Company Profile
Highlands County Sheriff's Office
Company Overview
Sheriff Paul Blackman 2017- Current
The Sheriff as outlined in Article VIII, Section 1 (D) of the State Constitution is responsible for law enforcement and the protection of life and property in Highlands County, the welfare and safekeeping of the law offenders incarcerated in the Highlands County Jail, and for security and order in the Circuit and County Courts.
Highlands County is located in the south central part of Florida and is within 100 miles of 85% of the major population centers in the State, which makes travel through Highlands County constant. There are 1,028 square miles within the jurisdictional limits of the county where the Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining public safety. There are over 1,200 miles of roadway that the County maintains and the Sheriff's Office patrols on a daily basis.
VISION
Our vision is a safer Highlands County where citizens and law
enforcement are joined together, the rights of all persons are
respected, and community values are reflected.
MISSION
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is committed to
protecting life, property, and individual rights while maintaining
peace and order.
VALUES
Integrity - of the agency and its members
Quality Service
Professionalism - in all we do
Company History
The Highlands County Sheriff's Office was created by legislative act in 1921. The original jail was opened in early 1924 and housed 32 inmates. In 1957 a new jail was constructed to house 82 inmates, and at this time the agency expanded its employment to a total of 10 employees, including Deputy Sheriffs, Correctional Officers, and Dispatchers. Continued growth of the county required yet another expansion in 1985, adding 60 inmate beds to provide a total capacity of 142 inmates. Overcrowding during the early 90's required additional inmate housing. In 1996 an addition and renovation of the existing jail increased inmate capacity to 316. The newest addition at the detention facility opened in 2004 and increased inmate capacity to 512.
Highlands County population increased from 39,517 in 1974 to 80,458 in 1998 and most recently to 100,207 in 2008. Along with population increases calls for service have increased accordingly. In 1974 there were 9,990 calls for service; in 2008 deputies responded to 121,911 calls for service, and 73,954 911 calls for service. Currently Highlands County is home to 98,955 people. In 2012 Sheriff's Office personnel handled 76,914 requests for service and booked 4,744 suspects into the Highlands County Jail. Your Sheriff's Office currently employs 224 sworn law enforcement and detention members and 121 civilian support members
Benefits
Member benefits include:
FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN
•Investment Plan - Member is fully vested and eligible for benefits after 1 year.
•Pension Plan - Member is fully vested and eligible for benefits after 8 years. Benefits based on length of service, percentage value and average of five highest years of compensation.
Sworn members classified as Special Risk receive higher percentage value and qualify for full benefits when:
•Age 60 and at least 8 years of Special Risk creditable service; or
•30 years of Special Risk creditable service; or
•33 years creditable service, any age.
Civilian employees classified as Regular qualify for full benefits when:
•Age 65 and at least 8 years of creditable service; or
•33 years of creditable service, any age.
SALARY INCENTIVE
Sworn members are eligible for up to $130.00 monthly in state education incentive payments as follows:
•2-year degree: $30.00 monthly; or
•4-year degree: $80.00 monthly and/or
•Approved law enforcement performance-enhancing courses: $20.00 monthly for each 80 hours instruction.
LEAVE TIME
Full-time members are granted the following paid leave benefits:
•Annual Leave
•Sick Leave
•Holiday Leave
•Funeral Leave
•Military Leave
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM
Program provides members with reimbursement of tuition costs for education from a regionally accreditedcollege/university.
HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS
PPO plan.
DENTAL INSURANCE PLANS
VISION INSURANCE PLANS
LIFE INSURANCE
Sheriff provides $15,000 free Term Life policy. Member may purchase additional coverage on self and dependents through payroll deduction.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT
Reduce taxable income through contributions to Medical Reimbursement account as well as through insurance Premium Conversion.
SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE PLANS
Various supplemental plans available at member cost through payroll deduction.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS
Reduce income taxes and build supplemental retirement capital with deferred compensation plan. A variety of investment options including mutual funds are available through payroll deduction.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Confidential counseling services available for members and for family members. Includes personal, credit, stress, marital and other counseling services.
WORKERS' COMPENSATION BENEFITS
Sheriff pays 100% of premiums. Provides income protection for members injured on the job. Sheriff pays salary for first 40 hours not covered by Worker's Compensation.
MISCELLANEOUS BENEFITS
Uniforms, weapons and equipment provided; clothing allowance (for eligible officers); take-home vehicles (sworn officers); and others.