Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office

   MISSION  STATEMENT
  OCSO  ACCOMPLISHMENTS 

Okaloosa County is located in Northwest Florida, bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the south and the State of Alabama to the north.  The emerald Gulf waters and open stretches of beaches are among the most beautiful in the United States .  Along with boundless water activity, residents and tourists can enjoy deep sea fishing, links of golf and multiple family recreational activities.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office protects 180,000+ year round residents and many thousands of tourists with a full range of Law Enforcement services.  Sheriff Charlie Morris , elected in 1996 and re-elected in 2000 and 2004, heads an office of 296 sworn personnel and 109 civilian employees, for a total work force of 405 full-time.  That may sound like a lot of man power, but with each deputy serving almost 900 citizens (plus tourists and visitors), and with Okaloosa County covering a land area of 999 square miles, we need the help and support of the community to fight crime.

The Administrative Building of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is located in Shalimar.  Two full service offices are located at the Courthouse Annex in Shalimar, and in Crestview.  Smaller substations are maintained in Destin, Mary Esther (Santa Rosa Mall), Bluewater Bay, Okaloosa Island, Sylvania Heights, Baker, Laurel Hill and Hetherington. 

Here is a brief history of the Sheriff's of Okaloosa County:

• B.H. Sutton was the first Sheriff of Okaloosa County. Appointed in 1915 and served until 1921.

• J.M. Summerlin took office in 1921 and was killed in a train wreck shortly after he took office. 

• P.J. Steel was appointed to serve after Summerlin passed away and served until 1930.

• L.H. Hughes - 1930 - 1933

• John P. Steele - 1933 - 1941

• H. Isle Enzor - 1941 - 1950

• Ferrin C. Campbell - 1950

• James A. McArthur - 1950 - 1953

• H. Isle Enzor - 1953 - 1956 (Died in office)

• Ray Wilson 1956 - 1976

• Frankie Mills - 1977 - 1981

• Larry Gilbert - 1982 - 1996

• Charlie Morris - 1997 -

Sheriff Morris has started a wall of history on the Sheriffs of Okaloosa County in the Administrative Building of the Sheriff's Office. We are still missing pictures of B.H Sutton. If anyone has pictures of these Sheriff Hutton, preferably 8 x 10, please contact Debbie Barrineau at the 651-7410.

Please browse our web site. Call or visit for more information. Invite us to speak to your group, club or organization. Take advantage of the classes offered to the public, such as Unarmed Self Defense, Personal Protection and the Citizens' Sheriff Academy. We invite young people ages 14-20 to get involved in our Explorer Post. Individuals 21 or older may be interested in the Sheriff's Posse or Volunteer Program. Become involved with the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office and help us make a difference. 

The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office has full service offices at the Courthouse Annex in Shalimar, and in Crestview. Smaller substations are maintained in Destin, Mary Esther (Santa Rosa Mall), Bluewater Bay, Okaloosa Island, Sylvania Heights, Baker, Laurel Hill and Hetherington.

Sheriff Morris and his staff are working constantly to improve the quality of services offered to the citizens of Okaloosa County. Your comments and suggestions are welcomed and encouraged! 

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Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office
1250 North Eglin Parkway
Shalimar, FL 32579
(850) 651-7410