Lakeland Police Department

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 ...

  Lakeland, FL - (October 22, 2025) - The Lakeland Police Department is proud to join The Drug Enforcement Administration and its national and community partners for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, for citizens to dispose of unwanted, unneeded, and expired human and pet medications in a safe manner. We want to m ...

LAKELAND, FL (October 15, 2025) Are you an ordained minister seeking to bring your pastoral calling into a vital field of service? The Lakeland Police Department is seeking ordained clergy with a heart for service and community to join our dedicated team as Volunteer Police Chaplains.   As a Chaplain, you'll play a vital role in providing emotional and spiritual support to of ...

UPDATE:  APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED DUE TO OVERWHELMING RESPONSE.  Thank you!     LAKELAND, FL (October 2, 2025) – On Monday, October 6, 2025, the Lakeland Police Department will begin accepting applications for 911 Emergency Communicators. The jobposting will go live at 8:00 a.m. and will remain open to the first 50 qualified applicants. No Experience Required - All tra ...

  Lakeland, FL – (August 18, 2025) – The Lakeland Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association is thrilled to host the 17th Annual Honoring Heroes Steak Dinner & Silent Auction!   Join us for an unforgettable evening while helping raise funds to support the Lakeland Police Department’s K9 Unit, Explorer Program, Cops for Kids Program, and the LCPAAA Scholarship Program. ...

FATAL CRASH INVESTIGATION    LAKELAND, FL (June 10, 2025) - On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at approximately 5:56 a.m., officers responded to a traffic crash near the 1300 block of U.S. 98 South. Just prior to the crash, a grey 2021 Tesla was traveling north on US Highway 98 South in the inside lane of travel. At the same time, a pedestrian was crossing US Highway 98 South in the ...

LAKELAND, FL (May 28, 2025) – A Florida Purple Alert has been issued for 71-year-old Frederick Blackwelder of Lakeland. Mr. Blackwelder is believed to be traveling in a 2006 Toyota Scion tC Florida license plate 665-3VY. A family member reported Mr. Blackwelder missing after unsuccessful attempts to make contact with him over the weekend. He was last known to be in the area of ...