organization Development Specialist Mederican Warner and her team were recognized for consolidating 20 years of training records and overcoming challenges—including Hurricane Milton—to ensure a smooth Sheriff Training Center grand opening. A passionate instructor of Customer Care, she has been instrumental in training every new employee, leaving a lasting impact on our agency. Traffic D/S Nathaniel Lucas – A Life-Saving Effort During Hurricane Milton, Traffic D/S Nathaniel Lucas and a fellow deputy went door-to-door at Lakeland Gardens Mobile Home Park, ensuring residents’ safety. They discovered a resident trapped in five feet of floodwater, swiftly rescuing him and securing his survival. A Heartfelt Thank You We are deeply grateful to these dedicated professionals and their team members. Their bravery, service, and commitment define our agency and inspire us all. We are truly stronger together! Thank you for all that you do!

In September 2024, a team of Southwest District deputies received a call from the Veterans Crisis Line regarding a 28-year-old male who expressed intentions to harm himself. Deputies?and a Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) member immediately began searching for the individual, utilizing all available resources. It was determined that he was a student at a local Lakeland university but had temporarily traveled to Hillsborough County. Upon his return to Polk County, deputies, and a Missing Persons detective quickly located him and ensured he received a mental health evaluation due to his prior threats of self-harm. This successful response was a collaborative effort between university deputies, patrol officers, detectives, dispatchers, and RTCC staff, ensuring the subject’s safety. Outstanding teamwork by all involved! ???? #VeteransSupport #YouAreNotAlone #CommunityFirst #MentalHealthAwareness #StrongerTogether

Deputy Director Meagin Colson attended George W. Jenkins High School before pursuing a double major in Criminology and Psychology at Florida State University. Major Chris Colson attended Fort Meade Middle/Senior High School, where he played football, and later earned a football scholarship to attend Graceland University. Meagin began her career with our agency in 2005 as a clerical assistant for Special Victims. She later transitioned to secretary for the Bureau of Special Investigations before becoming a crime analyst for Major Crimes and Homicide. She then advanced to Senior Research Analyst in the Strategic Planning Unit and was recently promoted to Deputy Director over the Central Services Bureau. Meagin has dedicated 19 years of service to our agency. Major Chris Colson started his journey with us in 2000 as a patrol deputy in the Central District. He later joined the Bureau of Special Investigations and steadily climbed the ranks—earning promotions to sergeant in 2007, lieutenant in 2012, captain in 2016, and major in 2020. With 25 years of service, he currently oversees Special Operations as a major. Their dedication to public service has also inspired their daughter/stepdaughter, Hailey Colson, who works in our agency’s Payroll department. Early on, Meagin and Chris met while working within the agency and eventually married in the Bahamas. Over the years, they’ve shared many special moments, including a recent trip to Nashville to celebrate Hailey’s graduation. When asked about their ability to balance demanding careers and a strong relationship, they credit their deep friendship, a close-knit circle of friends, and a shared love for boating and outdoor activities. We are grateful to have such dedicated members within our agency—individuals who not only serve our community with distinction but also find strength and support in one another. Their example has even inspired the next generation to follow in their footsteps. This Valentine’s Day, we celebrate the Colson family and their unwavering commitment to our agency and community. #thingswelove #ourmembers #valentinesday #leadbyexample

???? Heroes with Heart: A Valentine’s Month Rescue ???? February is the month of love, and love isn’t just about romance—it’s about compassion, courage, and looking out for one another. Last week, Frostproof deputies responded to a call at Clinch Lake at 4 a.m., where a grieving woman in crisis ran into the water and refused to come out. As D/S Justin Tefoe and his trainee, D/S Vivianna Ramos, approached, the woman went deeper into the lake. D/S Tefoe turned to D/S Ramos and asked, "You ready to go swimming?" Without hesitation, they went in—gear and all. With water nearly up to their heads, both deputies secured her safely and brought her to shore, ensuring she received the medical care she needed. When asked how Deputy Sheriff Trainee Ramos scored on her Daily Observation Reports, Deputy Sheriff Trainer Tefoe replied, "She got a lot of sevens (7's)." This will surely be a night of training she will never forget. To Deputies Ramos and Tefoe: You are the true definition of heroes with heart. ?? Let’s show them some love and appreciation for going above and beyond to safeguard our community. #HeroesWithHeart #PolkSheriff #ValentinesMonth #CompassionInAction #FirstResponderLove #FrostproofDeputies #thingswelove #ourcommunity