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.

Jun 28, 2021

PCSO seeks Fort Fraser Trail patrol volunteers

Media Contact: Alicia Manautou, PIO

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is seeking volunteers willing to partner with law enforcement as members of the Fort Fraser Trail Citizens Assisted Patrol (CAP).

Fort Fraser Trail is a recreational 7.7-mile trail that runs along the east side of U.S. Hwy 98 from Bartow to Winter Lake Road. There are now two spurs off the trail, one that provides access to Polk County’s Circle B Bar Reserve and a new trailhead for the Panther Point Trail that adds nearly 4 miles of trail, bringing the total for Panther Point Trail to 8 miles. The Ft. Fraser paved trail is patrolled by volunteers during the daylight hours using an agency-marked 4-seat utility task vehicle provided by the Sheriff’s Office.

New CAP volunteers will be trained in patrol, crime observation, and crime prevention techniques. Members will also be provided with a volunteer uniform shirt and ball cap. Volunteers also serve as good-will ambassadors for the Ft. Fraser Trail.

“Our volunteers are a valuable tool in preventing crimes within their neighborhoods and three trail systems in Polk County. The Ft. Fraser Trail CAP patrol will bring neighbors from various communities together to keep the trail a safe and enjoyable place to exercise and enjoy the outdoors.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Anyone who has an interest in helping support the Polk County Sheriff’s Office crime prevention mission is encouraged to apply as a Polk County Sheriff’s Office CAP volunteer. There are also other volunteer opportunities available, such as Volunteer Sheriff’s Service Officers, office volunteers, and animal shelter volunteers. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has over 3,200 volunteers who donated 131,649 hours of service in 2020.

Ft. Fraser Trail volunteers will be able to work flexible, two-hour (recommended) shifts between sunrise to sunset. Weekend patrols are especially needed.

To obtain an application for the Sheriff’s Office Citizens Assisted Patrol, please send an email to volunteer@polksheriff.org. Click here for more information, or contact Robert Groover at (863) 298-6681 or Tina Goepferich at (863) 298-6682.

Thank you for making Polk County a safer place to live, work, and play!