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.

Oct 24, 2016

PCSO 2016 Haunted Jail Tour

Media Contact: Carrie Horstman, PIO

Back by popular demand, PCSO presents the annual Haunted Jail Tour benefitting The United Way of Central Florida.

From 6:00 pm through 11:00 pm, on October 21st and 22nd, and October 28th and 29th, 2016, at the PCSO old jail located at 455 North Broadway Avenue in Bartow (across the street from Bartow P.D.), PCSO volunteers will present "Zombie Apocalypse."

Saturday, October 29, 2016 will be FAMILY NIGHT with treats and games for younger kids (those who are too young to go on the tour)! Bring the whole family for a night of fun.

Food and drink will be on sale every night.

The cost to go on the tour is a $5.00 donation with all proceeds benefiting the United Way of Central Florida.

Visitors will be taken through the following areas:

- the origin point of the outbreak

- an infirmary

- the jail itself where zombies are attacking the inmate population and the tour crowds

- a morgue

- an incinerator

Special thanks to Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc., for donating a truckload of props, decorations, and special effects that have really allowed us to transform the place like never before.

If you thought the Tour was good last year….just wait and see what we have come up with this year!!!

For more information, please contact Sergeant Justin Carr at 813-477-8423.