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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.

Jason Starkweather
Feb 14, 2022

Orlando man apprehended ...

On Saturday, February 12, 2022, the Polk County Sheriff's Office arrested 29-year-old Jason Starkwea...

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POP TOP
Feb 11, 2022

Operation Pop-Top: Lakela...

Lakeland convenience store clerk arrested for selling alcohol to 18-year old.

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Sheriff Judd and Sheriff Lemma
Feb 9, 2022

Sheriff Grady Judd is na...

On Tuesday, February 8, 2022, Sheriff Grady Judd was awarded the inaugural Major County Sheriffs of ...

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Inmate Work Program
Feb 9, 2022

PCSO Jail Inmate Work Pro...

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Inmate Work Program accomplished 281 projects in 2021, and saved th...

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POP TOP
Feb 9, 2022

Operation Pop-Top: Sales ...

Lake Hamilton convenience store clerk arrested for selling alcohol to 18-year old

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Traffic Safety Initiative
Feb 8, 2022

PCSO continues traffic sa...

Throughout 2022, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit is conducting a year-long traffic saf...

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