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.

Aug 8, 2023

PCSO versus LPD in charity "Battle of the Badges" softball tournament

On Saturday, August 12, 2023, the Lakeland Flying Tigers are hosting another "Battle of the Badges" charity softball event between the Polk County Sheriff's Office and the Lakeland Police Department at Joker Marchant stadium in Lakeland. The game starts at 3:45 p.m. and admission includes the Tigers vs. the Dunedin Blue Rays baseball game at 6:00 p.m.

Click here to purchase your tickets online: https://tinyurl.com/vx8pxma3

"The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Lakeland Police Department have a lot of respect for each other—but when it comes to softball, LPD’s team should be locked-up for impersonating ballplayers. The gates will open at 3:30 pm, with the first pitch at 3:45 pm. We anticipate getting LPD’s first out at 3:46 pm. You won't want to miss this epic battle." - Grady Judd, Sheriff