Hernando County is located on the West coast of Central Florida. The Sheriff's Office provides
law enforcement services to a population of approximately 173,000. This is an increase of nearly
330% since 1980, and Hernando continues to be regarded as one of the fastest
growing counties in the United States.
This decade will bring new challenges to our county, but the commitment of the Hernando County
Sheriff's Office will not change. We will continue to provide our community with professional,
efficient law enforcement through well-trained employees, technology, crime prevention and a
proactive approach to public safety.
One of the quality of life indicators for a community is the caliber of its law enforcement.
In June 2000, the Sheriff's Office received full accreditation from the Commission for Florida
Law Enforcement Accreditation. We are proud of this significant accomplishment, and will work
hard to make sure your Sheriff's Office continues to rank among the finest in the state, and
to assure a sense of well-being and safety for our citizens.
HCSO Video
Meet Sheriff Richard
Nugent
Available Videos :
Sheriff Richard Nugent began his law
enforcement career in 1972 in the state of Illinois. He joined the Hernando County Sheriff's
Office after moving to Florida in 1984. He was elected Sheriff in November, 2000, and
began his first term January, 2001. Prior to his election, Sheriff Nugent gained command
experience in all areas of the Sheriff's Office, serving most recently as Operations
Bureau Commander. Sheriff Nugent holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration from
Troy State University and is a 1991 graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico,
VA.
Did you know that the Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor
Vehicles provides a service that will allow you to enter your Emergency Contact into
your computerized Driver's License record? This information could save crucial time
should you be involved in an accident or other emergency. Click
here to visit their
site and enter your information.