The Florida Polytechnic University Police Department has hired five new officers and a full-time accreditation manager over the last two years. Clockwise from top left, they are Harry Anderson, Juan Diaz Santiago, Steven Mitchell, Caroline Renew and Abby Payne.
The Florida Polytechnic University Police Department’s commitment to a safe, unified campus community is at the heart of every officer’s action, beginning from the moment they submit their application. It’s something Chief Richard Holland kept top-of-mind as he considered each of the six new people who joined his team over the last two years.
“When hiring, we look at experience, attitude and an understanding that we are here to help educate instead of a priority of enforcement,” he said. “We look for an attitude of being a mentor and counselor in their interviews and background.”
This sharp focus has resulted in a robust department that has a deep bench built on many years of successful law enforcement experience and a wide variety of policing backgrounds.
“Our strength is in the number of years of experience these new officers have – from 8 to 25,” Holland said. “They all come from larger accredited agencies with experiences with traffic homicide, criminal investigations and as training officers.”
John Cruz, who began in his position on Jan. 3, is the department’s newest officer. He previously was a special operations lieutenant with the Auburndale Police Department.
With both parents working in law enforcement, he said the drive to enter the profession was there from the start. But interacting with the community he serves is what keeps him motivated.
“The biggest reason I became a police officer was my desire to help the community I serve, whether it’s to be a mentor, a peacekeeper, an investigator, a shoulder to cry on, or an ear to listen,” Cruz said. “I love law enforcement and wanted to work at Florida Poly because I really enjoy the ability to interact with the students to possibly be a mentor for them.”
Joining him as officers are Abby Payne, Harry Anderson, Juan Diaz Santiago, and Steven Mitchell. Caroline Renew, the department’s new full-time accreditation manager, is also a former police officer.
Renew, who also serves as an assessor for the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc. (CFA), previously was accreditation manager for the Lakeland Police Department.
“What I like most about my position here at Florida Poly is both being able to work in a unique campus law enforcement setting and helping to ensure our agency maintains the highest standards,” she said.
Holland said the five new officers and full-time accreditation manager are elevating the department’s mission and professionalism.
“They are all doing awesome work and have made a great transition to university policing, with a strong commitment of protecting our campus using a true community policing philosophy,” he said.
Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
