Polk County Police Pulse

Lakeland PD Technology Proposal

• AI Tools Expansion: LPD proposes a $1.2 million annual increase to expand its Axon contract for AI tools like...

Polk County residents needing medical or personal care during emergencies can pre-register for special needs shelters managed by Polk County Emergency...

Layne Michael Smith, a 19-year-old Bartow student, died early May 31 after his ATV flipped at River Ranch Hunt Club near Lake Wales during a nighttime...

Lakeland Police is asking for a $1.2 million annual increase to expand its Axon contract, bringing the 10-year total to $21.3 million.

• The upgrade...

Fatal Car Crash Near Winter Haven

• 🔥 Auburndale Man Dies in Crash: Polk County deputies found a 33-year-old Auburndale man dead inside his...

A 19-year-old Bartow man died early Sunday after his ATV flipped at River Ranch Hunt Club near Lake Wales. Layne Michael Smith was riding with friends...

• Traffic Homicide detectives continue investigating the fatal Sunday crash near Winter Haven
• Thornhill Road stayed closed for three hours after the incident
• 33-year-old Auburndale man died in his Toyota Corolla after striking a tree

A 911 caller's detailed report of screams from a white Ford van on US 27 triggered a rapid PCSO response that rescued a woman held against her will....

Lakeland's Hurricane Expo brings state and city officials together to stress preparation as the 2026 Atlantic season begins Monday, offering resources...

School Threat Arrests

• 🔥 Middle School Bomb Threats: Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 14-year-old Adrian Allison from Lakeland Highlands...

A 14-year-old Lakeland Highlands Middle School student was arrested for multiple bomb threats made this school year.

• Adrian Allison, already on...

Skeletal remains found east of Lakeland by children on May 28 belonged to a woman in her 70s who lived alone as a recluse. Investigators believe she...

Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested five people and issued two warrants after a month-long undercover drug operation on May 28 across six cities...

Undercover Narcotics Operations

• Multi-City Drug Arrests: Polk County detectives arrested five suspects in an undercover operation across Haines...

K-9 Pantera 'Ace' leaves behind a legacy of loyalty after 54 narcotics deployments, 375 calls for service, and countless lives touched alongside...

A 14-year-old Lakeland Highlands Middle School student was arrested for making multiple bomb threats, highlighting the severe consequences of such...

PCSO Violent Crimes and Tactical Drug Units ran undercover operations across multiple cities targeting narcotics sales.

• Five suspects arrested for...

• Scope: Undercover operation hit six cities—Haines City, Lake Wales, Davenport, Lakeland, Auburndale, Winter Haven—starting April 30.
• Results: Five...

Human bones discovered Thursday night in a wooded area near Fish Hatchery Road and Morgan Combee Road have triggered an ongoing death investigation in...

A routine traffic stop for littering in Polk County escalated into meth trafficking arrests. This case shows how proactive enforcement on minor violations can lead to major busts.