AUSTIN — By Christine Chapel-Hill, AI Bee Reel Staff

January 29, 2026

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Polk County Sheriff’s Department concluded its latest security audit today by sliding a giant novelty check for $600,000 through the steel bars of Cell Block D. Two confused security consultants, still wearing their orange jumpsuits, reached through the bars to countersign the receipt for the “Advanced Penetration & Incarceration Package.”

“We take courthouse security very seriously,” said Sheriff Kevin “Lockdown” Miller, adjusting his tactical belt. “Standard audits just check the front doors. Our Premium Audit includes a surprise raid, felony charges, and six years of legal battles. It really tests the vendor’s commitment to the project.” He noted the settlement payment was simply a “retroactive consulting fee adjustment” for the unexpected lodging.

“The user experience was incredibly immersive,” explained Justin Wynn, one of the imprisoned consultants, while sharpening a toothbrush on the limestone wall. “Usually, clients just give us a visitor badge. Here, they gave us handcuffs, a mugshot, and a permanent criminal record. You can’t get that kind of realism on a standard retainer.”

At press time, the Sheriff’s Department announced a new bug bounty program where finding a software vulnerability results in immediate SWAT team deployment to your living room.

Inspired by the real story: An Iowa county paid $600,000 to settle a lawsuit with security pros they arrested for doing the job they were hired to do. Read the full story.