News and Investigations

Sheriff Grady Judd is proud to announce that on October 6, 2021, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Department of Detention was reaccredited by the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission (FCAC) and designated as an excelsior agency for the third time.

From July 20-22, 2021, a team of assessors reviewed all aspects of the Department of Detention facilities, including the policies and procedures, administration, operations, and support services. The agency was found to be in compliance with all applicable 262 standards. 

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has had a longtime commitment to professional accreditation dating back to 1994, when the agency was first accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), for its law enforcement operations.

Accreditation is a voluntary process that invites independent accrediting bodies to inspect and review agency policies and practices to determine if the agency is following state and national standards and best practices. Accreditation is a highly valued recognition for any law enforcement agency.

“We continue to open our agency to scrutiny from outside independent organizations whose jobs are to ensure we are adhering to best practices in a wide range of areas, from law enforcement and detention operations to telecommunications, purchasing, training, and medical services. We believe in transparency, innovation, and professional development. Our goal is to be ahead of the curve and leading the way among law enforcement agencies. I am so proud of the men and women in this agency who constantly and consistently go above and beyond to achieve excellence every day.” - Grady Judd, Sheriff