
NIA instructor and award-winning journalist helps bridge gap between media, law enforcement

For the past 15 years, investigative journalist Steve Gregory – intentionally or not – has been bridging the gap between media and law enforcement. Gregory is among several renowned guest lecturers at the National Public…

On-campus labyrinth to serve as stress reliever for Polk State students

Final exam week can bring added stress for college students, but for Polk State College, a permanent stress relief tool is in the works. Professor Mary Ann Murdoch is leading the charge to bring a…

Quality of presenters, networking opportunities, facilities stand out for first NIA class

As far as command schools go, the National Public Safety Innovation Academy (NIA) at Polk State College’s Center for Public Safety has it all. Polk State and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office launched NIA in…

Center for Human Simulation brings Polk State Health Sciences to forefront

Through significant investment, including grant funding, Polk State College took another big step toward meeting workforce demand, primarily in health sciences, with the Nov. 18 grand opening of the Center for Human Simulation. The Center…

NIA sends off 20 members of first graduating class

Law enforcement and corrections officers, from agencies large and small, left Polk State’s Center for Public Safety on Nov. 18 equipped with the tools needed to take the next step in their careers and to…

National Public Safety Innovation Academy prepares law enforcement and corrections for next step in careers

Launched in September at Polk State College’s Center for Public Safety in partnership with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the National Public Safety Innovation Academy (NIA) gives law enforcement and corrections staff the tools they…

Sheriff’s deputy pursues dream of flying for law enforcement at Polk State Aerospace

Odalys Hurtado describes one of her biggest challenges as being a petite female in the law enforcement profession, but her ambition is greater than her stature, inspiring her to become a pilot so that she…

Polk State students learn about opportunities at Duke Energy Academy

As Polk State College President Angela Garcia Falconetti put it in her opening remarks, the Nov. 4 Duke Energy Academy was intended to provide a spark. Representatives for Duke Energy spent the day at the…

Polk State Education grad “finally passed” reading certification, becomes intensive reading teacher & role model for students

Lauren Lightsey teaches intensive reading at Lake Wales High School, where she can relate firsthand to her students because she, too, struggled with mastering the reading curriculum. She completed the Educator Preparation Institute at Polk…

Pep rally for Polk State Soccer set for Tuesday

For the first time since 2009, Polk State Soccer is bound for the final site of the national NJCAA Tournament. To see the Eagles off as they soar to Evans, Ga., Polk State College will…