The Public Relations Bureau is commanded by a director who oversees the activities of 16 sworn and non-sworn members. The bureau comprises the Public Information Office (PIO), Communications and Public Education Section, Crime Prevention and Community Awareness Unit, and the Pinellas Sheriff’s Police Athletic League (PAL). The bureau is responsible for a broad range of community-relations functions and contacts to assure a continuous, coordinated response to the community as well as to educate the public on agency programs, services, and events. The bureau works diligently to establish a close tie with the community and maintain effective communication between the agency and the public. The bureau also maintains professional affiliations with local service organizations.

The Public Information Office serves as the agency liaison to the news media. The PIO is responsible for engagement with members of the press and the dissemination of agency information in an accurate and timely fashion via press conferences, news releases, response to media public records requests, and social media. The PIO works to establish a positive, professional relationship between the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and various local and national media outlets in addition to independent production companies in an effort to keep the public informed. The members of the Public Information Office are also responsible for the coordination of various events such as award, promotion, and swearing-in ceremonies, the Law Enforcement Torch Run, and other special events throughout the year.  Also included in the Public Information Office, is Crime Stoppers of Pinellas.

Reach the Public Information Office by calling: 727-582-6221 or emailing Pinellas_SO_PIO@pcsonet.com.

Community Programs, Speakers, and Asset Requests - Individuals interested in learning more about the Sheriff's Office, and groups in the community seeking speakers on public safety topics or PCSO participation in community events can learn more by calling: 727-582-6612

The Communications and Public Education Section has two major areas of responsibility. One area includes all external agency programs in which members of the general public can participate including: the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy, the Sheriff’s Citizens Association, the Sheriff’s Teen Citizens Academy, the Sheriff’s Community Connection, the Volunteers in Partnership program, and the Internship program. In addition to the external programs, the section is also responsible for processing, vetting, and coordinating speaker/asset requests from external sources as well as assisting with any special events. The second area actively monitors state and federal legislative activity that may have an impact on the agency and law enforcement in general, is responsible for updating and maintaining the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office external and internal websites, social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and agency literature such as Inside the Star, a biweekly electronic newsletter, and News and Views, a quarterly internal publication, and various letters from the sheriff. The section also creates materials such as video, rack cards, flyers, brochures, and poster boards to showcase our programs, services, and events.

The Crime Prevention and Community Awareness Unit acts as a liaison between law enforcement and the community, providing a consistent and personal point of contact. The unit offers several safety programs and educational presentations to assist the community in the reduction of crime based on specific community needs. These programs include Operation Medicine Cabinet, Business Watch, Neighborhood Watch, and SafetyNet. Presentation topics include active assailant, avoiding scams, burglary prevention, identity theft, and social media.

The Crime Prevention and Community Awareness Unit can be reached at:
crimeprevention@pcsonet.com

Neighborhood Watch - Groups organized by neighborhood who communicate with deputies on a regular basis regarding crime in their area:
727-582-2222
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Safety Net - Tracking capabilities for families and caregivers of persons with special needs:
877-434-6384
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