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NewsFOX 13 Tampa BaySeptember 2, 2026Hillsborough

Independent investigator appointed to probe former Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker

An independent investigator has been appointed to conduct an internal affairs review into former Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker following his resignation. This internal probe runs concurrently with a separate criminal investigation being conducted by the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

law enforcementpersonnel investigationmunicipal governmentresignation
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Why It Matters

The investigation concerns the conduct of the former head of the Bartow Police Department, impacting department leadership and public accountability for the city's law enforcement agency.

Key Facts

  • Stephen Walker resigned as Bartow Police Chief on Aug. 14, 2022, without admitting wrongdoing.
  • The city received an employee complaint regarding Walker on Aug. 12, 2022.
  • Glenn Ferrell of the Florida Internal Affairs Investigators Association is leading the internal investigation.
  • The Polk County Sheriff's Office is conducting a separate criminal investigation.
  • Deputy Chief Kyle Dowdy is currently serving as the officer in charge of the department.
  • The city has contracted with Strategic Government Resources to recruit a permanent police chief.
  • Walker joined the department as a captain in 2022, became deputy chief on Dec. 1, 2023, and was sworn in as chief on Dec. 6, 2024.
  • Walker does not qualify for retirement benefits based on his length of service.
  • The internal affairs investigation is expected to take several weeks.

Who's Mentioned

personMike Herr“Bartow City Manager.”personStephen Walker“Former Bartow Police Chief who resigned following an employee complaint.”personSean Parker“Bartow City Attorney.”personGlenn Ferrell“Independent investigator from the Florida Internal Affairs Investigators Associa”personKyle Dowdy“Deputy Chief serving as officer in charge of the Bartow Police Department.”organizationBartow Police Department“The municipal police department involved in the investigation.”organizationPolk County Sheriff's Office“Conducting a criminal inquiry into the former police chief.”organizationStrategic Government Resources“Contracted to recruit a permanent police chief replacement.”