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

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 Carrie Horstman, Brian Bruchey, and Julianna Rivera. The Public Information Officers can be reached by sending an e-mail collectively at [email protected]. Recent news releases include: Feb 19, 2026 - Cleaning business owner arrest; Feb 18, 2026 - Lake Wales Charter school incident; Feb 17, 2026 - Illegal alien hit-and-run suspect in Mulberry; Feb 16, 2026 - Bartow teacher arrest and 5-acre fire from backyard burn-pit; Feb 16, 2026 - Fake DCF employee attempted child removal; Feb 13, 2026 - PCSO Operation Bloodline drug trafficking bust.