Polk County Jail – Winter Haven, FL

Polk County Jail is located in Polk County, FL and is the jail for this area. Know somebody locked up at Polk County Jail? This site tells you all about everything one might want to know about Polk County Jail,such as: How to do a jail inmate search. How to view Polk County Jail mugshots. The jail’s phone number and address. Posting bail. Intake procedures and booking. Court information and records. And much more…

The prospect of going to jail is a scary and daunting situation, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also their family and friends. The goal of this guide is to give you all the information and tips you need to make getting locked up less stressful. If you have specific questions, just ask it in the comment section below, and also any comments or feedback that could be a benefit to others would be appreciated.

Do you have a friend or family member that is in jail and need to contact them?

Has a family member or friend that’s been arrested and you need to find them?

In order to look up who is in jail at Polk County Jail you need to visit their web site and perform an inmate lookup.

The Polk County Jail Inmate Roster has information on people who have been arrested, which includes custody status, bail amount, and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you can get the same information on anyone arrested and processed or released in the past 24-hour period. Jail inmates are listed alphabetically by their last name. You can locate their arrest information faster if you’ve got their full name, birth date, or inmate ID Number.

If your friend or family member might be in a different jail you will want to check our Florida county jail guide: Other County Jails in Florida

A mugshot, also called a jail intake picture, is a photo that the jail takes when you are processed at the jail intake. A mugshot is actually one face photo and a profile photo. Your full name and booking number will be on the photos, and they are kept on file at the jail.

Mugshots of people who have been arrested can be found online, or you can see them in person at the Polk County Jail. When viewing online you have to put in the inmate’s full name, and the arrest date, if you know it.

Need to know how to have your mugshot removed from the Polk County Jail site? This may not be possible, since your mugshot is public record. To get your mugshot taken down you have to file a Petition to Expunge in court. Basically, this means that all of your arrest records will be sealed, and unavailable to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

For more information about getting your mugshot removed, the different websites with mugshots, and the websites that offer to remove your mugshot for you: How To Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet

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Once you are in jail, your only thought is about how to get out. After you’ve gone through the intake process, your bail is set either by bail schedule or magistrate. If no bail is set this may mean that you will either be released on your ‘own recognizance’ until your court date, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released you will have to agree to be there for your court date, and until that day you won’t be permitted to leave the area.

In most cases, inmates can earn early release in exchange for good behavior when they follow the rules and act right while they are in jail.

If you do exhibit good behavior and the jail believes you can be trusted, you may be granted work release. You will be required to go back to jail each day when you’re finished at your job, or you could be permitted to live in a halfway house instead of jail.

Bail is how much money that you have to pay to the court system in order to be released from jail until your trial. The amount you have to pay all depends on how serious your charges are. You or someone you know will have to pay to the courts 10 percent of the total set so you are able to get discharged from jail. If you fail to show up for your scheduled court date, whoever put up your bail money will lose that money.

You must call the jail or the county courthouse. If know the person’s information, including name, address and date of birth, they will be able to let you know what their bail is set at. You can also find out how much their bail is on the jail website.

Having to bail someone out of jail is never fun, but usually, it is easy if you have the money. First of all, you need to know if their bail is a Cash Only Bond situation. If it is, you will not be able to use the services of a Bail Bondsman. They only accept cash at the jail, so you have to take cash – the jail can’t accept a check. When you’ve paid bail, the inmate will be discharged. If the conditions of bail are not violated, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If the bail amount is too high, of if you can’t pay it, you should hire a bail bondsman. They usually charge a fee of 10-15% of the total amount of bail set by the magistrate, and in most cases charge a minimum fee of $100. The amount you pay to the bondsman will not be returned to you and is typically cash only. If their bail has been set particularly high, the bondsman may ask to use your personal assets as collateral.

You can find a bail bondsman click here: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever used the services of bondsman for yourself, a family member or friend? If so, leave a comment below and tell your story, and let us know how things turned out.

Click here to post a comment

• Early Release For Good Behavior
• Work Release
• Released For Time Served
• Pre-Trial Release Programs
• Released On House Arrest
• Get Released on Your Own Recognizance

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The jail intake process takes you through the following steps:

• You will be placed in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, you will have to wait, sometimes for many hours, before you get processed.
• The first thing you will have to is you must answer some simple questions, such as what is your full name, address, birth date and an emergency contact person.
• Also, you will also be asked about your psychological and medical history.
• You will be given an inmate ID number.
• Your fingerprints will be taken.
• You will get your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will be taken from you and stored until you are discharged.
• You will then be allowed to use the phone so you can get in touch with family, friends, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you might be allowed to skip the jumpsuit and keep wearing your own clothes, but if you are not expected to make bail quickly you will have to wear a jail issued jumpsuit.

Have you been arrested and gone through jail intake? If you have, you should tell our readers about your experience. How long did it take to get processed? What was your treatment like? Do you know any secrets that might help other people that get arrested make it through jail intake?

Tell Your Story

When you post bail, you will be allowed to leave jail. The discharge process may take anywhere between 15 minutes to quite a few hours. Or, simply, the faster you can post bail, the quicker you will get discharged. How quickly you get discharged will depend on if you have a cash bond amount or if the judge needs to figure out how much to set your bail at. For minor charges, you will be booked and then released on your recognizance without having to pay bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and are given a release date, plan to get released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

issued for your arrest, or if you need to begin your sentence in jail, you should follow the rules and turn yourself into the authorities. In the case of an outstanding warrant, report to the jail, in the reception area, and tell an officer that think that there is a warrant out for your arrest. The officer will verify that you have an outstanding arrest warrant, and if you do, you will be taken into the sheriff’s custody. When reporting to serve a sentence, report to the jail on the date and time that the sentence order lists. Make sure that you aren’t late. Just bring allowed items when you turn yourself in, for example a driver’s license or even ID, any prescription medication you might take, and the official sentencing order.

In order to have visitors, inmates must provide information about each visitor to the jail before anyone can visit them. Your visitor’s information will be put into a Visiting log as an Authorized visit. Each and every visitor is required to provide acceptable photo identification when visiting an inmate. Anyone showing up late or any visitors that are not approved to visit will not be allowed to attend visitation.
Jail visitation policies change often, so review the official jail site before you go.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. These phone calls are typically pricier than phone calls made at home. There are certain restrictions about when and how often you can use the phone, but inmates should keep in mind that there are a limited number of phones, so all the inmates must share phone time. If you break the rules and are disciplined, phone calls might get cut back or forbidden completely.

The Polk County Jail phone number is: (863) 298-6200

All mail must be sent using US Postal Service. You cannot use any other method of delivery. You must write or type the person’s name, inmate number, and jail address on the letter. Don’t mail a box, envelope with padding, bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail received by the jail is opened and examined by the staff, and the mail will be sent back if deemed inappropriate.

Use this address when sending a letter to an inmate at Polk County Jail:

Polk County Jail
1891 Jim Keene Boulevard
Winter Haven, FL 33880

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Polk County Jail
1891 Jim Keene Boulevard
Winter Haven, FL 33880

The mail policy at Polk County Jail can change, so we suggest that you visit the official Polk County Jail site when you send a letter.

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When you get arrested, you still have rights, the most important of which is your right to request an attorney. Remember that you may be limited to the amount of phone calls you can make, so you would be wise to get a friend or family member to locate an attorney for you. You may be thinking ‘but do I really need an attorney’ You are not required to have an attorney for some criminal charges, a criminal defense attorney can advise you of your rights, look after your best interests and help you find your way through the legal system that you are now faced with. The faster you get an attorney working on your situation, the better your chances.

For more detailed information on the benefits of hiring a lawyer, read: Find an Attorney

If you need an attorney, but can’t afford a lawyer, you will get a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender Office has a number of staff such as private investigators, forensics experts as well as case workers. Public Defenders are bona-fide attorneys that are members of the State Bar and are licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you or someone you know used a court appointed attorney or Public Defender? Are you satisfied with how they handled your case and represented you in court?

Court records are public record and are available upon request to anyone who requests them – not just the person who they pertain to. They include a court case file with a sheet called a docket sheet and all of the documents that have been filed in the case. You can access your court case records using the online service, or at the Clerk of Court’s office where the case was filed.

The Polk County Clerk of Court is an official part of the court that manages the records. The Clerk of Court also administer the oath for any court participant who must be under oath, and read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records and documents related to your case are available at the office of the Clerk of Court.

Court fees are the charges from your court case, such as for example filing fees, motion and claim fees, and court charges. If you can’t afford to pay these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you will not be responsible for these fees.

The Polk County magistrate is the judge that will preside over your case. They do many different things, such as setting bail amounts, issuing warrants, and presiding over preliminary court appearances and detention hearings.

Your pre-sentencing report is prepared to include the defendant’s background information and as much detail about the defendant’s life and public history, which the judge will consider when decide your sentence. Information and personal details will be gathered from the defendant, their family, and in some cases the victim. Don’t forget you are able to request to get a copy of the report prior to sentencing, so you can correct any inaccurate information.

If you get convicted of a crime, you will be sentenced. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, including community service and probation, to even incarceration in either jail (short term) or prison (long term). Depending on the particulars of your trial, the severity of your crime, and any sentencing guidelines that they judge will use, you might get immediately taken into custody, or you might be given a date that you are required to go to jail to serve your term.

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Do you need to find out if somebody you know is locked up, or has ever been locked up?

This is pretty simple to do, just you should go to the Polk County jail website and do an inmate search lookup, and search by:

• Their name.
• Birthdate.
• Approximate booking date.
• or inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail or not, you can call the jail find out if they’ve been arrested.

If you think you have an outstanding warrant, you can check the court records on the Polk County jail website or you are able to call the jail directly. You have to have the person’s first and last name. Or, you can just go the jail in person and ask them. Keep in mind that if there is an arrest warrant out for you, you will be taken into custody immediately.

If you have a first and last name, and their arrest date, contact the Polk County jail, on the phone, go there in person, or check online. Arrest records are in the public record and the information is accessible to anyone.

A Civil Process is when you get served with papers, such as court orders. You can access civil process orders by going to the Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All registered sex offenders have to be registered and listed on a sex offender database. Those listed on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You can access sex offenders online, but keep in mind that you won’t see the precise address, but only the address block that they live on.

Court Records are public records and available to anyone. They include a case file that includes a docket sheet and any of the documents and filings filed in the court case. You are able to access the court records online, or at the Polk County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

Each state keeps a record of their state citizen’s criminal background. These state databases are linked together so you can track criminal histories from another state. You can go to county courthouse and check in person, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county, and in the event that it was in a different state entirely, you may have to pay a fee for a more complete search.

A search of someone’s criminal history you are able to find out if a person has ever been arrested, charged or convicted for any crimes, which can include:

• DUI or DWI.
• Drug offenses.
• Kidnapping.
• Rape or other sexual assault.
• Violent crimes like assault or murder.
• Breaking and entering, theft, larceny.

During a criminal records search, in most cases won’t learn if they have had any infractions like moving violations:

• Tickets for speeding.
• Lost their driver’s license or license revoked or suspended.
• Accidents.
• Minor infractions or moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To find this kind of information, you must do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever had to search for criminal records of someone you know? Was it an easy process? Did you do your search online or did you have to make a phone call to the jail? Did you get information that was correct? There are many reasons that folks look up criminal records, and your account might help other people.

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Most Wanted

The FBI has a listing of the Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals. In Polk County,The Sheriff’s Department has a list of most wanted criminals, too.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: External Link

Polk County Top Ten Most Wanted List


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Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Just the thought of getting locked up in Polk County Jail is quite unpleasant, eventually you will get accustomed to the daily routine. You will get an alarm to wake up at about 6:00am, and next you’ll have roll call. Next, you will get breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will be required to work in the program that has been assigned to you. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Polk County Jail, your experiences would be welcomed, if it can help another person to deal with it.

Dress Code

When incarcerated, all inmates are expected to wear the Polk County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

The process for sending money to inmates at Polk County Jail might change, so visit the official website before you send money to an inmate.


Commissary

The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

Inmate Medications

If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

Meals

You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

Pods / The Yard

The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

Gangs

As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


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News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


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Jobs

Types of Jobs at Polk County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Polk County Jail, overseeing the day to day operations and administration of the jail. An inmate is unlikely to have much interaction with the Deputy Sheriff, unless they have committed an infraction. Detention Officers are responsible for the custody and care of the inmates. They maintain order in the jail, and handle security. A Detention Officer is assigned to a certain pod, and therefore is responsible for the same inmates each day. They get to know the inmates on a certain level and are well equipped to handle any problems that may occur.

Apply for a Job at Polk County Jail

Requirements:

• You must be over the age of 21.
• You must possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You must be a US Citizen.
• You must pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You must pass a drug test.
• You must have a good level of fitness.
• You must be in good health.
• You must have a valid Driver’s License
• An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


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Family Resources

There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

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Victim Resources

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• The right to protection from the accused.
• The right to notification.
• The right to attend proceedings.
• The right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• The right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• The right to restitution.
• The right to a speedy trial.
• The right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

Tell Your Story

Sex Offender Information and Search

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.


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Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been locked up in Polk County Jail? Do you know anybody that is a prisoner there? Have you ever been to visit an inmate at Polk County Jail?

If so, then you should leave a comment below about it. Write down your experience because other people will know what to expect.

What to write in your comment:

• Conditions in Polk County Jail.
• Jail layout and facility
• Guards and jail staff
• Commissary and food
• Visitors
• Inmates.
• Prisoner safety
• Gangs
• Programs and activities


Click here to write your review

Tell Your Story

Anybody that’s ever been locked up has some stories to tell about the whole experience. Why’d you get arrested? Were you fairly treated? What was your daily routine in jail? What about the other inmates? How did it affect you to go to jail?

Tell Your Story

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Did you meet some cool folks in jail? Need to get in touch with a person you met in jail? Leave a message for them here.

Send a message to people still locked up at Polk County Jail

Links and Resources

Main Polk County Jail Link
Polk County Jail Inmate Search
Polk County Jail Mugshots
Polk County Jail Bail Link

Polk County Jail Visitation Policy Link
Polk County Jail Jail Mail Policy Link
Locate an inmate at Polk County Jail
Polk County Warrants
Polk County Jail Arrest Lookup
Send Money to an Inmate at Polk County Jail
Polk County Jail Employment


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