Sometimes a kind word or a smile have a large impact on those around us. It’s our goal to be a positive impact on our community, in partnership with you. We constantly look for ways to travel upstream with preventing crime, and to best serve our community. From the Behavioral Health Intervention Team connecting citizens with community-based resources to holding free food distributions in areas that need it most, we’re here to fight side-by-side with our community to make Pasco County a safer place for all. Together, We Fight As One.
Those with autism can be misunderstood by someone who does not know they are living with autism or has never met someone with autism. Interactions with first responders in an emergency like a car crash or a report of a missing individual can be hectic or scary. Pasco Sheriff’s Office has several ways in which we ensure these interactions are helpful for all involved.
PSO implemented the Autism Awareness Program, providing first responders with information on an individual from a guardian. Should an incident arise where an individual with autism cannot verbally communicate their information, the Autism Awareness Program can provide helpful information, through an identification card the person carries with critical information to make the interaction a positive one. Not only does this card contain information such as an individual’s name, address and emergency contact, but also ways in which first responders can connect with individuals. For example, if an individual loves a certain TV show or animal, deputies and other first responders can use that as a conversation starter to assist in refocusing an individual’s attention away from the stressful situation.
Those wishing to request one of PSO’s Autism Awareness Program cards should email PSOCares@pascosheriff.org.
World Autism Day is April 2 and April is National Autism Awareness Month.
Acts of Kindness Boost Mental Health
Acts of kindness do more than share a smile. Being kind boosts both your mental health, and the mental health of others. It’s always important to show kindness and respect, recently kindness seems to have a greater value. Pasco Sheriff’s Office created one of the largest behavioral health units in the state. While we recognize that mental health is a healthcare issue, it can also have a law enforcement element. Roughly 80 percent of PSO’s calls for service have a mental health component – from citizens threatening to harm themselves, to calls about trespassing – mental health touches many aspects of what we see. Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and substance abuse is vital. Simple acts of kindness to improve community is a great way to start.
Acts of kindness don’t need to be grand gestures or expensive gifts. You can share positive praise with a handwritten note, call or text. If you see someone trying to complete a difficult task, offer to help. Donate your time, and volunteer with a nonprofit. Put your phone down, and enjoy some quality time in person with someone.
Recently, while on a call for service, a deputy in our District 1 area noticed a citizen having trouble replacing a lightbulb on their front porch. The deputy had a few minutes to spare and assisted the citizen with replacing the bulb. Pasco Sheriff’s Office deputies enjoy helping the people they serve and brightening their day whenever they can. Taking the time to help someone can go long way for the person you’re assisting.
John Long Middle School recently hosted a kindness week. School Resource Officer Cpl. Cottrell recently encouraged students to promote kindness with creativity. First, Cpl. Cottrell encouraged students share some heart with a message written on a heart cutout to their friends. This act of kindness recognized friendship and positivity. To conclude kindness week, a pledge was held during lunch where students committed to promote kindness.
Wiregrass Ranch students shared acts of kindness by recognizing SRO Cpl. Keys twice recently. Students surprised Cpl. Keys with a card signed by students and faculty, along with small gifts for Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Cpl. Keys is a regular presence at the students’ athletic events, so senior athletes presented Cpl. Keys with a “Best SRO Ever” miniature football helmet and a custom license plate for the front of his patrol car.
Gestures of kindness can mean the most to someone and don’t require much effort or time. You never know what others are experiencing and a kind word or helping hand can be the difference to someone. Additionally, performing acts of kindness for others provides a greater sense of calmness. Your peers feel a sense of importance and care, and so will you. Kindness can be contagious, so help spread it in our community when you can!
Drive Different, Drive Without Distractions
You wouldn’t try to play your favorite sport while distracted by texting, eating or styling your hair at the same time, so why attempt to complete the same tasks while driving? Being in a hurry is not a good excuse to drive distracted. Before getting behind the wheel, allotting extra travel time can resolve many driving distractions. Without additional travel time, distractions often overcome our discipline causing us to drive distracted.
Are you looking for a career change? PSO has the following open positions:
For all of our career opportunities visit JoinPSO.com
Tip-A-Cop
Walk-On’s Wesley Chapel is joining PSO for Tip-A-Cop to support Special Olympics Florida! Walk On’s will donate 10% of all sales on April 9 from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. to Special Olympics Florida, who will have athletes present at the event. Pasco Sheriff’s Office deputies will also be on hand at the event from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. PSO will have speciality vehicles and K9s available too!
Free Food Distribution
Pasco Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with Farm Share and UF/IFAS Extension for a free community food distribution! The next food distribution event will be at the UF/IFAS Extension in Pasco County on Thursday, April 21 and will begin at 9 a.m. It’s first come first served, so come out early! We’re thrilled to connect our community to this resource.
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