Experienced officers join Florida Poly Police to mentor and protect
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.
Police officer returns to Florida Poly to serve and protect
In an unusual twist of fate, Officer Abby Payne has come full circle, returning to Florida Polytechnic University, not as a student, but as a member of the University Police Department. Payne was part of Florida Poly’s inaugural class, pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. “It’s bittersweet coming back to where I started,” she said. […]
Police sergeant puts decades of experience to work at Florida Poly
Florida Polytechnic University Police Sgt. David Last’s career has always seen him serve and protect all those around him. Last joined the U.S. Air Force during his years in college where he was studying accounting. After more than 10 years the military, he joined a program called “Troops to Cops,” which trained the then-staff sergeant […]
Annual police toy drive boosts seasonal cheer in Lakeland and beyond
Deep into each fall semester, the Florida Polytechnic University Police Department starts preparing for one of its biggest outreach efforts of the year. The department is the mischievous group behind the annual toy drive benefitting children at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center and a small rural community in Honduras. University faculty, staff, and students donated […]
Public safety officer keeps a watchful, helpful eye on campus
John Lane always has a smile, directions, or a quick golf cart ride ready to help students, employees, and visitors to the Florida Polytechnic University campus in Lakeland, Florida. He also has specialized gear that helps him rid busy sections of campus of the occasional unwanted visitor, like alligators, snakes, and other wildlife. “I love […]
Florida Poly police sergeant unwavering in her service
Sgt. Leonard reflects on her military career this Veterans Day As a teen growing up in Brooklyn, New York, Florida Polytechnic University Police Sgt. Jeannette Leonard knew military service was her way to a better future. “I saw the same people standing on the corners and selling drugs in our parks day in and […]
Florida Poly Police build safety through community
With a commitment to campus safety and a friendly attitude, the Florida Polytechnic University Police Department prides itself on connecting with students and building relationships with those they serve and protect. “In traditional law enforcement, you may not get to know the true meaning of community policing,” said Chief Richard Holland, who previously worked at […]
Annual Florida Poly toy drive brings cheer to Lakeland pediatric patients
The holiday season will be a little brighter for pediatric patients at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center. The Florida Polytechnic University community once again rallied behind an effort of the University’s Police Department to donate toys to children who are hospitalized and may need some extra cheer. “It’s our tradition to give back to the […]
Florida Poly Police Department awarded statewide law enforcement accreditation
LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Polytechnic University Police Department is now an accredited law enforcement agency in the state of Florida. The department received the award from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) on Thursday, Oct. 15, recognizing its policies, procedures, and processes as meeting or exceeding industry standards. Accreditation standards address a […]
Compliance assessment for CFA law enforcement accreditation
LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Polytechnic University Police Department is scheduled for a compliance assessment as part of an effort to achieve law enforcement accreditation by verifying it meets professional standards administered by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA). The accreditation program requires agencies to comply with state-of-the-art standards in four basic areas: […]
