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.

Feb 2, 2024

February 2nd is School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day in Florida

Media Contact: Brian Bruchey, PIO

By proclamation from Governor Ron DeSantis, today, February 2, 2024, is School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day in Florida.

“We are proud of the men and women who perform this vital public service in the mornings and afternoons, whether it’s hot and humid or cold and rainy. The parents of Polk County can count on our School Crossing Guards to help keep their children safe as they go to and from school.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office provides School Crossing Guard services through funds provided by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners.

This program places adult crossing guards at selected school crossings to ensure the safety of our elementary school children.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office employs two school crossing supervisors and eight coordinators, 128 part-time crossing guards, and 33 substitutes who are assigned to 124 Polk County School Crossings.