The Police Chief, Deputy Chief and an Executive Assistant are responsible for the overall administration of the department. The Office of the Chief is responsible for budget formulation and management, public information, crime prevention programs, career development, community partnerships, emergency management, purchasing, internal auditing, grant development and administration, policy formulation, purchasing, and strategic planning. 

Police Chief Chris Velasquez (863) 678-4223 Ext. 260  cvelasquez@lakewalesfl.gov

Deputy Police Chief David Black (863) 678-4223 Ext. 277  dblack@lakewalesfl.gov

Judi Gladue, Executive Assistant (863) 678-4223 Ext. 260 jgladue@lakewalesfl.gov

Lieutenant Griffin “Nick” Crosby, Investigations Commander (863) 678-4223 Ext. 282 gcrosby@lakewalesfl.gov

Lieutenant Stephanie Goreck, Support Services Commander (863) 678-4223 Ext. 226 sgoreck@lakewalesfl.gov

Lieutenant Michael Smith, Patrol Commander (863) 678-4223 Ext. 267 mismith@lakewalesfl.gov

Under the direction of the Chief of Police, the Lake Wales Police Department is divided into three main Divisions: Operations, Investigations, and Support Services. These Divisions are administered by the Deputy Chief of Police with the assistance of three Lieutenants.