Day in the Life - Virtual Ride Along
The Sarasota Police Department's video series, "Day in the Life," offers a unique and transparent glimpse into the daily experiences of their officers. These 4-6 minute videos meticulously document the entirety of an officer's shift, from the initial roll call to the end of their patrol. Covering a range of units, from standard patrol officers to specialized roles like traffic and homeless outreach, these videos serve as an educational tool for the public while humanizing the badge-wearers.

Each episode delivers an immersive experience, shedding light on the challenges and responsibilities officers face. In the inaugural episode, a traffic officer's shift unfolds dramatically as he encounters a man passed out at the wheel, ultimately arresting him for DUI. The officer's day also involves issuing numerous traffic tickets and warnings, showcasing the diverse demands of the job.

The "Day in the Life" series serves as a bridge between law enforcement and the community, fostering understanding, empathy, and transparency, all while emphasizing the dedication of Sarasota's police force to public safety.

Shop with a Cop
The Sarasota Police Department partners with the Sarasota Housing Authority and other community partners each December to provide more than 100 underprivileged children with a unique holiday experience to ‘Shop with a Cop’ for holiday gifts in Sarasota.  ‘Shop with a Cop’ works to continue building positive relationships between Sarasota Police officers and children in the Sarasota community. 

Law Enforcement Trust Funds (LETF) 

The Sarasota Police Department donates Law Enforcement Trust Funds (LETF) to local community organizations that teach crime prevention and drug abuse prevention education annually.  According to Florida Statute for State Law Enforcement Trust Funds, any local law enforcement agency that acquires at least $15,000 pursuant to the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act within a fiscal year, must expend or donate no less than 25 percent of such proceeds for the support or operation of any drug treatment, drug abuse education, drug prevention, crime prevention, safe neighborhood, or school resource officer programs. Click here for an application.

High Visibility Enforcement
High Visibility Enforcement is an annual program the Sarasota Police Department participates in to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety throughout the City of Sarasota.  The City of Sarasota ranks in the top 25 cities in the state of Florida for traffic crashes resulting in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists.  To protect the safety of the most vulnerable road users, the Sarasota Police Department conducts High Visibility Enforcement details (HVE) to focus on certain roadways based on crash data involving serious bodily injury or death.

Pack the Patrol Car
When students return to class in the City of Sarasota each August, the Sarasota Police Department makes sure to ‘Pack the Patrol Car’ with new school supplies for the upcoming school year.  This school supply drive, which began in 2017, invites the community to drop off new school supplies for all ages including backpacks, pencils, pens, highlighters, and more.  All the new school supplies are sorted and then donated to students who need them the most throughout the City of Sarasota.

National Night Out
National Night Out works to continue to enhance the relationship between neighborhoods and law enforcement.  It provides an excellent opportunity to bring police officers and neighbors together under positive circumstances.  The Sarasota Police Department hosts the annual event typically in October when the temperature outside can be cooler.  This free, fun, family event is held outside Sarasota Police Department headquarters and open to everyone.  Residents, citizens, visitors, and community members are invited and welcome to spend time with neighbors and police officers.  The event features the Sarasota Police Department Honor Guard, SWAT Team, a Junior SWAT challenge course, patrol cars and motorcycles, specialty vehicles from the Sarasota Police Department Marine Patrol and Dive Team, Emergency Response Team, and Explosive Materials Unit.  Food vendors, a DJ playing music and additional community partners also join the annual event.

Barbers and Books
The Sarasota Police Department began a community initiative called ‘Barbers and Books’ in the fall of 2021 in partnership with the Sarasota Housing Authority and a local barber shop.  Officers give out free school supplies, free books, and free haircuts for children ages 5 to 18 to make sure they start the new school year on the right foot.

K.O.P.S. – Kids and Officers Promoting Solidarity
The Sarasota Police Department, in partnership with the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex (R.L.T.C.C.) and the City of Sarasota Parks and Recreation District, created K.O.P.S. (Kids and Officers Promoting Solidarity) in 2021 under Chief Rex Troche.  The after-hours youth program, held several times a year, is for kids ages 10 to 15 and 12 to 16, depending on the event.  Organizers at each event provide food and refreshments, and sports activities, including basketball, volleyball, wiffleball, video games, pool tables, and more, are offered to all participating kids who sign up.