On the home page of this site, a poll asked students what new rule was most upsetting at the school this year. There were many choices, including the removal of french fries from the school lunch menu and the new system of nine week grading periods as opposed to six weeks; however, none of these choices were more popular than the changing of Deputy Shorter’s uniform.
Deputy Shorter seems to understand the students’ thinking. “It’s a new look, the white to green,” he said. As of this year, every deputy in Pinellas County must make the switch to the new uniform. The past uniform had been in use for many years, and the sheriff requested that the uniform be updated to today’s standards. “We were one of the last two counties in Florida to still have a white uniform,” Deputy Shorter added, speaking of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Shorter looks at the change both ways. “I like it, but it’s hot.” He said. “I’m waiting for winter.”
Deputy Shorter handles the school’s problems, from bullying to more serious offenses. When asked about the most common case he gets, it didn’t take long for Deputy Shorter to answer. “We mostly get perceived harassment cases,” he said. Perceived Harassment cases are when a student is worried that someone doesn’t like them; for instance, if one student were to give another student a mean glare in the hallways and the student reported it, it would be considered a perceived harassment case.
While the uniform changed, Deputy Shorter’s attitude towards his job has certainly not. “I’m happy here. I have the same responsibilities as any other cop, but it’s geared towards the youth.”