Bartow Police Department

2018-10-24 19:05:57

This post is in reference to the recent incident at Bartow Middle School where two juveniles were arrested yesterday for a plot to harm other students. No students or staff were harmed. An important message from Bartow Police Chief Joe Hall: Parents and guardians of children in our Bartow Schools: I understand that the recent news of a plot to kill students at Bartow Middle School is troubling. In fact, it shook me to my core when I was notified of it. However, I want to make it clear that your children are our most precious citizens here in the City and we do everything we can, every single day to make sure our children are safe. We work very closely with the Polk County School Board and I want to assure you that I will do everything in my power to ensure safety. I am very proud of the staff at Bartow Middle School and my staff at the Police Department for thwarting this plot from becoming a tragedy. There are several measures in place to make sure our children are safe and that ALL threats of violence are addressed. In this isolated incident, these protocols worked. I believe in these protocols and we will continue to follow them. Remember, if you see something, say something. It worked in this incident. Joe Hall

2018-10-19 15:25:27

ROAD CLOSURES: Beginning Monday, October 22, 2018, the City of Bartow will begin a resurfacing project on several streets within the City. The project, which will take approximately eight (8) weeks to complete, also includes replacing some of the curbing in these areas. Although City services such as garbage collection should not be affected by the Project, expect periodic lane closures and some delays Attached is a map of streets that will be affected. The affected streets are listed in chronological order. During this time, be alert, watch for flagmen, and please be patient.

2018-10-13 18:02:44

A huge THANK YOU to Kinsey for dropping off some cookies and tea for the Officers today. What a thoughtful young lady! Pictured with Kinsey is her mom, sister and Sgt. Michelle Smith.

2018-10-12 17:29:55

German exchange students enjoyed a tour of the Bartow Police Department facilities today. The students were treated to a K-9 Demonstration by Officer Adam Anderson and his partner Falco and took photos sitting in a patrol car. One of the students, whose father is a law enforcement officer in Germany presented a dress shirt, police patches and formal neck tie, part of their official law enforcement attire, as a gift of thanks.

2018-10-12 16:51:58

This week marked the 30th work anniversary for Captain Hiram Saunders, Patrol Commander. Please join us as congratulate him on this accomplishment!

2018-10-10 13:14:11

Suspect, Audra Pender was located in Lake Wales, Florida early last evening and taken into custody without incident. Pender is charged with Aggravated Manslaughter of a Child and Tampering with Physical Evidence. Pender declined to be interviewed and was taken to the Polk County Jail.

2018-10-09 19:20:05

2018-10-09 15:56:08

The month of October is National Fire Prevention month, and each year at this time, the Bartow Fire participates in educating children about the danger of, and the prevention of fire. School children enjoyed a tour of the facilities and some hands-on learning experiences. Assisting the firefighters were Bartow High School Fire Academy Students

2018-10-01 15:46:23

Don't forget, the monthly Chief's Chat will be held in the morning at 7:30 AM at the Broadway Diner. We hope to see you there.

2018-09-28 20:02:50

A long-time Bartow Police Department Detective retired today. Detective Jason Griffith retired after serving the citizens of Bartow for 22 years. Jason began his career at the Bartow Police Department in 1996 in the Patrol Division. He later served as Bartow Middle School's Resource Officer and then as the Detective in Charge of the Criminal Investigations Section. As a Detective, Jason investigated a variety of crimes, but nothing more heinous than crimes against children. He took pride knowing his work led to the arrest and conviction of one of society's most dangerous people...a child molester. Kudos to Jason for being an advocate and voice for our children. Thank you Jason for your dedication and service to the Citizens of the City of Bartow. We appreciate you and wish you luck as you start the next chapter in your life.

2018-09-26 14:18:11

Yesterday afternoon around 3:40 PM, Bartow Police Department officers began investigating a domestic violence incident at 1185 Britts Lane. After interviewing the victim and obtaining medical treatment, Officers attempted contact with the suspect, JOSHUA PELLEGRINO. Pellegrino refused contact with officers and ultimately barricaded himself inside. After establishing verbal contact, Pellegrino alleged that he was armed with a firearm and would not be taken into custody. Based upon this information, BPD Detectives obtained a warrant for Pellegrino's arrest. The Polk County Sheriff's Office SWAT team was requested and Bartow Police secured the scene. Surrounding residences were evacuated, while officers continued to communicate with the subject until the arrival of SWAT. At approximately 11:55 PM, SWAT members made entry into the residence and Pellegrino was taken into custody, bringing conclusion to a nearly 7-hour standoff in which all negotiations with Pellegrino failed. Pellegrino was transported to the BRMC hospital for medical treatment, due to minor injuries sustained during the incident. He is charged with Felony Battery Domestic Violence, Burglary and Resisting Officers. No Officers or residents were injured during this event. The Bartow Police Department would like to thank the Polk County Sheriff's Office for partnering with us to effect a safe conclusion to this incident.

2018-09-25 15:49:29

Person of Interest in recent thefts around town. Please contact Det. Ken Fender at 863-534-5034 if you have any information to share regarding this case.

2018-09-25 03:09:43

Bartow Police Chief Joe Hall proudly shows off the cake he won at today’s Crickette Club meeting. The Bartow Crickette Club held their annual Halloween Carnival kick-off today with a Cake Walk Party! Chief Hall delivered the cake intact to the Police Department to share with members of the department.

2018-09-22 02:46:53

Members of the Bartow Police Department Explorer Post and Summerlin Academy Rifle Team assisted American Legion Post No. 3 with a BBQ dinner fundraiser for retired Bartow Police Officer Kristi Tew. The money collected during the event tonight will help the Tew family. Officer Tew, who worked as School Resource Officer, was forced to take an early retirement last month in order to focus on her family and her health as she fights stage 4 cancer. The Bartow Police Department is again proud to join forces with the fine men and women of the Bartow American Legion Post. We would also like to thank the many people who purchased tickets, came out to help and donated in order to help the Tew family.

2018-09-20 13:20:46

The Bartow Police Department is investigating a series of thefts that have occurred around the city. Investigators are seeking help from the public to identify a person of interest and the vehicle in these photos. The pictures were taken on Hwy 17 South. If you have any information to share regarding this case, please send a private message to Bartow Police Department's Facebook page or call Detective Ken Fender at 863-534-5034.

2018-09-19 17:37:28

A fantastic finale at the closing of the Annual Diversity Luncheon today.

2018-09-17 16:03:40

Children and Grandparents from Clerk's Office enjoyed a K-9 Demo at Fort Blount Park in honor or Grandparents Day. K-9 Assisting Officer David Bilbrey and partner Brody was Officer Tim Daughtrey.

2018-09-14 03:25:20

UPDATE: Today, Detectives located this missing child and returned her safely to her caregivers. Thank you to all those who were searching for her. No foul play is suspected at this time.(9/14/18 3:20pm)

2018-09-12 01:26:27

Chief Joe Hall and members of the Bartow Police Department Honor Guard were honored to participate in a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at Summerlin Academy today. Joined by Summerlin Cadet Brendan Dorman, Chief Hall placed a Police Hat at the memorial to honor police officers who lost their lives as a result of the 9/11 attack. Fire Chief Jay Robinson placed a fireman’s hat and Kozette Hubbard placed an EMS placard to honor both Fireman and EMS personnel who lost their lives in the attack. A military helmet and a civilian placard were also placed in remembrance of military and civilian personnel who sadly lost their lives as well. The Bartow Police Department is very honored each year to participate in this event. We appreciate Summerlin Academy and their staff for making this memorial happen each year. We shall never forget.

2018-09-07 17:30:26

To kick-off College Football season, members of the Bartow Police Department brought tailgating snacks and desserts for a “FOOTBALL-FRIDAY” celebration. Several members donned their favorite team apparel for the day. Strategically chosen college ‘fight’ songs could be heard playing in the background.