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.

Feb 14, 2018

Major County Sheriffs of America Installs New Executive Officers - Sheriff Judd Sworn In As President

Media Contact: Carrie Horstman, PIO

On Wednesday, February 14, 2018, the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) installed a new group of executive officers who will serve in 2018-2019. The installation of new MCSA Executive Officers occurred at the MCSA Winter Meeting held in Washington DC. The Sheriffs are:

President: Sheriff Grady Judd, Polk County, Florida, 1891 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33880, (863) 298-6647

Vice President: Sheriff Jim McDonnell, Los Angeles County, California, 211 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, (213) 229-3005

Vice President - Government Affairs: Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard, Oakland County, Michigan, 1200 North Telegraph Road, 38E, Pontiac, MI 48341-1044, (248) 858-5001

Vice President - Homeland Security: Sheriff Rich Stanek, Hennepin County, Minnesota, 350 S 5th St, Room 6, Minneapolis, MN 55415-1316, (612) 348-2347

Secretary: Sheriff David J. Mahoney, Dane County, Wisconsin, 115 W. Doty Street, Madison, WI 53703, (608) 284-6170

Treasurer: Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Pinellas County, Florida, 10750 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33778, (727) 582-6206

Immediate Past President: Sheriff-Coroner Sandra Hutchens, Orange County, California, 550 N. Flower Street, Santa Ana, CA 92703, (714) 647-7080

"It is an honor to have been chosen by my colleagues, the Sheriffs of the largest agencies in the nation, to lead the Major County Sheriffs of America. As leaders in the MCSA, Sheriffs must demonstrate strength, courage, confidence, and leadership while protecting the best interest of the citizens we serve to lead the way for a safer America. We will work hard to ensure best practices are determined pursuant to professional research and time tested protocols; as well as guaranteeing the delivery of services with a sense of urgency to the American people based upon what is right and not what is politically expedient." Sheriff Grady Judd, Polk County, Florida

"The demands placed on law enforcement in 21st Century policing require new strategies, greater resources and legislative support. Law enforcement are the first responders to society's ills whether it be mental illness, addiction or emerging crime trends. We must work together and learn from one another, and advocate for the necessary investment in fighting crime in all of our communities. This is why I am honored to represent the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and serve as Vice President of the Major County Sheriffs of America." Sheriff Jim McDonnell, Los Angeles, California

The Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) is a professional law enforcement association of elected Sheriffs representing counties or parishes with 500,000 population or more. MCSA is dedicated to preserving the highest integrity in law enforcement, corrections, and the elected Office of the Sheriff. MCSA's membership represents over 100 million Americans, and works to promote a greater understanding of strategies to address future problems and identify law enforcement challenges facing members of the organization. Click,here for more information.