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.

Mar 11, 2025

Polk Sheriff’s Charities donating "Chromebook" tablets to Lakeland Prep Academy students

Media Contact: Carrie Horstman, Administrator

You are invited to join Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Andrea Oliver-Clarke, Director of Advancement at Academy Prep Lakeland, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at the school campus located at 1021 Lakeland Hills Blvd in Lakeland, for a special presentation.

On behalf of Polk Sheriff's Charities, Inc., Sheriff Judd will hand over a giant check in the amount of $13,500, which will pay for much-needed Chromebook tablets for students at the school.

"The majority of middle school students at Academy Prep are from low income families or live in underserved communities. This non-profit school provides a wonderful education free of charge, and it is our honor to help further their mission. We appreciate everyone who participates in our charity events all year, which enables us to give back to those who are less fortunate." - Grady Judd, Sheriff

Great photo and video opportunity - interviews will also be facilitated.