Training Section

The Training Section encompasses many facets of the Sheriff's Office. It is responsible for training all law enforcement and detention deputies through in-service training and coordination of advanced and salary incentive training. The Sheriff's Office training section initiated a college degree program to enhance the educational level of the detention and law enforcement officers. Contracts were made with both Pensacola Junior College and the University of West Florida to provide instructors if the Sheriff's Office would supply the classroom facilities and reimbursement for tuition. At the present time deputies are in various stages of completing their associates, bachelors and masters degrees.

Sheriff Hall, in an effort to increase our communication with the public, has initiated a "Citizen's Law Enforcement Academy (CLEA)" that meets once a week for twelve weeks. Topics such as drug awareness, patrol and special operations, domestic violence, crime scene investigation plus many more are covered each week with the citizens of Santa Rosa County. Hands on participation are encouraged to include having the citizen's role play the various responsibilities of a deputy sheriff day to day activity.

The Training Section also holds the Citizens Firearms Safety Course and a Juvenile Awareness Course.

Crime Prevention Unit

The Training Section also includes the Crime Prevention Unit, which contains three Crime Prevention Specialists. The crime prevention unit is responsible for the programs dealing with but not limited to neighborhood watches, business and convenience store inspections and identity theft. The crime prevention specialists are available for Neighborhood Watch meetings, senior crime prevention seminars, including the "Refuse To Be A Victim" program, residential surveys, business surveys and other community activities. For more information or to request a program, please call the Crime Prevention Unit at 983-1236. A recently added feature of the Crime Prevention Unit is that of "convenience store inspections" as provided by law and directed by the Attorney General's Office in Tallahassee.

Mounted Posse

Also part of the Training Section is the Sheriff's Mounted Posse. This group is composed of civilian volunteers who dedicated their time and efforts to the benefit of the community and the members of the Sheriff's Office. There are currently 20 members. The posse is all volunteer and supply all their own gear and horses. You will see them at such activities as Kids Fest, National Night Out as well as performing such duties as parking lot patrols, fair grounds security and public presentations.

Volunteer Program

The Training Section also hosts the volunteer program. Our volunteers assist the Sheriff's Office by doing a myriad of jobs and are a valuable part of this organization. To volunteer you must not have a criminal history and allow us to do a background check, records check and fingerprints. If you are interested in volunteering, please call 983-1234 for more information.