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 5, 2023

PCSO hosting two Back to School Bash events providing school supplies to kids

Media Contact: Carrie Horstman, Administrator

On Saturday, July 8th and Saturday, July 22nd, the Polk County Sheriff's Office will be hosting two separate "Back To School" bash events in two different areas of the county that will provide local school children with backpacks filled with school supplies.

Thanks to Polk Sheriff's Charities, Inc., Bartow Ford, and dozens of local sponsors, hundreds of children will be ready for the 2023/2024 school year after visiting one of these two events. The events will also include food trucks, games, and fun for the whole family.

The first event will be held at the PCSO Northeast District substation, 1100 Dunson Road in Davenport, on July 8, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The second event will be held at Bartow Ford, 2800 US Hwy 98 in Bartow, on July 22, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Filled backpacks will be given to each child in attendance.

"We are so grateful for Polk Sheriff's Charities, Inc., Bartow Ford, and our other generous sponsors and their commitment to ensuring no child shows up on the first day of school unprepared. We know it can be tough for parents, especially those with more than one child, to get everything on the school supply list. We hope this is a big step in the right direction for every family who needs it." - Grady Judd, Sheriff