Starting salary for a police officer is $61,000. You will also be able to earn further compensation through the numerous extra detail and duty opportunities. 

Premium Benefits
From life and health insurance to extra income opportunities to wellness initiatives, the Sarasota Police Department offers numerous benefits to sworn and civilian employees.

Health Insurance
You will be eligible for medical benefits provided by the City of Sarasota starting the 1st of the month following your employment date.  In addition, the City of Sarasota has access to a medical clinic available only to employees and their families.  This clinic is staffed with certified doctors and nurses, who are available to see employees on short notice for a variety of reasons.

Officer Wellness
The Sarasota Police Department encourages all officers to learn new ways to protect themselves while they are on patrol.  In 2022, our officers are now allowed to train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at no cost thanks to the Sarasota Police Foundation.  In addition, the Sarasota Police Department has a weight and workout room onsite which may be utilized any time of day by all SPD employees.

Take Home Vehicle Program
All sworn personnel are assigned a take-home vehicle. The vehicle can be stored at their residence as long as it is within 45 miles of the city limits.  Those who live outside this radius must leave the vehicle at a fire station closest to them.

Retirement
The City maintains separate pension plans for sworn and civilian employees. Sworn personnel are enrolled in a city-sponsored pension program and may retire or enter a 5-year DROP program after 25 years of service. Civilian employees participate in the Florida Retirement Systems (FRS).

Paid Time Off
All personnel receive paid time off according to their years of service. 

Earn Bonus Time
The City of Sarasota allows all employees to earn paid time off twice per year by exercising.  An employee may earn up to six days of paid time off annually by participating in the Run/Walk/Swim program.  Other wellness incentives, such as diet and exercise, are available and provide the opportunity to reduce your monthly health insurance premium.

Life Insurance
The City provides a basic $10,000 policy at no cost to the employee. Additional optional insurance may be purchased.

City Resident Incentive Pay
Sworn personnel who reside within the limits of the City of Sarasota are eligible for incentive pay.

Language Incentive
All personnel who pass a language test provided by the City of Sarasota are eligible for incentive pay. 

Shift Differential
Night shift officers are eligible for shift differential pay.

Extra Duty Opportunities
Once eligible, officers may enroll in our Extra Duty program, taking off duty assignments in the City of Sarasota for extra income.

Tuition Assistance
The City of Sarasota will reimburse costs for any employee who wishes to further their education in their career field, either undergraduate or post-graduate, at an eligible college or university.  Reimbursements are based on the employee’s final grade in the course.

Union Representation
All sworn personnel are eligible to be represented by the local police union, IUPA.  Civilian personnel may be represented by the Teamsters union depending on their job requirements.

Uniform and Equipment Provided
All sworn personnel are provided with uniforms and gear necessary to complete their specific assignments. Laundry service for uniforms is provided for the convenience of our officers.

State-of-the-Art Technology
The Sarasota Police Department strives to be on the cutting edge of technology to enhance the safety of our officers.  Equipment such as a new 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe, top of the line bulletproof vests, body worn cameras, drones, and e-bikes are just a few of the items embraced by department leadership in the past year.

Diversified Career Opportunities
Once eligible, sworn personnel have the opportunity join any of our various specialty units and special response teams. 

Specialty units with career development positions include the Foot Patrol, Community Action Team, Homeless Outreach Team, Traffic Unit, Marine Patrol Unit, Strategic Investigations Unit, and the Criminal Investigations Division.

Special Response Teams include SWAT, Emergency Response Team, Crisis Negotiations Unit, Explosive Materials Unit, Drone Unit, and Underwater Search and Recovery Unit (Dive Team). 

Officers selected to be assigned to a specialty unit or special response team will receive training related to their assignment.  Additionally, those assigned to any of these units receive specialty pay.

Support from the Sarasota Police Foundation and our Community 
The Sarasota Police Department is honored to have the Sarasota Police Foundation and members of our community generously donate funds and equipment to the men and women who serve in law enforcement.  The Sarasota Police Foundation raises monies to supplement our annual budget and provide essential equipment focusing on the safety and wellbeing of our officers.  Items purchased by the Sarasota Police Foundation have included a training simulator and protective gear, as well as promoting officer wellness initiatives.