Lakeland Police Department

2026 Annual Polk County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony Set for May 7     Lakeland, FL - (April 3, 2026) - The Fraternal Order of Police Polk County Lodge #46 and the Polk County Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Inc., will present the 38th Annual Polk County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony on Thursday, May 7, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM at the Polk County Law Enforcem ...

    LAKELAND, FL (April 2, 2026) - The Lakeland Police Department is looking for eager and excited teens who are interested in learning more about careers in law enforcement to participate in a one-week, hand-on experience for young people. This highly interactive program, taught by Lakeland Police Officers, allows high school students to see and experience what it's li ...

--- UPDATE ---   Lakeland, FL (January 30, 2026) — The City of Lakeland is continuing to activate the new school-zone speed cameras near select schools in Lakeland. A few cameras are still awaiting final implementation. Until all cameras are fully activated, the program will remain in an educational warning phase. All drivers traveling more than 10 miles per hour over the pos ...

*****UPDATE*****   Lakeland, FL (March 8, 2026) - On March 7, 2026, traffic crash investigators with the Lakeland Police Department arrested Jeffery Ronald Allen in connection with a fatal traffic crash which occurred on March 2, 2026, in the 1500 block of East Memorial Boulevard. Allen was arrested at his home around 8:30 p.m.   On Monday, March 2, 2026, at approximately 1 ...

*****UPDATE*****   Lakeland, FL (March 6, 2026) - An arrest has been made in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred early Thursday morning, March 5, 2026. Kevin Lamont Reed Jr., has been charged with Second Degree Murder and Tampering with Physical Evidence. Reed was taken into custody at his residence on March 5, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m.   At approximately ...

LAKELAND, FL (March 4, 2026) – In celebration of Women's History Month, the Lakeland Police Department invites the community to attend their annual Women’s Career Event on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Lakeland Police Department Training Center, 3131 Centurion Drive, Lakeland, Florida.  Whether you are interested in becoming a sworn officer or ...

Janard Dominic Childs Age 34 (photo from previous arrest on 8/21/25) *****UPDATE*****   LAKELAND, FL (February 24, 2026) – An arrest warrant has been issued for Janard Dominic Childs, 34, of Lakeland, in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred early Sunday morning, February 22, 2026.   At approximately 2:00 a.m. on F ...

Lakeland, FL - (January 29, 2026) - This summer, the Lakeland Police Department is proud to partner with the Polk County School Board and the Polk County Sheriff's Office to offer a FREE camp with industry professionals to teach skills needed in vocational job markets. Students will have hands-on sessions to learn more about:   CARPENTRY ELECTRICAL PLUMBING ROOFING DRYW ...

LAKELAND, FL (January 5, 2026) - On Sunday, January 4, 2026, at approximately 7:26 p.m., officers responded to a traffic crash in the 4100 block of West Pipkin Road. Just prior to the crash, a white Honda SUV was traveling eastbound in the westbound inside lane of West Pipkin Road. At the same time, a grey Honda Accord was traveling west in the inside westbound lane of travel ...

Lakeland, FL – (October 22, 2025) – The Lakeland Police Department's Police Athletic League (PAL) is thrilled to host the 2025 PAL Gala.   Join us for an unforgettable evening while helping raise funds to support the Lakeland Police Department’s PAL program and make an impact for our community's young people. This is a fantastic chance to partner with a vita organization that ...