Pinellas County Sheriff's Office

Alcohol plays a major role in boat crashes, and in Pinellas County, boating under the influence (BUI) is on the rise. Members of our Marine and Environmental Lands Unit are trained to evaluate vessel operators for signs of impairment. But how do you give Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) on a rocking boat? Seated FSTs are a way that deputies can check for clues to impairment at times when the subject can’t do the standard Walk-and Turn or One Leg Stand that they would do in a land-based evaluation. In this issue of Inside the Star, learn all about the seated battery of tests for impairment. Both standard and seated FSTs have been shown in studies to accurately determine if the subject has a blood alcohol content of at least 0.08, the legal limit. But FSTs are just a part of a deputy’s full investigation. They look at their driving or boating, behavior, and physical clues. If the FSTs show clues that the operator is impaired, they will provide a breath sample. FSTs aren’t a “gotcha” – they’re a way for someone to dispel the deputy’s suspicion and show that they’re not impaired. Seated FSTs can be used on a boat, but they can also be used on land if the driver has age, weight, or mobility issues. Both standard and seated FSTs are recognized by the courts. They’re divided attention tests, making you use both memory and coordination, so even if you practice them sober, you’ll still fail if you’re impaired. Keep yourself, your family, and other boaters or drivers safe, and skip the drinks when you’re driving a vehicle or vessel. If alcohol is a part of your day, before you get behind the wheel or take the helm of a boat, designate a sober driver. Learn more at the latest edition of Inside the Star: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.pbit.ly/3W3pjUD.

Why Swimsuit Color Matters Drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1-4 - every second counts in spotting a child underwater. BEST COLORS: Bright, contrasting colors like neon yellow, orange, pink, and bright red. WORST COLORS: Colors that blend with the water and environment: white, shades of blue and green, and gray. Bright colors also make children easier to spot in crowded areas and help first responders locate missing children quickly. In addition to this, we suggest always taking a photo of your child before entering crowded locations so if they do go missing, responders have an accurate, current image. A simple color choice could be the difference between a close call and a tragedy - but your watchful eyes are always the most important safety tool.

We are proud to announce our exceptional Quarter 2 Bright Star Award recipients, who have demonstrated outstanding service and dedication to our agency and community. Joel Johnson, RN is being awarded for his compassion and dedication to inmate welfare when arranging alternatives for an inmate with a terminal illness. When attempts to move the deteriorating inmate to a hospice facility failed, Johnson continued to look for other alternatives to provide her with a dignified end of life experience. After successfully reaching out to the Public Defender's Office, he was able to get the inmate's situation placed on the court docket, and she was granted a compassionate release from custody due in no small part to his unwavering attention and determination. Other recipients not in attendance: Deputy Connor Brennan - Law Enforcement Bright Star Winner Deputy Nathan Elkin and Deputy Skyler Barela - Detention & Corrections Bright Star Winners Congratulations to all and thank you for your dedication!

Congratulations on your retirement, Deputy Shane Stradley! After 26 years of service with PCSO, Deputy Stradley is beginning a new chapter as he steps away from his career. Major Joe Gerretz of the Department of Detention and Corrections presented him with a plaque honoring his years of dedicated service. We appreciate your commitment to serving the Pinellas County community throughout your career. Best wishes as you enjoy this well-earned retirement. Here's to your next adventure!

Thanks to the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute for stopping by this week! The Leadership Institute is a program designed to develop leadership talent in the Tampa Bay and Gulf Beaches communities. We were happy to help out by having the Eagle drop in and provide a K-9 demonstration for their government seminar. Always great to show folks what we do and support future community leaders. Thanks for the visit!

Our recruiters had a great time at the MacDill Air Force Base Career Fair yesterday! They connected with incredible talent and made great connections with attendees. Catch them next at: Tampa Job Fair Thursday, July 24, 2025 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM Holiday Inn Tampa Westshore Airport Area - 700 North Westshore Boulevard, Tampa Stop by and speak with them about the exciting career opportunities PCSO has to offer and learn how they can help you take the next step in your professional journey. Register now at https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.pbit.ly/3GV7QJL!

Celebrating a True Champion of Service! After more than 25 incredible years of dedicated volunteer service with PCSO, Andrew de Leon is heading into a well-deserved retirement! Andrew has been a fixture at the County Justice Center, sharing his expertise and kindness with every person that came through the door. His dedication earned him deep respect and admiration from members throughout our Judicial Operations Bureau, including his fellow volunteers, many of whom he trained. Andrew was presented with a plaque honoring his exceptional service, pictured here with Captain Dwayne Somers of our Judicial Services Division. From all of us at PCSO, THANK YOU, Andrew! Your legacy of service will continue through every volunteer you've trained and every person you've helped along the way. Wishing you all the best in your retirement - you've certainly earned it! 🌟

🔧 NOW HIRING: Electronics Technician 🔧 We're looking for a skilled Electronics Technician to install, maintain, and repair our security and communication systems. To apply and learn more about the role visit https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.pbit.ly/45WIlC3 Questions? Contact HR at 727-582-6208 or send them an email at employment@pcsonet.com.

Earlier today, Director Jason Malpass successfully completed the Florida Sheriffs Association's renowned Commanders Academy in Tallahassee. This outstanding achievement showcases his dedication to advancing his leadership capabilities in the criminal justice field. The Commanders Academy represents Florida's top tier executive training initiative for law enforcement professionals. The program brings together commanders from sheriff's offices statewide for an intensive two week curriculum that emphasizes leadership development, ethical standards, and addressing the current challenges facing today's policing environment. We commend Director Malpass for his pursuit of continued professional development and his steadfast commitment to serving our community. Leading our Information Technology Bureau, his expanded leadership expertise will continue to enhance our technological operations and overall effectiveness. Pictured: FSA Executive Director Matt Dunagan, Sumter County Sheriff Pat Breeden, PCSO Director Jason Malpass, PCSO Assistant Chief Deputy Dennis Komar, and FSA President and Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell.

Deputy Bassous Had Never Held a Pelican, But He's a Pro Now When a pelican with an injured wing was spotted struggling near the Dunedin Causeway, Deputy Bassous responded to the call from Birds in Helping Hands. The organization had received reports that well-meaning citizens were picking up the bird and feeding it chips, exactly what NOT to do with injured wildlife! Though initially unsure how to safely handle the large bird, Deputy Bassous worked closely with the organization's experts who guided him through the proper capture techniques. Following their step-by-step instructions, he used a towel to calm the pelican and safely capture it, then carefully transported his feathered passenger in his patrol cruiser to meet a local rehabilitator. The pelican is now in expert hands at the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, LLC, where it's receiving the medical care it needs to hopefully return to the wild. Spotted an injured bird in Pinellas County? Birds in Helping Hands: 727-365-4592 Seaside Seabird Sanctuary Bird Rescue Hotline: 727-391-6211 Important reminders: CALL FIRST - experts will guide you on whether and how to help Don't give food (especially chips!) or water to injured wildlife Keep your distance and monitor the bird Try to keep other people away from the area From deputies to dispatchers to dedicated volunteers - it takes a whole community to protect our wildlife neighbors! 🐦