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.

Jan 30, 2017

Polk County To Use "Alert Polk" Emergency Notification System

Media Contact: Carrie Horstman, PIO

Beginning February 1, 2017, Polk County will be using “Alert Polk” during situations that may affect the health, safety, and welfare of Polk County residents. Polk County will no longer be using Code Red as their notification vendor.

· If you are already registered with Code Red online, you will need to re-register for Alert Polk at www.alertpolk.com.

· If you completed a Code Red Registration Card and sent it in to PCSO Crime Prevention, your information has already been downloaded into the "Alert Polk" system - so no further action is required. Should you need to update your information, contact Crime Prevention at 863-298-6677.

The County’s new system, "Alert Polk," allows designated officials to send emergency messages to landline & cellphone numbers, texts, and email addresses in the affected geographic area. When you register for emergency notifications, you'll also have the option of receiving community informational alerts.

Visit www.alertpolk.com to register and for additional information.