Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Professional Objective
Timeline
Generic

KRISTOPHER S. GILBERT

Winter Haven,Florida

Summary

Dynamic and strategic law enforcement leader with over 27 years of progressively responsible experience in policing, command operations, and organizational leadership at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Demonstrated success leading multi-jurisdictional teams, advancing community safety initiatives, and implementing evidence-based strategies to improve officer performance, morale, and accountability. Recognized for integrity, operational excellence, and a commitment to developing the next generation of law enforcement professionals.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Captain – Southeast District

Polk County Sheriff’s Office
Winter Haven ,FL
01.2023 - Current

Oversee District operations including patrol, investigations, and community engagements. Managing a large team of more than 100 members of supervisors, deputies and civilians ensuring operational readiness, discipline, and community trust.

  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.

Lieutenant – Patrol

Polk County Sheriff’s Office
Winter Haven, FL
01.2014 - 01.2023
  • Commanded multiple platoons (SE Echo, SE Delta, CE Alpha, SE Bravo) with responsibility for personnel management, field operations, and emergency response coordination. Developed operational plans improving efficiency and officer safety.
  • Enforced compliance with laws and regulations during patrols and community engagement activities.
  • Collaborated with local agencies to coordinate responses for emergency situations and public safety initiatives.
  • Developed community outreach programs, fostering trust and collaboration between law enforcement and residents.

Sergeant – Patrol/BSI/BCI

Polk County Sheriff’s Office
Winter Haven, FL
01.2006 - 01.2014
  • Supervised units within the Bureau of Special Investigations and Bureau of Criminal Investigations, including Homicide, Robbery, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force, narcotics and organized crime units. Led major investigations and provided tactical oversight.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.

Detective – Narcotics Investigation Section

Polk County Sheriff’s Office
Winter Haven, FL
01.2000 - 2005
  • Assigned to DEA, HIDTA Task Forces, Organized Crime and Narcotics conducting large-scale narcotics and organized crime investigations. To include Title III wire intercepts. Recognized for excellence in case development and interagency collaboration.
  • Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to gather intelligence and share critical information.
  • Analyzed evidence using forensic tools to establish connections between suspects and criminal activities.
  • Developed and executed investigative plans, ensuring adherence to legal standards and protocols.
  • Obtained and served search warrants related to ongoing cases.

Deputy Sheriff – Patrol/Community Oriented Policing

Polk County Sheriff’s Office
Winter Haven, FL
01.1998 - 01.2000
  • Served as a front-line patrol officer in both proactive and community policing capacities, building trust through visibility and responsiveness.

Education

Master of Science - Criminal Justice Administration

University of Louisville
Louisville, KY

Administrative Officers Course (SPI) -

University of Louisville
Louisville, KY

Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice

Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, FL

Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts

Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, FL

Certified Public Manager -

Florida State University
Tampa, FL

Skills

  • Medico-Legal Investigation of Death (ME School)
  • Middle Management
  • Advanced Line Supervision
  • Line Supervision
  • Instructor Techniques
  • Search and Seizure
  • Interrogation & Interviews
  • Behavioral & Eye Assessment
  • Electronic Surveillance
  • Financial Forensics
  • Intercept of Secure Communications
  • Tactical Drug Operations
  • DEA - Basic Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs
  • DEA - Advanced Narcotics and Dangerous Drug Investigations
  • DEA - Clandestine Laboratory Investigations
  • DEA - Site Safety and Tactical Entry Operations

Accomplishments

    Supervised major incidents and investigations

Certification

Florida Law Enforcement standards

certified public management

incident command certification

Professional Objective

To leverage over two decades of progressive law enforcement leadership experience to educate others, fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and community partnership.

Timeline

Captain – Southeast District

Polk County Sheriff’s Office
01.2023 - Current

Lieutenant – Patrol

Polk County Sheriff’s Office
01.2014 - 01.2023

Sergeant – Patrol/BSI/BCI

Polk County Sheriff’s Office
01.2006 - 01.2014

Detective – Narcotics Investigation Section

Polk County Sheriff’s Office
01.2000 - 2005

Deputy Sheriff – Patrol/Community Oriented Policing

Polk County Sheriff’s Office
01.1998 - 01.2000

Master of Science - Criminal Justice Administration

University of Louisville

Administrative Officers Course (SPI) -

University of Louisville

Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice

Saint Leo University

Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts

Saint Leo University

Certified Public Manager -

Florida State University