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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.

Larry Smith mug shot
Jul 27, 2021

Man wanted for murder of ...

Auburndale murder: Larry Smith being sought for 1st Degree Murder

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rabid fox
Jul 26, 2021

Polk County’s second rabi...

Fox determined to be Polk County's 2nd rabies case of 2021

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Operation Pop Top Graphic
Jul 26, 2021

Three arrested for illega...

Operation Pop-Top results in 3 arrests for underage alcohol sales.

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Operation Pop Top Graphic
Jul 23, 2021

1 sales clerk arrested fo...

OPERATION: Pop-Top nabs one selling alcohol to someone under 21

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Bell Gang Blues Mug Shots
Jul 22, 2021

PCSO charges 32 suspects ...

Following a 16-month undercover investigation, Polk County Sheriff’s Office undercover Narcotics det...

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Operation Pop Top Graphic
Jul 21, 2021

Operation Pop Top: Frostp...

One arrested for the sale of alcohol to a minor

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