Liberal fringe benefits add significant value to the compensation of full-time employees of the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Fringe benefits for Sworn/Certified employees equal 43.75% or more, while civilian employee benefits equal 31% or more.

This means that, for every $100 of salary paid, sworn employees receive an additional $43.75 in benefits.

Employee benefits include:

FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM

Sheriff pays 100%. Employee is fully vested and eligible for benefits after 6 years. Benefits based on length of service, percentage value and average of five highest years of compensation.

Sworn and Certified employees classified as Special Risk receive higher percentage value and qualify for full benefits when:

• Age 55 and at least 10 years of Special Risk creditable service; or
• 25 years of Special Risk creditable service; or
• 30 years creditable service, any age.

Civilian employees classified as Regular qualify for full benefits when:

• Age 62 and at least 10 years of creditable service; or
• 30 years of creditable service, any age.

SALARY INCENTIVE

Sworn and Certified employees are eligible for up to $130.00 monthly in state education incentive payments as follows:

• 2-year degree: $30.00 monthly; or
• 4-year degree: $80.00 monthly and/or
• Masters Degree: $80.00 monthly plus $600.00 annually and/or
• Approved law enforcement performance-enhancing courses: $20.00 monthly for each 80 hours instruction

LEAVE TIME

Full-time employees are granted the following paid leave benefits:

• Vacation Leave: 8 hours monthly. Increases with length of service.
• Sick Leave: 8 hours monthly.
• Holiday Leave: 80 hours annually.
• Funeral Leave: 24 hours for family members.
• Military Leave: up to 17 days annually.

SICK LEAVE POOL

Up to 130 working days of paid sick leave in event of catastrophic illness or injury after all other leave exhausted. Employee donates 8 hours of sick leave to join.

HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS

Choice of HMO plan or PPO plan. Sheriff pays 78% of monthly premium for employee and dependents.

LIFE INSURANCE

Sheriff provides $5,000 free Term Life policy. Includes additional $5,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment. Employee may purchase additional coverage on self and dependents through payroll deduction.

EDUCATIONAL REIMBURSEMENT

Employees eligible after one year of service. For approved courses, employee is reimbursed at Florida university system rate for tuition and laboratory fees. Must successfully pass course with grade of "C" or higher.

FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PROGRAM

Reduce taxable income through contributions to Medical Reimbursement account and/or Child Care Reimbursement account as well as through insurance Premium Conversion.

SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE PLANS

Various supplemental plans available at employee cost through payroll deduction.

LONG TERM DISABILITY

Salary protection if disabled 180 days or longer. Sheriff pays 60% of salary up to maximum of $1,000 monthly. Employee may purchase additional coverage.

DENTAL INSURANCE PLANS & VISION INSURANCE

Payroll deduction service. Employee contribution only.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS

Reduce income taxes and build supplemental retirement capital with deferred compensation plan. A variety of investment options including mutual funds are available through payroll deduction. (Nationwide/Pebsco, ICMA)

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Confidential counseling services available for employees and for family members. Includes personal, credit, stress, marital and other counseling services.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION BENEFITS

Sheriff pays 100% of premiums. Provides income protection for employees injured on the job. Sheriff pays salary for first 40 hours not covered by Worker's Compensation. Also pays difference in regular salary and Worker's Compensation payments.

EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION

Administers blood bank account; provides emergency loans; presents service awards; sponsors social events; etc.

MISCELLANEOUS BENEFITS

Uniforms, weapons and equipment provided; uniform cleaning allowance; clothing allowance (for eligible officers); take-home vehicles (sworn officers); and others.

An application for employment can be downloaded from this site or contact hr@polksheriff.org to have one mailed.