My name is Captain J.P. Harvey, and it is an honor to serve as the District Commander for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office District 5. District 5 encompasses the unincorporated Glades, including Canal Point, as well as District 11 in the City of South Bay and District 12 in the City of Pahokee.
District 5 represents the largest geographic area of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, stretching from 20 Mile Bend west to the Hendry County line, south to the Broward County line, and north to the Martin County line. Serving such a large and diverse area requires a strong commitment to teamwork, communication, and community partnership. Our district is supported by 60 certified law enforcement officers and three professional staff members, along with specialized resources that include a dedicated Drone Unit, Detective Bureau, Agriculture Unit, Community Policing Unit, Therapy Canine Unit, and a Criminal Analyst.

I began my law enforcement career with the Town of Palm Beach before joining the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in 2006. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to serve in a variety of operational, investigative, and executive leadership assignments, including Road Patrol, Community
Policing, SWAT, and Motors. My supervisory and command assignments have included Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant in the Special Investigations Division, Watch Commander, Executive Officer for the City of Greenacres, and Commander of the Canine Unit within Special Operations. Each of these experiences has shaped my approach to leadership and strengthened my commitment to professional excellence, strategic leadership, and sound decision-making.

I hold multiple law enforcement instructor certifications and degrees, and I believe continued education and leadership development are essential to effective service. I completed the FBI-LEEDA Leadership Trilogy and graduated from the 132nd Administrative Officers Course at the Southern Police Institute. I hold a Master of Public Administration from Barry University and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Louisville, where I was recognized as a Dean’s Scholar. Before beginning my career in law enforcement, I proudly served as a United States Army Infantryman. My military service included assignments both domestically and overseas and taught me valuable lessons about discipline, teamwork, accountability, and service—principles that continue to influence my approach to leadership today.

I believe that effective law enforcement begins with relationships and trust. My goal is to build strong partnerships between the Sheriff’s Office and the communities we serve. Through a community-policing philosophy centered on collaboration, accountability, and service, the men and women of District 5 work every day to reduce crime, address quality-of-life concerns, and create a safe and welcoming environment for residents, businesses, and visitors throughout the Glades and the Tri-City area.

For me, serving as District Commander is more than a position; it is an opportunity to serve people and make a meaningful difference in the community. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the residents, business owners, community leaders, and partner organizations throughout District 5. Together, we can continue to build a safer, stronger, and more connected community.

My family and I reside in Palm Beach Gardens, and I remain committed to service beyond my professional responsibilities through civic engagement, faith-based initiatives, and youth mentorship.