Richard Holland

Chief Richard Holland started his career at Florida Polytechnic University in June of 2014. Holland is a career law enforcement officer who brings expertise in investigations, mentorship, security operations and policymaking. He has experience and training in hurricane preparedness, crises intervention, hazardous materials, advanced tactical leadership and emergency operations of critical incidents. Holland previously worked for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office from 1988 to 2014 after serving 26 years and retired as a captain. Holland served in the Special Operations Division which encompasses SWAT, crises negotiators, tactical medics, tactical hazmat, and tactical doctors for most of his career (1993-2013, 20 years).

Holland also served as the southeast district commander and the bureau of special investigations captain. In the later role, his work targeted illegal drug operations, organized crime, computer crimes, and identity theft working alongside the US Marshals Service Task Force, FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, and DEA Task Force.

Holland also served as the training Lieutenant overseeing training for 2000 members of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Holland started his law enforcement career at the Winter Haven Police Department in 1986.