Special Operations

DLE Divisions

Special Operations

The Special Operations Division, under the command of Major Chris Colson, is comprised of the Bureau of Support Operations, the Bureau of Supports Services, and the Emergency Operations Group. Each Bureau is commanded by a Captain or civilian equivalent who reports to the Division Commander.

Captain Steve Horstman

Bureau of Support Operations

The Bureau of Support Operations includes the Canine Unit, Agricultural Crimes, the Aviation, Marine, and Traffic Unit, and the specialty teams: Honor Guard and Mounted Enforcement. While the specialty teams are voluntary for deputies to join, the other units are held by full-time sworn deputy sheriffs. We have over 20 Canine teams with narcotics detection, bomb detection, human scent detection, and apprehension trained dogs of different breeds. The Agricultural Crimes Unit investigates crimes that occur in rural areas and that affect agricultural owners, such as trespassing and illegal dumping. The Aviation and Marine Units patrol by air and water. Did you know? Polk County has over 550 lakes. The main number for this Bureau is 863-298-6323.

Agricultural Watch Program

The Agricultural Watch Program has been embraced by the Florida Sheriff's Association as a model program statewide. The program was developed as a means to identify ownership of agricultural properties in Polk County. The program consists of a "No Trespassing By Order of The Sheriff" sign listing the property/business owner's name and a code number. The code number displayed provides deputies on patrol instant access to owner information and agent agreements. This program is open to qualified Agri-businesses or persons whose interest is in, and limited to, agriculture-related activities. If you are interested in participating in the program, please contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes Unit at 863-534-7205. The Agricultural Crimes Unit can be reached via email at AgriculturalCrimes@polksheriff.org.

Deputy Director Kurt Lockwood

Bureau of Support Services

The Bureau of Support Services is comprised of the men and women of the Emergency Communications Center (ECC), who are responsible for answering all 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls, and dispatching all law enforcement, Fire, and EMS first responders countywide, with the exception of the cities of Bartow, Lake Alfred, and Lakeland. The main number for the ECC is 863-401-2226.