Safe Schools

The Bureau of Colleges and Universities partners with Polk State College and Southeastern University to provide safety and security services. These partnerships provide a system through which the security operations of contracted colleges and universities will be managed and coordinated to enhance the safety and security of students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors. The main number is 863-667-5189. 

The campuses have a sworn law enforcement Lieutenant permanently assigned to the campus to oversee security and safety operations. These law enforcement professionals are also responsible for ensuring Polk State College and Southeastern University remain compliant with changing federal guidelines regarding the Jeanne Clery Act and the Violence Against Women Act.

The Bureau of Primary and Secondary Schools, under the leadership of Captain Rian Shea, encompasses the School Resource Unit and the School Crossing Unit.

Members of the School Resource Unit are sworn School Resource Deputy Sheriffs who are responsible for maintaining a safe learning environment and mentoring students regarding real life issues such as drugs, gangs, truancy, and bullying. The School Resource Deputy Sheriffs work in partnership with the Polk County School Board to ensure students have a safe place to learn and faculty has a safe place to teach. The main number is 863-322-0223.

This bureau also encompasses the School Crossing Unit, which is responsible for ensuring elementary students safely arrive at school. School Crossing Guards are part-time members who receive training to provide those students a safe place to cross streets when they have to walk to and from school. The School Crossing Supervisors can be reached at 863-534-7300 ext. 408 or 409.