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 Alicia Manautou. 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.

Sep 5, 2018

PCSO Presents The 2018 Haunted Jail Tour - "Asylum"

Media Contact: Carrie Horstman, PIO

Back by popular demand, PCSO presents the annual Haunted Jail Tour benefiting The United Way of Central Florida.

From 6:00 pm through 10:30 pm, on Friday & Saturday, October 19th & 20th, and Friday & Saturday, October 26th & 27th, 2018, at the PCSO old jail located at 455 North Broadway Avenue in Bartow (across the street from Bartow P.D.), PCSO volunteers will present "Asylum."

For the little ones who are too young to go through the haunted jail, there will be a separate room with treats and games! Bring the whole family for a night of fun.

Food and drink will be on sale every night.

The cost to go on the tour is a $6.00 donation with all proceeds benefiting the United Way of Central Florida.

Visitors will be taken through several areas, while being entertained with stories about the mythical "asylum" - including "fictional wards" and cells within the jail.

This is a fun event each year, and we also raise money for charity.

Video and photo opportunities will be made available - please contact the Public Information Office if you are interested in helping promote the event prior to the event dates, or if you're interested in covering one of the actual tours.