General Info

The Pinellas Police Standards Council was created by the Florida Legislature in 1972 to conduct research, coordinate policy between agencies, and make recommendations to the legislative delegation for improving the quality of law enforcement in Pinellas County, Florida. The State Attorney, Sheriff, all local Police Chiefs and the Police Academy Director serve on the council. Recognizing that high quality personnel are essential to good law enforcement, the legislature enlarged the council's mission to provide a centralized screening center for prospective law enforcement officers in Pinellas County. The Police Applicant Screening Service ( PASS ) was established to administer standardized tests and screening procedures, including exhaustive background investigations, to qualified law enforcement officer candidates. This was the first regional assessment center for law enforcement applicants in Florida, substantially reducing duplication of effort while establishing a better pool of candidates available to all participating agencies. It became the model for many other regional assessment centers throughout the country. The legislature has since expanded the service to allow screening of other public safety applicants, such as Communications Workers, Firefighters and Paramedics. The Keith Bergstrom Scholarship was created by the council in memory of the late Keith Bergstrom, who served as Chief of Police in Tarpon Springs, Florida from October 1987 until his death in May 1993. Chief Bergstrom strongly believed in the goals of equal opportunity and diversity in law enforcement services. Each year the council may award one or more scholarships to commemorate his efforts and encourage students preparing for a career in law enforcement. The following procedures are used for awarding the scholarship. ( 2 ) Scholarships may be awarded for enrollment in the Police Academy or Criminal Justice Associate's Degree programs at St. Petersburg College ( SPC ). Proof of eligibility for enrollment is required. ( 3 ) Recipients of scholarships for enrollment in the SPC degree program will be selected from the graduating students of the Criminal Justice Magnet Program at Pinellas Park High School. Selection will be based on the Magnet Program Department Chair's assessment of overall scholastic effort and intention to pursue a career in criminal justice. ( 5 ) Application for a scholarship must be made to the council between January 1st and April 15th each year using the prescribed form. Scholarships will be awarded during the following May or June.