Deputy Sheriff Trainee (Scheduled June 2026)

Position ConceptPOLK COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICEDEPUTY SHERIFF TRAINEE ACADEMY The Polk County Sheriff’s 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 Sheriff’s Office will provide a monthly stipend of $3,000 dollars per candidate (first and last month pro-rated). This program does not include health insurance, or worker’s compensation benefits, as you are not a member of the Sheriff’s Office, however it is required that you obtain some form of insurance while attending the Academy. Individuals selected will receive a scholarship for tuition, books, uniforms, and exam cost. However, you will be expected to purchase the following list of items that are 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, Center for Public Safety, in Winter Haven.  Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the Human Resources Division at  or (863) 298-6440. 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 $60 total(recommend 2 each) 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 Sheriff’s Office.   Once you are selected as a member of the Polk County Sheriff’s 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 maintain a legal residence within the boundaries of Polk County, Florida if that is the applicants legal residence upon acceptance into the program; however, applicants awarded a scholarship after May 1, 2023 who currently reside in the following neighboring counties: Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, and Sumter, may maintain their current legal residence at the time of acceptance into the program. Applicants offered employment with the Polk County Sheriff's Office are subject to PCSO General Order 22.17, Residency Requirements.  Department of Law Enforcement applicants living in one of the aforementioned neighboring counties will be required to move into the geographical boundaries of Polk County, Florida if moving from their primary residence.While attending the Academy classes, you are representing the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and you are expected to conduct yourself in a professional manner and adhere to ALL Polk County Sheriff’s 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/VMin USD $3,000.00/Mo.Max

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