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What happens inside a jail is often hidden from public view — unless you’ve been booked yourself. But for Flagler County, Florida, Sheriff Rick Staly, transparency isn’t just a talking point — it’s a strategy. By opening his facility to A&E’s “Booked: First Day In,” Staly hopes to reshape perceptions of corrections work, showcase the professionalism of his staff and highlight how modern jails play a vital role in community safety.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley speaks with Sheriff Staly about his decision to allow A&E cameras into his jail and the positive ripple effects it has had. From building empathy with the public to drawing in new recruits, Staly says the program has helped humanize corrections work, combat stereotypes and reinforce accountability inside the walls of his award-winning facility.
“Booked: First Day In” is available On Demand and to stream on the A&E app and aetv.com.
About our sponsor
This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.
Tune in to discover
- Why Sheriff Rick Staly let TV crews film inside his jail — and what his deputies really thought
- What the public never sees about booking, solitary housing and mental health in custody
- How one jail love story started in a transport van and made national TV
- The behind-the-scenes steps that keep contraband out — from scanned mail to surprise K-9 sweeps
- How airing the reality of jail life helped Flagler County fill every open position — and then some
Key takeaways from this episode
- Visibility breeds understanding: Most people never see the inside of a jail — which creates a perception gap. Sheriff Staly saw the A&E series as a chance to educate the public on what corrections work really looks like and to give credit to the “invisible heroes” who do the job.
- Transparency builds trust: Despite initial resistance from staff, the agency leaned into the opportunity. Staly says being transparent, even about the most difficult scenes like inmates in crisis, shows the professionalism of his team and reinforces public confidence.
- The show supports recruitment: Since the agency’s debut on the show, Staly has seen a jump in applicants. Flagler County now has no vacancies and even a waiting list for positions — a rarity in law enforcement today.
- Modern corrections strategies pay off: From scanning inmate mail to avoid contraband to using video visitation and mental health support inside the jail, Staly’s office embraces innovation. He credits these measures with helping reduce jail risks and improve safety for both staff and inmates.
About our guest
Sheriff Rick Staly is serving his third 4-year term as Flagler County Sheriff. He was first elected to the office of Sheriff in 2016 and was sworn in as the 18th Sheriff of Flagler County on January 3, 2017. Following his first term, he was overwhelmingly re-elected in 2020. Following his second term, he was re-elected unopposed in 2024, joining Sheriff Zip Edmonson in 1968 as the only incumbent Sheriff in agency history to be re-elected unopposed. As Sheriff, he leads a workforce of more than 400 employees and volunteers with a budget of over $48 million.
Sheriff Staly holds a master’s degree in Justice Administration from the University of Louisville and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Rollins College. Sheriff Staly is a graduate of the 177th Session of the FBI National Academy, the 79th Session of the FBI LEEDS Program, and the Southern Police Institute’s 79th Administrative Officer’s Course. He is also a graduate of the 112th Session of the National Sheriff’s Institute, and Session 2 of NSI’s Jail Administration, making him the first Sheriff in Flagler County to graduate from the NSI.
Sheriff Staly is past president of the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association. During his tenure as president, he led FDSA during its fastest membership growth period, making FDSA the largest Deputy Sheriffs Association in the United States. He has served as board chair of the Florida Sheriffs Association and is currently an officer. Sheriff Staly is past board chair of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. He previously served as board chair of the Florida Commission on Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation where he served a 6-year appointment. In 2023, Sheriff Staly was appointed by the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture to the Florida Private Investigation, Recovery and Security Advisory Council as the law enforcement representative member. Sheriff Staly serves as chairman of the Flagler County Public Safety Coordinating Council.
During Sheriff Staly’s more than 45-year career of public safety service, he has received numerous awards, commendations, and medals. While serving the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, he received the Medal of Valor, Purple Heart Medal, and Florida Governor’s Medal of Heroism after being shot three times while saving the life of a deputy sheriff. In 2015, he was awarded the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from President Obama. In 2019, Sheriff Staly was selected as one of five finalists for the NRA’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award.
Sheriff Staly began his law enforcement career in 1975 as a police officer in the City of Oviedo, Florida and later in the City of Altamonte Springs, Florida. In 1977, Sheriff Staly joined the Orange County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff. Through the next 23 years, he was promoted through the ranks — ultimately serving as Undersheriff, or second-in-command, of the fourth largest law enforcement agency in Florida and the thirteenth largest Sheriff’s Office in the nation. As Orange County Undersheriff, he commanded 2,000 employees and managed a $120 million budget. Sheriff Staly retired from the public sector in 2001, but remained a sworn reserve Deputy Sheriff with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.
After a brief retirement, Sheriff Staly worked in the private security industry as a Senior Vice President for an international developer where he was responsible for security operations in five states and the Bahamas. He moved to Flagler County in 2005 and started his own security business based in Palm Coast, Florida in 2008. After growing the company to 128 employees with an annual revenue of $3.5 million, he and his wife sold the company to a national security firm and he looked to return to public service.
In 2013, he joined the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office where he served as Undersheriff for two years. Sheriff Staly was asked by the community to run for Sheriff in 2015. In 2016, he was elected as the 18th Sheriff of Flagler County, overwhelmingly re-elected in 2020, and re-elected unopposed in 2024.
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