Local cops tend to do whatever the county bosses want. if they rock the boat, they tend to find that they get passed over for promotions, for instance. I know one cop who blew the whistle on corruption. When it came time to take the test to become sergeant, he got the third highest score. The response from the Powers was to change the quota so only two people would be promoted that year.
If this judge is connected, the local cops will do whatever he says, regardless. The judge's friends can make life hell for them if they disobey.
These local cops are city employees. The police guarding the hospice are employed by the city of Pinellas Park. I've noticed a couple Sheriff's, they are employed by the county.
Each municipality in Pinellas has it's own police force. The Sheriffs oversee unincorporated areas, and assist local police forces.