Deputy Sheriff Trainee (Accelerated- Scheduled January 2026)

POLK COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

DEPUTY SHERIFF TRAINEEACADEMY

**This Law Enforcement Academy class will be at an accelerated pace which is shorter in duration overall but may include longer class sessions and a modified course schedule.**

The Polk County Sheriffs Office is seeking quality candidates that will embody the values and diversity of the community as a member of the agency. This program allows you the opportunity to be certified in Law Enforcement under the Deputy Sheriff Trainee Academy Program.

While attending the Academy (approximately six months) the Sheriffs Office will provide a monthly stipend of $3000 dollars per candidate (first and last month pro-rated). This program does not include health insurance or workers compensation benefits as you are not a member of the Sheriffs Office; however you are required to obtain some form of insurance while attending the Academy.

Individuals selected will receive a scholarship for tuition books uniforms and exam cost. However you are expected to purchase the following list of items (outlined below) that will be required for the Academy. The following costs are only estimates as the total cost will depend on the quantity and name brand of the merchandise you decide to purchase. You will be required to purchase these items prior to orientation at Polk State College in Winter Haven. Should you have any further questions please feel free to contact the Human Resources Division at or .

• Boots: $60 to $300
• Polo Shirts (2 each): $40 total
• Under Belt: $25 to $35
• Hearing Protection: $20
• Running Shoes: $60 to $200
• Basic Gun Cleaning Kit: $15
• Eye Protection: $10
• Physical Training Uniforms (3 sets): $80 approx.
• Battle Dress Uniforms (BDUs - recommend 2 each): $60 total
• Ball Cap (recommend 2 each): $30 total
• Black T-Shirt (5 each)NOT V-Neck: $20 to $50 approx. (T-Shirts to wear under uniform and polo shirts.)

Upon graduating from the academy in good standing and successfully passing the state exams you may be offered employment with the Polk County Sheriffs Office. Once you are selected as a member of the Polk County Sheriffs Office you will be assigned to the Department of Law Enforcement as a Deputy Sheriff.

To be considered for selection applicants for the Deputy Sheriff Trainee Academy shall establish and maintain a legal residence within the boundaries of Polk County Florida (or neighboring counties: Hardee Highlands Hillsborough Lake Orange Osceola Pasco or Sumter).

While attending the Academy classes you are representing the Polk County Sheriffs Office; therfore you are expected to conduct yourself in a professional manner and adhere to ALL Polk County Sheriffs Office General Order policies while attending class as well as outside of class. Misconduct or lack of integrity will not be tolerated and may result in termination of the scholarship program.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V