Polk County Sheriff’s Phone# 863-298-6200
If in an emergency Dial 911
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 6, 2021
PCSO Emergency Communications Center earn state re-accreditation
Media Contact: Carrie Horstman, Administrator
Sheriff Grady Judd is proud to announce that on June 23, 2021, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center was reaccredited for the 2nd consecutive time by the Florida Telecommunications Accreditation Commission (FLA-TAC).
From May 17-18, 2021, a team of assessors reviewed all aspects of the Emergency Communications Center (ECC), including the policies and procedures, administration, operations, and support services. The agency was found to be in compliance with all applicable 78 standards.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has had a longtime commitment to professional accreditation dating back to 1994, when the agency was first accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), for its law enforcement operations. The PCSO ECC is recognized by four separate accrediting bodies.
Accreditation is a voluntary process that invites independent accrediting bodies to inspect and review agency policies and practices to determine if the agency is following state and national standards and best practices. Accreditation is a highly valued recognition for any law enforcement agency.
“We continue to open our agency to scrutiny from outside independent organizations whose jobs are to ensure we are adhering to best practices in a wide range of areas, from law enforcement and detention operations to telecommunications, purchasing, training, and medical services. We believe in transparency, innovation, and professional development. Our goal is to be ahead of the curve and leading the way among law enforcement agencies. I am so proud of the men and women in this agency who constantly and consistently go above and beyond to achieve excellence every day.” - Grady Judd, Sheriff