The Polk County Probation Division supervises those individuals placed on probation, by the County Court, for misdemeanor/criminal traffic offenses. Probation periods are typically six months to a year for offenses such as petit theft, worthless check, domestic violence battery, driving under the influence, driving while license suspended or revoked, etc. Probationers must comply with standard conditions of probation, which include reporting monthly, incurring no new law violations, and maintaining gainful employment, as well as "special" conditions of probation, those which are specific to the charge.

In many instances, the court will order the offender to complete alternative community service hours - work that is intended to be an opportunity for the probationer to "pay back" the community, in a tangible way. These hours are completed at non-profit organizations (such as Goodwill, Boys/Girls Clubs, Salvation Army, area churches, etc.) or governmental agencies (such as city, county or state parks, landfills, elderly centers, etc.) Officers try hard to match probationer skills with needs in the community, while still seeking work sites that do not disrupt the probationer’s employment.

The statistical report shows monthly and year-to-date totals on cases referred, violations processed, monies collected, community service hours completed, etc. The "ACS Hours Completed" report notes number of individuals assigned, and hours completed, at specific non-profit, city or county worksites. Also included, is a breakdown of cities in which the hours were worked.

Probationers are also frequently sentenced to Weekend Work Release (WEWR) as a condition of probation. That program is supervised by the Sheriff of Polk County.

Further information on Polk County Probation, or the community service program, can be obtained by contacting:

Lisa W. Ewing, Director
Polk County Probation
P.O. Box 9000 Drawer CJ                        HOME
Bartow, FL 33831-9000

(863) 534-4125

LisaEwing@polk-county.net