About Us
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has two LGBTQ Liaisons dedicated to working with the community and our business partners.
Mission
The Mission of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office LGBTQ Liaison program will be to continuously strive to promote awareness of LGBTQ issues while working to evoke change in the perceptions and treatment of LGBTQ persons and to defend the community while preserving the rights and dignity of all.
Some of the duties tasked to these deputies include:
- Serve as a personal point of contact between the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the LGBTQ Community.
- Coordinate with and provide a forum for local law enforcement agencies, schools, business owners, community groups and individuals of the LGBTQ community regarding relevant law enforcement issues.
- Attend LGBTQ functions and community events as a representative of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
- Serve as a resource to families with questions or guidance towards LGBTQ support services for the LGBTQ community and Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office employees.
Meet Your Liaisons
Leonette Garfield, Law Enforcement Lieutenant
Lieutenant Garfield began her career in 1993 and became a member of the HCSO in November of 1998. In that time, she has held positions as a Deputy, Detective, Street Crimes Corporal and Intelligence Led Policing Sergeant; ultimately rising through the ranks to Lieutenant. In 2015, Lt. Garfield was awarded the Community Service award for her work and dedication to the community. Along with her duties as one of the LGBTQ Liaisons, she is currently the Shift Commander for the District III Night Shift B Platoon.
Michele V. Polk, Law Enforcement Captain
Captain Michele Polk is the Deputy Division Commander of the Training Division. She is a native Floridian, born in Miami and raised in Gainesville.
Captain Polk received her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University. Captain Polk is a veteran of the United States Air Force where she served during Operation Southern Watch and was recalled to serve her country during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Captain Polk began her career with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office in 1999. During her career, she served as a Deputy in Patrol, a Community Resource Deputy, a Property Crimes Detective, a Street Crimes Corporal, a Field Training Corporal and Sergeant, a Civil Process Corporal and Sergeant and Training Division Lieutenant. She proudly served as a Crisis Hostage Negotiator for over 10 years and earned the distinction of Assistant Team Leader prior to passing the torch to the next generation of negotiators. She is one of two HCSO LGBTQ liaisons serving our community.
Reporting a Crime
If you are the victim of a crime or a witness to a crime and require law enforcement assistance, please contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at 813-247-8000 or submit an anonymous tip through one of the following options:
- Tip 411 (HCSOSheriff) App available on Apple App Store or Google Play
- Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay
Reporting of a Crime to Include LGBTQ Crimes
When on line with the 911 operator, the dispatcher needs quick and concise information, such as:
Your Injuries
Are you in need of medical assistance? The 911 operator will call EMS while speaking with you.
Specifics of the Crime
Provide details of what happened.
What Was Said
Tell the 911 operator and the responding deputy if the suspect(s) used words to indicate a hate crime.
Was a Weapon Involved?
Describe it as a gun, knife, etc.
Description of Suspects
Age, race, height, weight, and clothing description of the suspect(s).
Any Unusual Characteristics
Scars, marks, tattoos, piercings, speech, etc.
Suspect Vehicle Description
Color, make, model, vehicle license plate.
Direction of Travel
Which way did they flee and how did they get away?
Importance of Reporting Crimes Quickly
Even if you think the crime is insignificant, or you don't want to bother the police over small issues, reporting crimes quickly allows the Sheriff's Office to:
- Respond immediately to the scene to prevent further harm to you or others.
- Collect evidence that could be destroyed if not discovered and collected quickly.
- Interview witnesses who may otherwise be gone if you delay your call to 911.
- Apprehend the suspect(s) quickly so they do not continue to victimize others.
- Determine if the suspect(s) are engaged in a pattern of previous and/or ongoing behavior that threatens the community.
- Increase community awareness of criminal activity in the area through media notification & alerts.
- Develop solutions and/or deterrents to reduce the crime by adding patrols to the area.
What is Considered a Crime
Someone calling you a derogatory name is not a crime. It is a constitutionally protected free speech. If the comments are accompanied by threats, threatening behavior, or physical harm, it then may rise to the level of a crime.
For detailed information about what a hate crime is visit the Federal Bureau of Investigations Hate Crimes website.
Injunctions / Orders of Protection Services
If in need of services or information about how to obtain an injunction or order of protection visit our Civil Process web page.