Hans Lehman, Lakeland Police Department

Assistant Chief of Police Hans Lehman was born and raised in Lakeland, graduated from Kathleen High School and started his public service journey at the age of 14 as a Lakeland Police Explorer.  Hans graduated from Stetson University with a BA in Sociology and also has a Master’s Degree from Troy University in Criminal Justice Administration and a second Master’s degree from the University of Florida in Emergency Management.  He has attended the Southern Police Institute’s Executive Leadership School at the University of Louisville, and the Senior Management Institute for Police in Boston.  He is a Certified Public Manager and has been a nationally certified Drug Recognition Expert for over 20 years.  ACOP Lehman is also a graduate of the Leadership Lakeland Class 37 and member of the Alumni Association.  He is also Co-Chair of Criminal Justice Day and Leadercast Lakeland.  He also a member of the Lakeland Rotary and Access Church.

Hans started his public safety career as a Volunteer Firefighter/EMT with Volusia County Fire Service before working with Polk County EMS.  He then started as a deputy with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in 1995 before coming to Lakeland PD in 1996.  During his 30+ years in law enforcement, he has worked in or supervised almost every component of the agency.  Some of those include Patrol, Community Policing, Hiring, Training, Accreditation, Internal Affairs, 911 Communications, Criminal Investigations, Traffic and DUI, Honor Guard, K-9, School Resource, Crime Prevention, Police Athletic League, Special Events Planning and emerging AI technology research.

Hans is a FDLE Certified Instructor, and an Adjunct Instructor for Polk State College and the Institute of Police Technology and Management at the University of North Florida.

He is currently the Assistant Chief of the Special Services Bureau.  He is married to his wife, Tori, of over 30 years and they have three boys and two grandchildren.