Every deputy's journey starts here. On today's #teamHCSO Takeover, step inside the Training Academy where our class coordinators help build the skills, discipline, and confidence these individuals carry into a career of service.

Sometimes, the most important thing an officer can do is simply stay and talk. On Sunday, April 26, Officer Lindsey Shaw responded to a call that a woman was standing on the edge of a bridge in the New Kings Road area. The woman was threatening to take her own life. Officers Shaw began speaking with the woman, trying to get her to come to the other side of the barrier. At first, the woman refused, admitting she didn’t trust police officers. We have changed the woman's voice to protect her privacy. Officer Shaw didn’t stop the conversation. Over the hour long interaction, the relationship between Officer Shaw and the woman shifted from officer and person in need to just two people sharing their favorite superheroes. It was in that moment when Officer Shaw was speaking to the woman from her heart that the woman decided to climb back over the barrier. We are proud to share Officer Shaw was recognized this morning as our Police Officer of the Month. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, free and confidential help is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988.

𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐒𝐔𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐃𝐑𝐔𝐆 𝐋𝐀𝐁, 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐒, 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐇 A St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit (SIU) investigation led detectives to a St. Augustine home, and resulted in the recovery of suspected narcotics, firearms, drug-manufacturing equipment, and thousands of dollars in cash. During the investigation, SIU detectives conducted multiple undercover purchases of fentanyl from Tyler Marrs (30). Detectives also identified a private website operated by Marrs for the purchase and delivery of narcotics. On September 3, 2026, detectives executed a search warrant at Marrs’ home on Timberwood Drive in St. Augustine and recovered: 🔴 11 firearms 🔴 Two drones 🔴 5.5g of Fentanyl 🔴 78.2 grams of a suspected synthetic opioid, a schedule 1 Controlled Substance 🔴 3.7g of Methamphetamine 🔴 18g of an unidentified white powdery substance 🔴 122.5g of various pills 🔴 22 Suboxone Films 🔴 Precursor Chemicals 🔴 $22,477 in cash Detectives also located a pill press, 3D printer, laboratory manual, packaging and labels, a money counter, glassware, vials, and other equipment consistent with the manufacturing and distribution of narcotics. Marrs was arrested and charged with Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Sell, Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Sell, Possession of a Legend Drug with Intent to Sell, Use or Display of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Manufacture or Delivery of Drug Paraphernalia, and Use or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. This investigation highlights the ongoing efforts to identify and disrupt individuals involved in the illegal distribution of dangerous drugs in St. Johns County.

"My wife is allergic to bee stings and was stung and went into anaphylactic shock. I called 911, and one of your deputies arrived at our house before the fire department and paramedics. I wanted to let the Sheriff and @WCSOFL Deputy Katrina Cain's supervisor know what a wonderful job she did. She was calm, competent, and professional. My wife was taken to the ER at Sacred Heart in Miramar and recovered fully as a result of the care she received from Walton County personnel. Please pass along our thanks again to Deputy Cain. Thank you!" -D. Bennett

Each year we celebrate National Forensic Science Week, to show our appreciation for the men and women behind the scenes – and inside the crime scenes – whose work and dedication can make the difference between solving a crime, or not. This year the week of September 20-26 is dedicated to them. We are excited to share some videos with you this week featuring our Forensics Investigators and Forensic Latent Print Analysts as they show you the science behind the scenes. Many, many criminal cases have been solved by the members of the Identification Section and Forensics Unit. We truly would not have the 54-year low crime rate that we do without their dedication, professionalism, and expertise. If you’re interested in a very interesting and rewarding career helping solve crimes and ensuring the bad guys go to jail, check out our recruiting website joinpolkso.com. #PolkSheriff #ForensicScience

105 miles per hour... in a 50 mile-per-hour zone. That's more than twice the speed limit. Unacceptable. On Thursday, August 6, Officer Reshawn Gelsey with our Traffic Enforcement Unit clocked this 26-year-old driver driving double the limit on the Arlington Expressway. It was a clear violation of Florida's super speeder law, and the traffic stop ended with the driver in handcuffs. He was arrested for Reckless Driving, Driving Over 100MPH, Resisting an Officer Without Violence, and Driving with a Suspended, Cancelled or Revoked License. The speed limit is not a suggestion. It's there to protect every driver, passenger, and pedestrian from getting hurt or killed. Drive safe, Duval.

The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office has arrested and charged Jake Matthew (34) with multiple felony offenses, including: Aggravated Animal Cruelty, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, False Report to Law Enforcement, Unlawful Disposal of a Dead Animal, and Using an Animal to Fight or Bait.  On August 25, 2026, deputies responded to the 3000 block of Ninth Street in Elkton after receiving multiple calls reporting gunshots near Matthew's home. Deputies did not locate anything suspicious at the time. The next day, deputies returned to the area after the remains of a decapitated adult female dog were discovered at a vacant lot on Tenth Street.  SJSO Property Crimes Detectives executed a search warrant at Matthew's home, locating additional mutilated dog remains, a gun cleaning kit with gun oil, a box used to store pistols, several other items and accessories. No firearm was recovered. Matthew is a convicted felon and is not allowed to possess any firearms. On September 2, 2026, detectives executed a second search warrant, locating several 9MM shell casings in the backyard near the area where the dog's remains had been found, along with a fired bullet from a tree truck. Detectives also located two dead cats on the property and seized two adult male dogs, eight puppies, and two piglets.  A necropsy conducted by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine determined the dog, identified as Matthew's adult female dog, 'Daisy', was shot several times at close range. Based on the investigation, detectives believe Matthew killed Daisy in the backyard using a 9MM handgun. Matthew was arrested on September 17, 2026, and is currently in custody at the St. Johns County Jail on $45,750 bond.

Operation Safe Summer delivered results across Miami-Dade County. ☀️🚔 Throughout the summer, MDSO deputies worked across our communities through proactive patrols, traffic and DUI enforcement, park details, community outreach, and other crime prevention initiatives. From more than 1,200 arrests and thousands of citations to the seizure of firearms and illegal narcotics, these results reflect our continued commitment to protecting the people who live, work, and play in Miami-Dade. Public safety remains our top priority…. every season, every day. ⭐ #OperationSafeSummer #MDSOprotecting ——— La Operación Verano Seguro dio resultados en todo el Condado de Miami-Dade. ☀️🚔 Durante todo el verano, los agentes de MDSO trabajaron en nuestras comunidades mediante patrullajes proactivos, operativos de tránsito y de conducción bajo los efectos del alcohol o las drogas (DUI), vigilancia en parques, acercamiento comunitario y otras iniciativas de prevención del crimen. Desde más de 1,200 arrestos y miles de multas, hasta la incautación de armas de fuego y narcóticos ilegales, estos resultados reflejan nuestro compromiso continuo de proteger a quienes viven, trabajan y disfrutan de Miami-Dade. La seguridad pública sigue siendo nuestra máxima prioridad… en cada temporada, todos los días. ⭐

Training together. Responding as one. 🚔 This week, law enforcement personnel from multiple agencies are putting their skills to the test during our two-week Priority Response Team (PRT) and Incident Containment Team (ICT) School. Through realistic, scenario-based training, participants are strengthening the coordination, decision-making, and tactical response needed when critical incidents unfold. When every second counts, training and teamwork make the difference. 💪