10/30/2026
Frio County Sheriff’s Office Launches P.O.S.S.E. Youth Diversion Program in Partnership with True Grit Boxing Academy
PEARSALL, TX — The Frio County Sheriff’s Office has officially launched its new specialized Youth Diversion and Truancy Intervention Program, spearheaded by the Frio County Sheriffs P.O.S.S.E. Program (Purpose,Opportunity, Stability, Support,Education). Backed by $150,000 in state grant funding, the initiative is designed to keep at-risk students actively engaged in school and safely out of the court system.
As a cornerstone of this early intervention model, Sheriff Peter Salinas has launched the True Grit Boxing Academy to provide local youth with a constructive, high-energy environment focused on mentorship, physical fitness, and mental resilience.
"Our mission is to build safe, supportive pathways for our youth before they enter the juvenile justice system," said Frio County Sheriff Peter Salinas. "By combining accountability with the discipline and structure taught at True Grit Boxing Academy, we are giving these students the tools they need to overcome challenges, focus on their education, and thrive in our community."
The program implements the county's structured Youth Diversion Plan, offering eligible youth aged 10 to 17 a 180-day window to complete positive, community-based interventions instead of facing formal court adjudication. Through the True Grit Boxing Academy partnership, participants will engage in physical training, shadowboxing, and mitt work alongside dedicated mentors. The curriculum uses boxing fundamentals as a conduit to instill life skills, conflict resolution, anger management, and self-discipline.
The Frio Sheriffs P.O.S.S.E. youth diversion initiative is now active and accepting eligible participant referrals through local school districts and the Frio County Justice Courts. We also encourage any of our Frio County youth to come out and join us after school and on Saturday mornings.
Contact:
Frio County Sheriff’s Office
502 S. Cedar St., Pearsall, TX 78061
Phone: 830-505-7153
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
