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Polk County Sheriff's Office Media Relations Guide

This document outlines the contact procedures and responsibilities for the Polk County Sheriff's Office Media Relations Office. It clarifies that this office handles media inquiries only and directs general public records requests to a separate department.

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Why It Matters

Residents and media outlets must use specific contact channels to receive information or request public records, as the Media Relations Office does not process general public records requests.

Key Facts

  • The Media Relations Office handles media inquiries only and does not process public records requests from the general public.
  • General public records requests must be directed to the Records Unit at 863-298-6300 or recordsrequest@polksheriff.org.
  • The Media Relations Office operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • A Public Information Officer (PIO) is on-call 24/7 for emergency or breaking news situations.
  • The media-only on-call number for breaking news is 863-370-0040.
  • The general public should use the non-emergency line 863-298-6200 for all non-media inquiries.
  • After-hours PIOs do not have access to written records like arrest affidavits; these can be obtained from the jail at Central Book-In in Bartow.
  • After-hours PIOs generally do not provide information on non-fatal car crashes, routine arrests, or non-breaking news cases.

Who's Mentioned

personGrady Judd“Sheriff of Polk County”other911“Emergency phone number”personScott Wilder“Director of the Office of Communications”location1891 Jim Keene Blvd“Physical address of the Sheriff's Office”other33880“Zip code”organizationPolk County Sheriff's Office“The government agency issuing the document”locationWinter Haven, FL“City location of the Sheriff's Office”