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 more than 600 dedicated professionals—including sworn deputy sheriffs, firefighters, paramedics, detention deputies, animal control officers, and civilian support staff—WCSO is committed to protecting life, maintaining public trust, and enhancing the quality of life in our community.
Under the leadership of Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr., WCSO oversees multiple public safety divisions that work together to serve Walton County.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is organized into the following three divisions:
Public Safety Operations Division
The public safety operations division encompasses the agency’s core public safety functions, including law enforcement, fire rescue, detention operations, and animal services.
Law Enforcement Operations
Under the direction of the Major of Law Enforcement Operations, law enforcement services include the following bureaus:
- Patrol Operations Bureau – Provides proactive law enforcement and patrol services across all four districts of Walton County. This bureau includes patrol, crime prevention, specialty teams, and reserves/auxiliary units.
- Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) – Responsible for investigating major crimes and complex cases throughout the county, including major crimes, vice/narcotics, persons and property crimes, crime scene/evidence, and victims’ advocacy.
- Juvenile Services Bureau – Ensures the safety and security of Walton County schools through the presence of trained school resource deputies (SRD).
In addition, WCSO provides courthouse security for the Walton County Courthouse in DeFuniak Springs and the South Walton Courthouse Annex in Santa Rosa Beach.
Fire Rescue Operations
Walton County Fire Rescue provides advanced life support emergency medical services north of the Choctawhatchee Bay. Fire suppression and protection services are delivered to nine of the twelve fire districts located north of the bay.
WCFR includes fire operations and support operations, encompassing suppression personnel, EMS services, fire prevention, training, logistics, and command staff.
Jail Operations
The Jail Operations Bureau is responsible for the care, custody, and control of individuals housed at the Walton County Jail in DeFuniak Springs. The division ensures secure and humane detention in compliance with state and federal regulations and provides essential services including medical care, mental health services, inmate programs, and food services.
Animal Services
The Animal Services Bureau includes both Animal Control and the Walton County Animal Shelter. Animal control officers (ACO) respond to animal-related calls throughout the county, including stray, lost, and abandoned animals. The Walton County Animal Shelter provides safe, temporary housing and care while animals await reunification or adoption.
Emergency Services Division
The Emergency Services Division supports countywide emergency response coordination and communications. This includes the following bureaus:
- Communications Center (911 Call Center) – Serves as Walton County’s public safety call center, managing more than 150,000 emergency and non-emergency calls annually. Communications Officers serve as the critical link between the public and first responders.
- Emergency Management & Risk Management – Coordinates preparedness planning, emergency response support, and countywide risk management initiatives.
- Records & Intelligence – Maintains official records and supports criminal intelligence functions.
- Walton Air Rescue – Air ambulance that provides emergency medical transport in partnership with Air Methods.
Administrative Division
- Human Resources
- Finance
- Fleet and Purchasing
- Facilities Management
- Information Technology Services (IT)
- Public Information Office