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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.

BATTLE OF THE BADGES graphic
Aug 8, 2023

PCSO versus LPD in charit...

On Saturday, August 12, 2023, the Lakeland Flying Tigers are hosting another "Battle of the Badges" ...

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Victor Garcia
Aug 8, 2023

Convicted felon in posses...

The Polk County Sheriff's Office SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team took 33-year-old Victor Gar...

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Keith Rhoden
Aug 7, 2023

Polk County Sheriff’s Off...

Armed burglar steals cash, cigars, and Mt Dew in Winter Haven; PCSO busts him soon after

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Operation Pop Top
Aug 4, 2023

Bartow store clerk arrest...

Bartow store clerk charged for selling alcohol to 17-year old

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Tom Costine Rd Crash
Aug 3, 2023

Mother and son killed in ...

A single-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon, August 2, 2023 in Lakeland resulted in the deaths of a m...

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Polk County News
Aug 1, 2023

Polk County has third con...

The third case of rabies in 2023 has been confirmed in Polk County.

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