If funded, the center would be built in Pasco, county officials say. It would be the seventh of its kind in the U.S.

PASCO COUNTY – County commissioners signed a letter during Tuesday’s (Jan. 10) meeting to support a proposed forensics training center in Pasco County. 

The project would be a partnership between Pasco-Hernando State College, the University of South Florida, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pasco County Commission. 

Commissioners said they hoped the letter will help gain state and federal support to fund the project.

“I think this location along U.S. 41 is a perfect location due to its proximity to Tampa,” said commission vice chair Mike Wells, who drafted the letter. “I believe this project will help bring additional jobs to Land O’Lakes. I’m glad the full board supports the idea and with this letter we hope to gain support on the state level.”

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco agreed, saying, “The citizens of Pasco should be extremely proud that this center and our partnerships will make us a leader in anthropology research. The training center will enhance public safety and we believe will bring economic development through research and development.” 

If built, this would be only the seventh facility of its kind in the U.S.

The four-paragraph letter is written “To Whom It May Concern”:

“We are very excited to support the proposed forensics training center in Pasco County. This is an exciting partnership between Pasco-Hernando State College, the University of South Florida, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners.

“We believe this project will have an immediate, positive impact on Pasco County. Locating a facility such as this in this county, which will be only the seventh facility of its kind in the U.S., will be a major milestone.

“The proposed U.S. 41 location makes perfect sense, as it is an immediate thoroughfare to Tampa, has the potential for economic development, and would bring jobs to the Land O’ Lakes and U.S. 41corridor.

“The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners are excited to work with the partners in this project, and we know that it will benefit not only law enforcement from around the state in regards to training,but it will also benefit our students and,through the forensics work done at this location, aid in bringing closure to cold cases across the country.

“Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter, we sign this letter of support, along with our partners and other supporters, including medical examiners across the state of Florida, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People,and many other groups who hope to see this proposal become a reality.”

For information about the Pasco commission, go to pascocountyfl.net.

Pasco County | Pasco Commission | Forensics Training Center | TB Reporter

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