Pinellas County Sheriff's Office

Our Spring session of the Sheriff's Teen Citizens Academy launched with an adrenaline-pumping morning! Participants jumped right into action learning the defensive tactics our deputies rely on daily—and got to practice these crucial skills themselves! The excitement continued as they tested their decision-making abilities in our immersive Use of Force Simulator. The thrills didn't stop there! Our teens received exclusive demonstrations from our elite SWAT team and got an insider's look at our Flight Unit operations. This dynamic 4-week program runs on consecutive Saturdays and gives teens ages 14-18 unprecedented access to PCSO's specialized units. Coming sessions will feature Forensics, K-9 demonstrations, and much more! Don't let your teen miss our next session starting October 4th! For registration details and to secure their spot, visit https://lnkd.in/dW8_9Kan today!

We were pleased to participate in the Career Fair at Pinellas Park High School earlier this week, connecting with students in their First Responder Program. Members from HR, Forensics, Community Policing, and Communications (Dispatch) shared information about career opportunities in public safety and law enforcement. It's always rewarding to engage with students who show interest in these vital professions. We believe in supporting educational programs that help develop future public safety professionals, and we're committed to being a resource for young people considering careers in this field. Thank you Pinellas Park High School for inviting us. We look forward to continuing our community outreach efforts and inspiring the next generation of first responders!

Tomorrow is your last day to get your application in for this incredible, limited time $30,000 signing bonus for Pre-Certified Patrol Deputies! We are also offering experience pay, a relocation stipend, and 10% shift differential pay for those who qualify. Visit https://bit.ly/4bJ3ekX for details and to apply. Applications are due tomorrow April 4th to qualify for this limited time bonus. Questions? Give HR a call at 727-582-6208 or email at employment@pcsonet.com.

We are honored to announce that Sheriff Gualtieri awarded State Representative Dana Trabulsy with the prestigious Florida Sheriffs Association's Friend of the Sheriff Award in recognition of her exemplary work enhancing school safety during the 2024 legislative session. Representative Trabulsy spearheaded HB 1473, a crucial piece of legislation that makes our schools safer by improving how sheriffs and school security work together. This important bill, which went into full effect on August 1, 2024, requires all schools to keep entrances and exits secure when students are on campus and properly staffed when open. The law also mandates that classrooms remain locked during class time and requires each school district to develop a discipline policy for staff who knowingly violate these important safety requirements. Significantly, the legislation updates the framework for school security with a focus on including private schools in the state's guardian program, ensuring all students receive equal protection regardless of which school they attend. The Florida Sheriffs Association applauds Representative Trabulsy's commitment to ensuring the safety of our children and school personnel across both public and private educational institutions. Her leadership on this issue demonstrates a deep understanding of the critical role sheriffs play in protecting all of our educational environments throughout the state.

Today Sheriff Bob Gualtieri presented State Representative Berny Jacques with the Florida Sheriffs Association's Friend of the Sheriff Award for his outstanding efforts during the 2024 legislative session. Representative Jacques demonstrated his strong commitment to public safety by sponsoring HB 1181, which provided law enforcement with crucial tools to address juvenile gun crimes. The legislation, signed into law in April 2024, increased penalties for minors who commit gun offenses and gave courts more effective sentencing options for these serious crimes. Sheriffs across the state recognize Representative Jacques as a dedicated ally in the fight against crime. His background as a prosecutor and ongoing partnership with law enforcement continues to strengthen public safety initiatives throughout Florida.

Celebrating our amazing volunteers! For National Volunteer Month, we're shining a spotlight on our dedicated Sheriff's Volunteer Patrol (SVP) and Volunteers in Partnership (VIP) teams. Their commitment to helping our community makes a tremendous difference every day! Our SVP volunteers work alongside deputies to: Direct traffic at community events Assist stranded motorists Perform vacation home security checks Transport found property And much more! We currently accepting applications for our Sheriff's Volunteer Patrol! Learn more and apply today at https://lnkd.in/gGAwTMcz. To learn more about our Volunteers in Partnership (VIP) team visit https://lnkd.in/gBEEVzVr. Join our volunteer family and help us build a safer, stronger community!

We are hiring Crisis Response Specialists! Crisis Response Specialists work alongside deputies to assist individuals experiencing mental health crises in Pinellas County. This role provides on-scene assessment, intervention, and connection to appropriate mental health services, helping to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations or arrests while ensuring vulnerable community members receive the support they need. To learn more and apply visit https://bit.ly/4fYOGOT. Questions? Give HR a call at 727-582-6200 or send them an email at employment@pcsonet.com.

Building hope and new beginnings! Our PCSO members proudly partnered again with the amazing Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside to help build a new beginning for another deserving family. Standing together at the construction site, we're not just building walls and roofs - we're building futures filled with hope! Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside's Homeownership Program continues to change lives through their comprehensive approach - including 38 homeownership classes and at least 350 sweat equity hours - giving families the opportunity to achieve sustainable homeownership with an affordable 0% interest mortgage. Learn more about Habitat's life-changing Homeownership Program at habitattbg.org.

Only one week left to get applications in!

Meet the everyday heroes of our Sheriff's Volunteer Patrol who help keep our community safe! These dedicated volunteers undergo over 340 hours of rigorous training before patrolling solo. They direct traffic after accidents, perform house checks while you're away, and free up deputies to respond to emergencies. From retired bankers to former military personnel, these volunteers have found purpose in giving back. Want to join this amazing team? Read more at https://lnkd.in/eqNTcF-3.