Pasco Sheriff’s Office’s school-based members, such as School Resource Officers and School Crossing Guards are prepared for the return to school.

Pasco Sheriff’s Office was honored to be named the 2022 Agency of the Year by the Florida Association of School Resource Officers (FASRO). The honor was presented during FASRO’s annual conference, held in Orlando. PSO thanks FASRO for recognizing the impact our SROs have on the lives of Pasco’s students each day, and for recognizing PSO’s commitment to ensuring schools are a safe place for all. PSO is incredibly proud to be recognized for our innovative approach and exceptional commitment to school safety which keeps students, faculty, staff and families safe in the communities we serve. Read more here

School-based Pasco Sheriff’s Office members hold important roles to keep our schools and community safe. School Resource Officers (SROs) provide a safe and secure environment for students and faculty. SROs support our students and the communities we serve, as well as promote community outreach within their school campus community. School Crossing Guards help students and their families cross busy streets as they travel to and from school. Traffic Control Officers (TCOs) ensure drivers are cautious in school zones while managing increased traffic from commuters. Are you ready to make a difference in your community? PSO’s School Crossing Guards are part-time positions available at several locations throughout Pasco County. For more information, visit JoinPSO.com today. Making sure our students are safe is our priority, and a true community effort!

With school back in session, communities will see more school buses, bike riders and pedestrians with students. Eliminate distractions, such as electronics, especially in school zones. Take time to learn your state’s school bus stop laws. Like drivers, pedestrians and bike riders must follow the rules of the road and obey safety signals. Pedestrians and bike riders should wear bright colors and something reflective to increase visibility in busy areas. Before riding a bicycle, ensure your helmet fits properly. Cross at the crosswalk where drivers expect pedestrians to cross, until the Crossing Guard or signal indicates you may pass. Bicyclists should dismount their bicycles and walk them within crosswalks.

School buses stand out from other vehicles on the road, offering unique safety features such as a bright yellow exterior, flashing lights and deployable stop signs. All drivers are responsible for safe and courteous driving, especially when near school buses and stops. Drivers should always follow the speed limit, and slow down in school zones and near bus stops. Look for students and their parents or guardians traveling to or from school, especially in neighborhoods with garages, driveways and sharp corners.

PSO is dedicated to keeping students, schools and faculty safe to promote a positive and supportive learning environment. PSO investigates all threats we’re made aware of. Threats have consequences, even if they are fake. PSO urges parents and guardians to reiterate to students to make sound decisions and to report anything suspicious to a responsible adult. If you see a social media post that appears to be a threat to a school or an individual, do not share, but report threats or tips to the Pasco County Non-Emergency Line at 727-847-8102, option 7.

PSO recommends parents and guardians talk with students about safe and appropriate online behavior, and stay aware of what apps students are using. PSO’s School Resource Officers have compiled apps parents and guardians should know about. It is important that kids are careful with who they trust, as it’s easy for predators to lie online. Having an open conversation about online dangers and prepare kids with the valuable information they need to protect themselves are important ways to prevent children from becoming victims.

New school years always bring excitement. You can help make our community a safer place for everyone. Safe habits can help keep our students safe throughout the school year. Stay alert, and have a great school year, Pasco!