Jerry Connolly was appointed Chief of Police for the Florida SouthWestern State College Police Department in September 2019 following a 28-year law enforcement career with four agencies. He oversees all operational and administrative functions for a department serving approximately 18,000 students across four campuses in four county jurisdictions. Under his leadership, the department identified and reinvested more than $500,000 in budget savings, implemented a Campus Community Policing philosophy, established regional dispatch agreements that save the college approximately $90,000 annually, and achieved accreditation through the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) in 2024.
Prior to joining Florida SouthWestern State College, Chief Connolly served as Deputy Chief of Police for the Haines City Police Department and spent the majority of his career with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, where he served as Captain of the Bureau for Colleges and Universities. During his tenure, he developed and led the innovative Sheriff’s Sentinel Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to enhance campus safety through specialized law enforcement training. As Vice President of the Southwest Florida Police Chiefs Association, Chief Connolly is committed to advancing professional standards, strengthening regional partnerships, and supporting initiatives that enhance public safety throughout Southwest Florida.
Florida SouthWestern State College Police Department
Phone: (239) 489-9203
COUNTIES: Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry & Lee