Search for current and past inmates at the Columbia County Detention Facility. View inmate information such as charges, bonds and cell assignments. Also view mug shots, booking dates and visitation information.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR INMATE SEARCH

If you have an emergency needing immediate response or wish to report a crime IN PROGRESS, call 911.

If you wish to report criminal activity but want to remain anonymous you may call CRIME STOPPERS of COLUMBIA COUNTY at 386-754-7099 or you can submit a webtip at www.columbiacrimestoppers.net. You will remain completely anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 if your information leads to an arrest.

If your tip is drug related you may call the Multi Jurisdictional Task Force tip line at 386-754-7043.

Otherwise, to report criminal activity call 719-2005 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You may also visit the Operations Center from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Operations Center is located at:

4917 US Hwy 90 East
Lake City, FL 32025

BE PREPARED TO TELL THE OPERATOR THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION

The nature of the incident. Be brief; the Communications Officer needs the essential basics, not a complete story. Do tell the Communications Officer if the event is in progress…has just occurred in the past few minutes…or already occurred. The deputy will obtain other details on the scene.

The telephone number from where you are calling.

The location of the incident. This should be the location where the deputy is to be sent, which may not be the same as your home address. Include the name of the apartment complex, mobile home park, or business, if appropriate…plus the apartment number. You might mention a key landmark if that will be helpful in finding the location.

Your name. The operator may ask you additional questions, such as your home address and telephone number (especially if this is different from the incident location).

Any additional information. This could include the names, descriptions, or direction of travel of any suspects…including tag number and description of vehicle, if appropriate. Also, please inform the operator if any weapons were involved in the incident. Provide any information that the deputy or deputies will need to know before they arrive on scene.

If you are at the scene of an in-progress emergency you will be asked to remain on the phone until a deputy arrives at your location, if you will not be placing yourself in danger by doing so. If it is not safe for you to remain on the line, it is imperative that the operator know the location and the nature of the incident. As difficult as it may be…remain calm.

If the incident is NOT “in-progress”, the operator will obtain the needed information as quickly as possible, and it will not be necessary for you to remain on the line. The operator may call you back if additional information is needed.

As you would imagine, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office generates a lot of “paperwork” in the form of written law enforcement reports and the myriad of documents generated during the investigation of a crime. The responsibility for maintaining that paperwork, properly documenting it, and storing it for quick retrieval is one of the many responsibilities of the agency’s Records Section.

HOW DO I SUBMIT A PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST?

Public Records request are accepted in person, by phone, mail or e-mail. Written request can be mailed to the address below. If you send your request via e-mail, please address your request to: ccso.records@columbiasheriff.org

Columbia County Sheriff’s Office
4917 U.S. Highway 90 East
Lake City, Florida 32055
Attention: Records

HOW DO I GET A COPY OF CCSO REPORT?

1. You may come to our Records Division at the CCSO Administrative Complex (Operations Center).

Use the main entrance. We have a service window in the main lobby. The hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

2. Email our Records Division: ccso.records@columbiasheriff.org

3. You may also send a request by U.S. Mail.

The Mailing Address is:

Columbia County Sheriff’s Office
4917 U.S. Highway 90 East
Lake City, Florida 32055
Attn: Records

If you have any questions please contact the Records Division at (386) 752-9212.

New Recent Case Reports- Victims 1st copy is free, thereafter it is 15 cents per single sided page, 20 cents for double sided pages. This is for pick up only.

Multiple Reports- Three reports or more and/or involving lengthy research, and/or retrieval from archive: 15 cents per single sided page, 20 cents per double sided page, plus employees hourly rate for time involved in research.

Local Arrest Check- 15 cents per page – Pay in person at CCSO. Please provide the person’s name and date of birth.

Background Checks- FREE service of CCSO; however, the background check is only for Columbia County. If you need a State of Florida background check you must contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement at (850) 410-8109.

This FDLE link allows you to enter an email address to be notified in the event a sexual offender or predator moves in your neighborhood https://floridaoffenderalert.com/.

This FDLE link allows you to search the area you live in https://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/Search.jsp.

This FDLE link provides access to their main sexual offender and predator site http://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/homepage.do.

You may also call or visit the Operations Center from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Phone: 386-752-9212
4917 U.S. Hwy 90 East
Lake City, FL 32055

Welcome to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and our Ride-Along Program. We are pleased that you have shown an interest in your Sheriff’s Office and a desire to participate in our program. We hope to provide you with a safe, informative experience and therefore ask that you adhere to the following rules and guidelines while participating in the Ride­-Along Program.

The application to include the Waiver, Release and Indemnification must be completed and returned to the Sheriff’s Office prior to riding. If you are a minor (Under 18), you must be enrolled in a school / youth Law Enforcement program and be recommended by the program director. Your Parent or Guardian Consent form must also be completed and notarized.

FEES FOR CIVIL PROCESS
PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE 30.231

NO PERSONAL CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED

ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE and shall be earned when each original request for service is made.
*ACCEPTABLE PAYMENT IS CASH, MONEY ORDER OR BUSINESS CHECK*

NON-ENFORCEABLE PROCESS:
SUMMONS (Include Alias & Pluries)(each person to be served) $40.00
SUBPOENAS (each person to be served) $40.00
WRIT OF GARNISHMENT $40.00
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE $40.00

ENFORCEABLE WRITS:
WRIT OF POSSESSION (posting & execution of writ) $90.00*
WRIT OF ATTACHMENT (property)(service & attachment) $90.00
WRIT OF REPLEVIN $90.00*
ORDER OF CONTEMPT/COMMITMENT $90.00
ORDER TO PICK UP MINOR CHILD(REN) $90.00
*NOTE: $35.00 Per Hour Sheriff’s stand-by fee, (After the first hour, per deputy)

*FEES FOR INSTRUCTIONS FOR LEVY*
LEVY $50.00
ADVERTISING SALE $40.00
HOLDING SHERIFF’S SALE $40.00
SHERIFF’S BILL OF SALE OR DEED $40.00
SATISFACTION OF JUDGMENT $40.00

DEPOSIT REQUIRED FOR LEVY
AUTOMOBILE & SMALL TRUCKS $1500.00
LARGE TRUCKS $2000.00
(each additional vehicle) $800.00
REAL ESTATE $1200.00
BUSINESS LEVY (minimum) $4000.00**
**DEPOSITS VARY DEPENDING ON TYPE & AMOUNT OF PROPERTY LEVIED.
The above listed statutory fees assessed under Writs of Execution shall be deducted from the required Levy Deposit.

Charge for additional service requested by parties:
PROVIDE Information of Facts on “Affidavit of Service” $40.00
SPECIFIC Request for PERSONAL Service ONLY $40.00
OBTAIN Physical Description & Military Status on an Individual to be served $40.00

JUDICIAL DIVISION – CIVIL SECTION
SERGEANT MIKE SWEAT (386)758-1109
SHARON ANTHONY (386)758-1153
FAX # (386)719-7584

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office realizes that for many persons, being a victim or witness to a crime is their first experience with the criminal justice system. While emphasis of the system has been on the investigation and prosecution of crime, all too often in the past the innocent victims and witnesses have been overlooked. In an effort by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office to reduce this problem and advise victims and witnesses of help available to them, the Sheriff’s Office now employs a Victim Advocate where victims and witnesses can receive a variety of help and information.

The Victim Advocate is on 24-hour call seven days a week, in addition to the regular hours of operation, and can be reached by calling (386) 752-9212. The office is located at the Operations Center located at 4917 US HWY 90 East. The regular hours of operation are Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Victim Advocate Section has been established to assure the victims of crime in Columbia County receive the services and protection afforded them through Florida Statutes.

VICTIM SERVICES:

CRISIS COUNSELING refers to in-person crisis intervention, emotional support, and guidance and counseling provided by advocates, counselors, mental health professionals, or peers. Such counseling may occur at the scene of the crime, immediately after a crime, or be provided on an on-going basis.

FOLLOW-UP CONTACT refers to in-person contacts, telephone contacts, and written communications with victims to offer emotional support, provide empathetic listening, check on victim’s progress, etc.

REFERRALS TO SHELTER/SAFETY refers to cooperation with shelters and safe houses within or near our area for victims and families who need protection following victimization.

INFORMATION AND REFERRAL refers to in-person contacts with victims during which time services and available support are identified.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SUPPORT/ADVOCACY refers to support, assistance, and advocacy provided to victims at any stage of the criminal justice process, to include post-sentencing services and support.

EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE refers to helping locate resources for payment of food, emergency shelter, or other needs. It may also include assistance in filing for losses covered by public and private insurance programs such as workman’s compensation, unemployment benefits, welfare, and Medicare.

ASSISTANCE IN FILING COMPENSATION CLAIMS refers to making victims aware of the availability of the state Crime Victims’ Compensation Board, assisting the victim in completing the required forms, and in helping to gather the required documentation. It may also include follow-up contact with this board on behalf of the victim.

PERSONAL ADVOCACY refers to assisting victims in securing rights and services from other agencies, intervention with employers, creditors, and others on behalf of the victim, and relating other information about rights and remedies available to the victim.

EMERGENCY LEGAL ADVOCACY refers to the filing of temporary restraining orders, and open communication with the State Attorney’s Office.

OTHER SERVICES may include information and referrals given telephonically, attending a funeral service, or anything not covered above which may arise in a given case.

VICTIMS’ RIGHTS IN FLORIDA:
If you are a victim of a crime that occurred in the State of Florida then you are entitles to certain legal rights as a victim. The term “victim” includes a relative of a minor who is a victim or the relative of a homicide victim.

As a victim of a crime, you have the following rights:

• You have the right to be informed, to be present and to be heard when relevant at all crucial stages of a criminal or juvenile proceeding, to the extent that this right does not interfere with constitutional rights of the accused.
• You have the right to submit an oral or written impact statement at such sentencing or juvenile disposition hearing.
• You have the right to request and receive restitution from the defendant for any direct or indirect loss you may have suffered as a result of the defendant’s act, if the defendant is convicted at trial or ad judicatory hearing or pleads guilty or no contest to the offense.
• If you have property held for evidentiary purposes by a law enforcement agency, you have the right to have it photographed and returned, unless there is compelling law enforcement reason for retaining it.
• You may have a right to receive compensation for any physical injury you have received as a result of the defendant’s criminal or delinquent activity. The Victim’s Compensation Fund established under Florida Law may entitle you to financial assistance if you qualify.
•  You have a right to have information furnished to you on steps available for law enforcement officers and state attorneys to protect you from intimidation.
• You have a right to receive prompt advance notification, if possible, of:

a. The arrest of the accused.
b. The release of the accused pending judicial proceedings.
c. Proceedings in the prosecution of the accused, including the arraignment, disposition of the accusatory instrument, trial, ad judicatory hearing,   sentencing, disposition, hearing, appellate review, subsequent modification of sentence, collateral attack of a judgment , and, where a term of imprisonment, detention, or involuntary  commitment is imposed, the release of the defendant from such imprisonment, detention or commitment.

• If you are a victim of a felony involving physical or emotional injury or trauma or in the case of a minor child or a homicide, the guardian or family of the victim, you have a right to be consulted by the assistant state attorney assigned to your case concerning the disposition of the case, including:
  a. The release of the accused pending judicial proceedings.
  b. Plea agreements, if any.
  c. Participation in pretrial diversion programs.
  d. Sentencing or disposition of the accused.

If you are the victim of domestic violence, you may ask the state attorney to file a criminal complaint. You also have the right to go to court and file a petition requesting an injunction for protection from domestic violence which may include, but need not be limited to, provisions which restrain the abuser from further acts of abuse.

– A victim who has been scheduled to attend a criminal or juvenile justice proceeding shall be notified as soon as possible of any change in scheduling of such proceeding.
– A victim has the right to have a victim’s advocate attend and be present during any deposition of the victim.
– At your request, you have a right to assistance by the Office of the State Attorney in informing your employer of the need for victim and witness cooperation in the prosecution   of the case and that it may necessitate the absence of the victim or witness from work.
– If you have suffered a serious financial strain as a direct result of a crime, or cooperation with law enforcement agencies of the State Attorney, you have a right to be assisted by the State Attorney in explaining to creditors the reason for such serious financial strain.
General Victim Assistance – as a victim or witness, you also have a right to assistance in other areas such as transportation to court, parking, separate pretrial waiting areas and translator services, as is practical. The Witness Management Office of your local Circuit and County Court can assist you in these areas.

Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Victim Advocate Program
4917 US Hwy 90 East
Lake City, Florida 32055
(386) 719-2002

Fingerprints are done for the public at the following location:

Columbia County Detention Facility 389 NW Quinten St. – Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:00pm. No appointment necessary. For questions please call (386) 755-7001.

There is a $15 charge (Cash only) for this service.

If electronic submission is required, please have your ORI number available ahead of time and call the location to verify that we are able to transmit to that number. Some ORI numbers require additional fees to be paid to FDLE for the release of your prints and will be your responsibility to complete via their webpage.

Felony registrations are done at the Columbia County Detention Facility. There is a fee of $15.00 for the fingerprint portion. Felons must have a photo identification to register.

Concealed Weapons Permits (Licenses) are administered through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. As a public service, applicant packets can be picked up at the following Columbia County Sheriff locations:

• Columbia County Sheriff’s Operations Center, 4917 East US Hwy 90, Lake City, FL 32055
• Columbia County Sheriff’s Ft. White Office, 294 SW Bryant St., Ft. White, FL 32038
• Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Civil Division, Courthouse, 173 NE Hernando St., Lake City, FL 32055
• Columbia County Detention Facility, 389 NW Quinten St., Lake City, FL 32055

Applicant packets or questions concerning the application process may be obtained directly from the Department of Agriculture by calling 850-245-5691 or on line at Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Electronic submission of fingerprints is only available for Concealed Weapons Permit applicants. The charge for this electronic submission is the responsibility of the applicant and must be finalized on the applicant’s personal computer with their personal credit card. The directions for this transaction are included in the Concealed Weapons Permit packets.

VISITING PROCEDURES AND CONDITIONS:

All inmates are given the opportunity to complete a list of a maximum of 4 (four) visitors they wish to receive onsite video visits at this facility from. If a person is not listed on the inmate’s visitation list, they will not be allowed to visit onsite at this facility. Inmates may change their visitation list on the 1st of every month. Changes must be requested in writing on an inmate request form.

All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Visitors must navigate to the following website: www.securustech.net to register and schedule visits. Visitors may choose to schedule an onsite visit at this facility or a remote visit from a remote area, such as home, library, etc. The cost is $5.00 per remote visit during the initial promotional period set to expire on June 1, 2015, after which the cost will increase to $9.95 per remote visit. After visiting www.securustech.net to register and schedule a remote visit, visitors may then prepay via Visa or MasterCard online. Visitors who pay for remote video visits do not have to be on the inmate’s visitation list and there is no age limit for visitors. However, once scheduled, remote visits will be subject to approval by this facility. The duration of remote video visits is limited to a maximum of 30 minutes. For assistance in setting up a Securus Video Visitation account, step-by-step videos are available at https://securustech.net/support or visitors can call 800/333-8856 for assistance.

Regular onsite visitors shall identify themselves at the front desk of the lobby by use of a photo identification document such as a driver’s license or an ID card. Onsite visitors may split the two hour visit time, between visitors, however an inmate may only have one visitor at a time as long as it is within the allocated 2 hours. It is the visitor’s responsibility to watch the time if they are sharing visit. The two hour visit time is continuous in that the hours cannot be broken up (i.e. one hour in the morning and another hour later in the day).

All onsite visitors must be at least 18 years old to visit. Any person who knowingly makes or presents a false identification or statement with the intent to mislead a correctional staff member in the performance of his/her official duty shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree pursuant of F.S. 837.06.

All onsite visitors may be required to submit to a search of their persons and possessions before being admitted into the visitation area. Searches may be completed by using metal detection devices, limited pat down searches and examination of pockets or hand carried items as deemed necessary to maintain high security measures.

Bags, purses, or any item that can conceal contraband will not be allowed to be taken back to the visitation area. Visitors are encouraged to leave all items with the exception of car keys and identification locked in their vehicle.

Strip searches can be requested of the visitor should an officer suspect that a prospective visitor is concealing contraband on his/her person, and the suspicion cannot be resolved by a more limited search. The suspect must sign a written consent to the strip search. Should the visitor refuse to sign a written consent, then the visit is denied. If the visitor gives written consent to a strip search a written report giving the reason for the strip search, the officer conducting the search, the official approving the search and what if anything was found will be submitted to the Facility Administrator for review. Strip searches will be conducted by an officer of the same gender and will be conducted in privacy.

A designated official the rank of Sergeant or above, who shall evaluate the grounds to justify the search must approve strip searches.

Body cavity searches of visitors shall not be conducted.

Visitors may be searched prior to departing the facility. The same limitations and requirements are applicable for all searches.

All inmates will be searched prior to and immediately after visitation.

All visitors shall comply with the rules, regulations, and directives of the visiting institution. The shift supervisor may terminate any visit if the visitor violates any of the established rules and regulations.
A. Persons desiring to visit must be appropriately dressed, including wearing shoes.
B. Inmates shall be dressed in county issued uniforms and shoes for visitation.
C. All visits shall be conducted in the approved visitation area.
D. The facility staff is responsible for the maintaining order in the visitation area. This function will be performed while maintaining a courteous attitude towards the inmate or visitor. The staff shall not interfere with the actions of the inmate or his/her visitor unless they are found to be in violation of rules, regulation, are being disruptive, or are causing a disturbance to the visitation program.
E. Children will not be left unsupervised in the lobby, on the facility ground or in the parking lot.
F. Smoking and tobacco products are prohibited in the public area. Such items should be left in the vehicle.

VISITING SCHEDULE:

Visitation is non-contact video visitation and for a maximum of 2 hours. Inmates are allowed only one onsite visit per week. If the entire two hours are not used, the remaining time is forfeited. Visitation hours will be from 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM, 7 days a week, with visitation closing from 5:30PM to 6:30 PM for count procedures.

Regardless of what time the visit began, visitation is over at 10:30 P.M. and all visitors must depart the visitation area.

VISITORS IDENTIFICATION:

Photo identification shall be used to identify each visitor that enters this facility. A visitation log shall be used for accountability of the visitors. The following information will be annotated on the log:
1. Name of the visitors.
2. The date and time of arrival and departure.
3. The purpose of the visit.
4. The name of inmate visited.

RESTRICTIONS:

DOC inmates returned to this facility for court will not be allowed visits, until they have been here for at least 30 days.

Prior Inmates released from this facility will not be allowed to visit for 30 days from release.

No visits will be allowed from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM daily or with an inmate who is in disciplinary confinement, isolation due to behavior problems, or with inmates in mental health status when deemed violent or dangerous.

Attorneys may visit their clients who are in one or more of the restricted status mentioned. Arrangements should be made in advance for attorney/client visits for any violent or dangerous inmate. No attorney/client visit shall be unreasonably delayed except under the conditions mentioned herein.

REFUSAL OF VISIT:

An inmate has the right to refuse a visit. Such refusal shall be made in writing and forwarded to the shift supervisor. A copy of such refusal shall be placed in the inmate’s record jacket.

VISITATION DENIAL:

A. Permission to visit may be denied if that person:
1. Has introduced or attempted to introduce contraband into this or any correctional facility.
2. Has assisted or attempted to assist in an escape from this or any other correctional facility.
3. Has committed serious or repeated violations of this institution’s regulations during previous visits, or if either the inmate or the visitor had given false information or has attempted to conceal his/her identity in order to obtain visiting privileges.
4. Is under the influence of intoxicants
5. Name is not approved on the original visitor’s list.
6. Visitor becomes unmanageable, disrespectful, uses abusive or obscene language, and/or creates a disturbance during their visit.
7. Visitor is not wearing clothing that is appropriate for visitation, such as:
a. Miniskirts, see through blouses, bra-less attire, swimsuit, or any excessively short form of dress.
b. Micro-mini shorts, cutoffs, or daisy duke style shorts
c. Halter tops or tops with spaghetti straps
d. Fishnet jerseys or clothing that does not cover the upper body
e. Excessively tight fitting clothing or clothing that displays or reveals areas of the upper or lower body i.e.: the naval
f. Any clothing with suggestive slogans relating to race, creed, sex or natural origin.
g. Visitor refuses to be searched prior to entering the visitation area.
h. Visitor refusing to provide identification and relationship information.
i. Visitor presents a danger to security or the operations of the facility.
8. Visitors with excessive violations, criminal history, or criminal convictions for capital type offences.

Visiting privileges can be suspended and visitors can be removed from the approved list for serious rule violations, for continuous infraction of visiting procedures, for security breaches, or a combination of any of the above. When an incident occurs, a report of the infraction will be prepared for the Director’s review and final judgment.

Visits shall not be denied because of:
a. Race, creed, gender, or natural origin of the inmate or visitor.
b. Ideas or opinions held or expressed by the inmate or visitor, unless advocated violence or violation of the law or rules.
c. Reasons unrelated to the security or order of the facility.

PERSONAL PROPERTY:

Personal property is not accepted for inmates. All hygiene items, underclothing and snack foods must be purchased from the commissary. An inmate may release their property to a family member or friend at any time. The person to whom the property is released must be specified on the property release. That person must show proper ID before the property will be released to them. Property will not be released without proper authorization. Property release forms must already be in the Main Control Room prior to the person(s) picking it up arrives. Released property must be picked up within 7 days of the date on the release form. All property not claimed within 30 days of an inmate’s departure will be given to a charitable organization. Inmates are not allowed to leave property behind upon departure from this facility. Clothing items will not be released.

RESTRICTIONS:

Smoking, tobacco products, weapons, such as knives, guns, clubs, chemical devices, personal cameras, tape recorders, and other like contraband is prohibited within this facility. This restriction excludes official investigators or attorneys with prior authorization. Concealing any of the mentioned restricted items in the bathroom or public area is a felony offense and is punishable by law up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine of $10,000.00.

Money for inmates may be accepted in the following ways:

By Kiosk in the lobby: Kiosk will take cash, debit, or credit. Leaving cash is most economical as there is only a small fee to leave cash. The account may be accessed by either typing in the inmate’s name or commissary ID number. The depositor’s first and last name will be requested. Within approximately 15 minutes the inmate may access this information on the kiosk in the housing areas. Debit and Credit charges are applied by the amount of money that is deposited.

By Internet: You may also go online to deposit money in an inmate’s account. The website is www.commissarydeposit.com. this will direct you to Commissary Deposit. The inmate’s commissary ID number is required for this type of transaction. The cost is as follows: .01 to $25.00 is $2.50 +3.0%, $25.01 to $100.00 is $3.50 +3.0%, $100.01 to $200.00 is $4.50 + 3.0% and $200.01 and up is $5.50 + 3.0%

By phone: Funds may be deposited by phone by contacting the facility and utilizing option 5 from the prompts. The inmate’s commissary ID number is required for this type of transaction.

A pre-paid telephone account may be set up for an inmate by contacting Securus at 1-800-844-6591. They will help you set up the account.

MasterCard, Visa and American Express are accepted as forms of payment.

All incoming personal mail to an inmate is processed at an off site facility for safety and security.  Inmates will not receive the actual envelope or contents. The processing facility will inspect and scan the letter into electronic format where the inmate can receive it in a timely manner.

Inmates are permitted to write and receive unlimited correspondence. Incoming mail must have the inmate’s full name and inmate number (if you do not know the Inmate number you must contact the facility at 386-755-7000), and the mailing address as shown below on the article as well as a complete return address. The official mailing address for this facility is as follows:

CCSO-SCH
Inmates First and Last Name Inmate number
P.O. Box 1907
Pinellas Park FL, 33780

Inmates shall be permitted to send sealed letters (i.e. privileged/legal mail) to the following persons and/or organizations:
1) Courts
2) Legal Counsel
3) Officers of the confining authority
4) State and local chief executive officers
5) Members of the Parole Commission

As set forth in Florida Model Jail Standard 9.03, privileged mail sent to and received from such persons and organizations may be opened and inspected when there is compelling evidence of a prohibited act. In such cases, mail shall be opened and inspected only in the presence of the inmate and only the signature and letterhead may be read. Documentation of such action, and its results, shall be forwarded to the Jail Administrator through the chain of command.

All packages mailed to the facility will be handled by the Main Control Room Officer. Inmates are not allowed to receive items such as underwear or personal hygiene items through the mail. Anything that can be purchased in the commissary cannot be mailed in. Unauthorized items will be placed in the property room. Food and perishable items will not be accepted and will be destroyed.

E-Mail: Inmates may receive emails and photos through the dormitory kiosk. Each email cost one (1) credit. Photos cost two (2) credits. Credits cost .50 cents each and may be transferred to the inmate to send emails. Family members who wish to set this up may contact SmartJailMail @ 1-888-253-5178 to register and purchase credits.

What is the Columbia County Sheriff’s Reserve?
A unit formed for the purpose of supporting the Sheriff’s Office operational and administrative efforts.

A Reserve Deputy’s primary duties are to provide additional personnel who are fully trained and ready for call-out during an emergency. They also assist in crowd control during major public events, respond during major events and provide back up services at all levels, as needed.

Reserve Officers must conform to all general orders, abide by all policies set forth by the Sheriff of Columbia County Florida, and meet the same standards as any regular deputy.

Membership Requirements
1. Twenty One (21) years of age or older
2. U.S. Citizen
3. High School Graduate or GED certificate
4. No misdemeanor or felony convictions
5. Honorable Discharge from the Armed Forces (If Applicable)
6. Pass a complete physical examination
7. Drug Screening
8. Fingerprint check
9. Voice Stress Analysis Test
10. Background Investigation
11. Criminal history check
12. Pass oral review board
13. Hold a current Certificate of Compliance for Law Enforcement from the State of Florida.
14. Members are required to work a minimum of 12 hours a month.

What will I do as a Reserve Deputy?

You will become a team member working side by side with the Deputies of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office performing:
– Patrol Duties
– Clerical Duties
– Community Policing Projects
– Special Assignments
– Serve Warrants

You will become a valuable asset to our community keeping Columbia County a good safe place in which to live, work and play.

The Citizens Service Unit (CSU) was formed in 2006 and is comprised entirely of citizen volunteers who provide non-law enforcement activities which assist in, and enhance the accomplishment of the mission of the Sheriff’s Office. The CSU, organized under the Crime Prevention Unit, is designed to supplement and support, rather than supplant, sworn officers and civilian employees. The duties of CSU members are many and varied, limited only by the restriction that CSU members are not law enforcement officers and have no law enforcement authority. CSU members are assigned tasks as requested by the various elements of the Sheriff’s Office, receive training in these tasks prior to being assigned and work under the direction of Sheriff’s Office supervisors.

Membership Requirements
An applicant must be a resident of, or be employed in Columbia County, must be at least 21 years of age and be willing and able to devote a minimum of 10 hours per month to CSU duties. If the prospective CSU member is to operate a Sheriff’s Office vehicle, the applicant must posses a valid Florida Driver License and have a clean driving record. In order to become a CSU member, the applicant must not have a criminal record and must successfully undergo an extensive background investigation.

Who Can Submit a Complaint?
Anyone that has a concern about the practices or personnel of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

How Do I File a Complaint?
The easiest way to file a complaint is to fill out the write-able form located at the following link 106 – Citizen Complaint Form then send the form by regular mail to the address identified in the next paragraph, attention Internal Affairs. If you select this option, the from must be notarized prior to submission.
You may also file your complaint in person at the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Operations Center located at 4917 U.S. Highway 90 East, Lake City, Florida 32055. When you arrive a member will provide you with a Citizens Complaint form. Sheriff’s Office personnel can notarize the form once you complete it.

Is Every Complaint Investigated?
It is the policy of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office to investigate all allegations and complaints of misconduct against any member of the agency. In order to allow proper adherence to the provisions of this policy we request that you file your concerns within thirty (30) calendar days of the incident which will assist us in resolving disputes and facilitate prompt and equitable corrective action (where applicable).

Making False Complaints:
While the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is committed to processing valid citizen complaints against Sheriff’s Office members, we are also cognizant that there are some individuals who may make a false complaint against an agency employee. We caution any citizen that might make such a false allegation that you may find yourself criminally charged under any of the following Florida statutes:
Florida Statute 837.06 False Official Statements
Florida Statute 837.012 Perjury When Not in an Official Proceeding
Florida Statute 837.02 Perjury in Official Proceedings
Florida Statute 837.021 Perjury by Contradictory Statements.

Note:
A complainant nor the Sheriff’s Office may not publicly discuss the facts of an internal investigation during the time it is open.

Biased policing occurs when a law enforcement officer applies their personal, societal, or organizational biases or stereotypes when making decisions or taking enforcement action, and the reason for that decision or action is because of a person’s race, ethnicity, background, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc.

At the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, our employees receive training on how to detect and avoid biased profiling. You may view our agency’s General Order regarding bias policing by clicking the link below.

11.6 Bias Policing

Overview