Special Investigations Section

The Vice Unit’s areas of responsibility includes the investigation of prostitution, lewd activity in county parks, adult establishments, pornography, regulation of alcoholic beverage laws and escort services.

Investigation of prostitution includes both organized and street level cases. The investigation of adult establishments focuses on businesses that promote prostitution and pornography. Pornography investigations include the sale of magazines, books, photographs and videotapes.

Additional investigations conducted by the Vice Unit include the sale of drug paraphernalia and bootleg videotapes. During investigations of alcoholic beverage laws, the sale of alcoholic beverage to minors is regulated.

The Vice Unit works closely with other local, state and federal agencies to monitor illegal activity in Polk County. Information is gathered daily from Polk County citizens, which aids in all investigations.

The Auto Theft Task Force is grant funded and is staffed by three detectives and an analyst. The grant is renewed every three years. The current grant is for $80,000.00, and is scheduled to expire in September 2002. The Auto Theft Task Force is in addition to detectives who work auto thefts in the East and West Divisions.

The main objective of the Auto Theft Task Force is to work chop shops and organized auto thefts in Polk County. They work closely with the Florida Auto Theft Intelligence Unit to prevent auto theft through public education and proactive investigations.

In addition, the Auto Theft Task Force conducts salvage yard inspections, investigate cargo and heavy equipment thefts, locate confidential VIN’s (Vehicle Identification Numbers) and provide public education and VIN etchings. They also work closely with the Department of Motor Vehicles, as well as local agencies, in the prevention of auto thefts in Polk County. The Auto Theft Task force is also a member of the Statewide Cargo Theft Task Force.

Auto Theft Facts Page

The Gang Unit is responsible for identifying gang members and monitoring their activity in Polk County. There are two detectives in the Gang Unit, augmented by Gang Liaisons from each Patrol Platoon. The Gang Liaisons are able to concentrate on a smaller geographic area to provide current information on gang members in that area. Gang Liaisons are also assigned within the Department of Detention to monitor gang members incarcerated in the jails and S.T.A.R.

The Gang Unit detectives provide training to other agencies and education and information to civic groups, schools and the general public. Public education is provided to assist parents/guardians in identifying the early signs of possible gang activity in their children so immediate preventive action can be taken. In addition, a database is currently being compiled for use by other law enforcement agencies through the Internet.

The Gang Unit takes a proactive approach to locating and identifying gang members. Gang Unit detectives’ conduct an aggressive gang graffiti eradication program with paint outs occurring regularly. Gang Unit detectives, assisted by Patrol Deputies, continue to educate the public on gang activity and deal quickly with gang related crimes.