News and Investigations

News & Investigations

News Releases and Public Information

Welcome to the Polk County Sheriff's Office News Room, where the Public Information Officers (PIO's) post all of the information that they release to the news media. PIO's act as liaisons between news media organizations and the Sheriff's Office. The PIO's routinely release timely and accurate information and Crime Stoppers bulletins, and respond to routine and "breaking news" media inquiries. News releases and Crime Stoppers information can be found on this page.

PCSO's full-time Public Information Officers are Brian Bruchey, Carrie Horstman, and Meghan Petty. The Public Information Officers can be reached by sending an e-mail collectively at PIOs@polksheriff.org.

The recent news releases sent out by the PIOs can be found here, and archived releases (older than 2017) can be found here.

Jul 26, 2019

PCSO & Bartow Ford present "Back to School Safety Bash"

Media Contact: Carrie Horstman, PIO

On Saturday, July 27, 2019, from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., PCSO and Bartow Ford will hold a Back to School Safety Bash at Bartow Ford, 2800 US Hwy 98 in Bartow.

PCSO will have demos from Crime Scene Investigations, Animal Control, the Traffic Unit, the Mounted Unit (horses) and of course our K-9s. Our Crime Prevention Team will also hold a Bicycle Rodeo and educate kids on bicycle safety.

We're very excited that Polk County Fire Rescue, the Book Mobile, local colleges, the Lakeland Magic, Tobacco Free Florida, and Interact Alliance will also be there, along with others.

There will also be FREE hot dogs, drinks, and kids' haircuts!

ANIMAL CONTROL WILL ALSO HAVE FREE DOGS AND CATS AVAILABLE AND READY FOR ADOPTION!!

The public and the media are invited to attend.

Special thanks to our sponsors:
• Bartow Ford
• Publix
• Wendy’s
• Chick-fil-A
• 7-11
• Lowes
• BB&T
• Local Radio Stations 98.3 and 97 Country
• Main Street Baptist Church
• Bartow Unlimited Football and Cheer