About WCSO
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) is a state-accredited public safety agency serving the residents and visitors of Walton County, Florida. With a dedicated team of over 500 professionals—including more than 250 sworn deputy sheriffs and over 100 firefighter/EMTs and firefighter/paramedics—WCSO is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
WCSO provides comprehensive, full-time law enforcement services across all four law enforcement districts in Walton County. The agency is also responsible for securing the Walton County Courthouse, as well as the Courthouse Annex located in South Walton. In addition, the School Resource Deputies unit plays a vital role in maintaining a safe environment for students and staff throughout the county’s schools.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is organized into the following four divisions:
The Law Enforcement Division
The Law Enforcement Division consists of three primary bureaus: the Patrol Bureau, the Criminal Investigations Bureau, and the School Resource Bureau. The Patrol Bureau delivers essential road patrol and public safety services to the citizens of Walton County. The Criminal Investigations Bureau is responsible for investigating major crimes throughout the county and oversees specialized units including Major Crimes, Narcotics, Evidence, Cyber Crimes, and Domestic Violence. The School Resource Bureau is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of Walton County Schools through the presence and support of trained School Resource Deputies.
The Emergency Services Division
The Emergency Services Division is made up of Walton County Fire Rescue and the Communications Bureau.
Walton County Fire Rescue provides advanced emergency medical services across all twelve districts of Walton County. In addition, it delivers fire suppression and protection services to nine of the twelve fire districts located north of the bay.
The Communications Bureau operates as the county’s Public Safety Call Center (911 Center). Communication officers within this bureau manage and respond to more than 150,000 emergency and non-emergency calls each year, serving as the critical link between the public and first responders.
The Jail Operations Division
The Jail Operations Division is responsible for the care, custody, and control of individuals housed at the Walton County Jail, located in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. The division ensures the secure and humane detention of inmates in accordance with state and federal regulations, while also providing essential services such as medical care, mental health support, and access to rehabilitative programs.
The Animal Services Division
The Animal Services Division encompasses both Walton County Animal Control and the Walton County Animal Shelter. Animal Control Officers respond to animal-related concerns from residents throughout Walton County, including the retrieval and transport of lost, stray, or abandoned animals. The Walton County Animal Shelter (WCAS) provides a safe and compassionate temporary home for these animals, ensuring they receive proper care while awaiting reunification with their owners or adoption into new homes.