One of Pasco Sheriff’s Office’s most common calls for service is to find missing people. From runaway individuals, to those experiencing a medical condition or thoughts of self harm, our goal is the same; bring those who are missing home safe. PSO has many means to aid in this endeavor.

Wandering is the most life-threatening behavior that leads to missing people. SafetyNet was developed to help public safety agencies bring loved ones with cognitive conditions home when they go missing. Once an individual is reported missing, SafetyNet is notified and activates their device. Once activated, the device emits a continuous radio frequency signal for rescue teams to track. If you have a loved one who is prone to wandering you can learn more by visiting http://safetynettracking.com or calling 727-844-7781.

Rapid reporting increases the chance of a safe return. You do not need to wait 24 hours for someone to be considered missing. Gathering information such as the individual’s last known location, date and time seen can help law enforcement begin their search. Preparing a physical description of the individual, including their approximate height, weight, date of birth, hair and eye color, a description of the clothes they were last seen wearing and any distinct physical markings they may have helps as well. We try to use recent photos, which are often provided by family or a guardian.

To be clear, there is not an increase in runaway or missing persons cases in our community. We strive to find missing people quickly and safely. We publicly provide information the help the community identify someone to bring them home safe. Our goal remains the same: bring these individuals home, safe and sound. With the community’s help, and in line with our motto of “We Fight as One,” we’re able to do just that.

PSO SROs and Students Collaborate for Red Ribbon Week

Pasco Sheriff’s Office SROs do more than provide law enforcement presence at schools. SROs support our students and the communities we serve. During Red Ribbon week, SROs collaborated with students and faculty to promote living drug-free. Here are some of the unique activities SROs participated in during red ribbon week.

• Cpl. Cottrell filmed unique daily PSAs for John Long Middle School’s morning announcements.
• Cpl. Greene promoted campus hall decorations with students at J.W. Mitchell High School.
• Cpl. Brantley scheduled Alton Voss and Superintendent Kurt Browning as guest speakers for Seven Springs Middle School.
• Cpl. Elders conducted “What If” presentations regarding drugs and alcohol for students, and hosted a student poster contest for Pine View Middle School.