Florida Attorney General continued the “Thin Line Tribute: Sunshine Salute Series” with a stop in Pinellas County—the area with the most new-law enforcement officers from out-of-state—this week.
Since Gov. Ron DeSantis initiated sign-on bonuses last July, Florida’s law enforcement ranks grew by more than 2,000 new officers. More than 590 of the new officers come from out-of-state, with nearly 50 officers choosing to serve in Pinellas County. At a news conference at the St. Petersburg Police Department, Moody honored the SPPD officers and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies who made the choice to serve in Florida.
Moody said, “I’m excited to continue our Sunshine Salute Series here in Pinellas County—where the highest number of out-of-state officers have decided to be Florida heroes. In our state, we back the blue and that message is spreading from coast to coast. We are so grateful for each officer who has moved to the most pro-law enforcement state in the nation.”
St. Petersburg Chief of Police Anthony Holloway said, “Attracting pre-certified officers in good standing from other states enables us to fill vacancies with experienced officers. Also, because they require minimal training, we can send those new officers out on the road more quickly to protect and serve our residents.”
Moody launched the Sunshine Salute Series during National Police Week by welcoming 30 new recruits receiving Florida law enforcement credentials at St. Petersburg College’s Southeastern Public Safety Institute. There is such high demand at Florida’s credential academies that additional classes are being offered.
Last year, DeSantis signed HB 3 into law instituting additional benefits for law enforcement recruits. The new law includes one-time signing bonuses, education resources, relocation assistance and more.
Moody created the Be A Florida Hero initiative to showcase career opportunities available at law enforcement agencies across the state and to highlight new benefits for law enforcement officers looking to move to Florida. This resource makes it easier than ever for someone who is interested in becoming a Florida law enforcement officer to learn about the different agencies, search open positions and find contact information to apply for available jobs.
The Sunshine Salute expands upon Moody’s Thin Line Tribute program, which recognizes the daily efforts of front-line officers who work to protect Floridians.
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