The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office recently announced on social media that a new group of adolescents completed the Teen Citizens Academy this fall. According to a social media post, participants completed a curriculum that included firearm safety, supervised shooting practice, and courses in forensics and defensive tactics, all led by members of the Sheriff’s training division.
The program, which provides teens with hands-on experience in law enforcement operations, included activities such as behind-the-scenes tours of the county’s nationally accredited jail. It concluded this last Saturday, with Lieutenant Jason Stibbard from patrol operations present to congratulate the graduates and present their certificates. The program covers technical aspects of police work and gives participants an understanding of law enforcement responsibilities.
The PCSO initiative provides participants with an overview of law enforcement operations, offering insight for teens interested in a possible career in policing or in learning more about the local sheriff’s office. Parents of teens aged 14 to 18 who are interested in the spring session, beginning April 11, are encouraged to apply through the Sheriff’s Office website.
