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Biography of: Chief Steve Lester 

Department of Detention 
 

Education:

  • 1982 – Polk Community College, Winter Haven, Florida Associate of Science Degree in Criminology

  • 1983 – Polk Community College, Winter Haven, Florida Associate of Arts Degree in Criminology

  • 1999 – University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology

  • 2006 – Troy University, Troy, Alabama Master’s Degree in Public Administration

  • 2006 - Certified Public Manager, Florida State University

  • 2008 - Graduate, Executive Excellence Program, National Institute of Corrections

  • 2009 - Police Executive Research Forum, Senior Management Institute for Police

Professional Experience:

  • 1986 – Employed by Polk County Sheriff’s Office as a detention deputy
  • 1990 – Promoted to Corporal
  • 1991 – Promoted to Sergeant
  • 1995 – Promoted to Lieutenant
  • 1999 – Promoted to Captain
  • 2002 – Promoted to Major, Commander, Support Division
  • 2006 – Promoted to Chief, Commander, Department of Detention

Responsible for the operation of the Department of Detention that includes the operation of two detention facilities, the booking facility, county and statewide inmate transportation, courtroom security, County Jail Work Camp, Detention farm and several Polk County inmate work programs outside the facilities.  The Department of Detention incorporates approximately 550 employees, 2,500 inmates, and a $46 million budget. 


Professional Certifications, Memberships & Affiliations:

  • 2002 – Present:  NAACP National Member
  • 2002 – Present:  American Jail Association Member
  • 2004 - Present:  Certified Jail Manager, Jail Manager Certification Commission 
  • 2006 – Present:  Certified Public Manager, Florida State University
  • 2006 - Present:  Public Safety Coordinating Council Member
  • 2006 - Present:  Anti-Drug Abuse Council Member new
  • 2006 - Present:  Polk Community College Training Advisory Committee
  • 2006 - Present:  Polk County Police Chiefs’ Association Member 
  • 2007-  Present:  American Correctional Association
  • 2009-  Present:  United States Deputy Sheriff's Association
  • 2009-  Present:  Leadership Polk- Polk Vision Class II


Community/Civic Affiliations:

  • 1968 – Present:  Parkland Baptist Church
  • 2000 – Present:  University of Florida Alumni Member
  • 2002 – Present:  University of Florida Scholarship Club Booster
  • 2003 – Present:  Rotary Club of Winter Haven (Past Board of Directors)