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NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsSeptember 2, 2026Hillsborough

City of Bartow appoints independent investigator to probe former Police Chief Stephen Walker

The City of Bartow has hired an independent investigator to conduct an internal affairs probe into former Police Chief Stephen Walker following an employee complaint. Simultaneously, the Polk County Sheriff's Office is conducting a separate criminal inquiry into the matter.

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Read the full story at Fox 13 News (WTVT) — All News

Why It Matters

The investigation concerns the conduct of the former head of the Bartow Police Department, impacting department leadership and public oversight of law enforcement personnel.

Key Facts

  • Stephen Walker resigned as Bartow Police Chief on Aug. 14, 2024, following an employee complaint.
  • The City of Bartow hired Glenn Ferrell of the Florida Internal Affairs Investigators Association to conduct an independent internal affairs probe.
  • The Polk County Sheriff's Office is conducting a parallel criminal investigation into Walker.
  • Deputy Chief Kyle Dowdy is currently serving as the officer in charge of the Bartow Police Department.
  • The city is using Strategic Government Resources to recruit a permanent police chief replacement.
  • The initial employee complaint was received by the city on Aug. 12, 2024.
  • Walker does not qualify for retirement benefits based on his length of service.
  • Walker served as a captain in 2022, deputy chief on Dec. 1, 2023, and was sworn in as chief on Dec. 6, 2024.

Who's Mentioned

personMike Herr“Bartow City Manager”personStephen Walker“Former Bartow Police Chief”personSean Parker“Bartow City Attorney”personGlenn Ferrell“Independent investigator”personKyle Dowdy“Deputy Chief serving as officer in charge”organizationBartow Police Department“Local law enforcement agency”organizationFlorida Internal Affairs Investigators Association“Professional association of investigator”organizationPolk County Sheriff's Office“Conducting criminal inquiry”organizationStrategic Government Resources“Recruitment firm”