7 Law Enforcement Agencies in Sarasota County

A Visual Guide to the Different Law Enforcement Agencies

How many of you knew that Sarasota County had seven different law enforcement agencies? To help you understand and identify the different agencies in Sarasota we have put together this visual guide.

Sarasota Sheriff’s Office

The most common agency people will see is the green and gold of the Sarasota Sheriff’s Department. Their jurisdiction encompasses over 550 square miles, including 35 miles of shoreline and represents nearly 400,000 local resident (number doubles during the busy season). Many Sarasota County Sheriff’s office deputies are assigned to specialized units. These units patrol with horses, ATVs, motorcycles, unmarked cars, and a helicopter. Traffic Units are responsible for enforcing all state traffic laws including a specific DUI unit with extensive DUI investigation training. Each of these deputies has in-car dash cameras to capture the incidents.

Sarasota Sheriff’s Office Contact Information
Downtown Office: 2071 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota FL, 34237.
Downtown Telephone Number: 941-861-5800
South Office: 4531 State Road 776, Venice, FL, 34293
South Office Telephone Number: 941-861-1701
Website: www.sarasotasheriff.org

Sarasota Police Department

Along with the Sarasota Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota Police Department handles cases in the City of Sarasota. Many officers have specialized training in investigative techniques, including narcotics detection, evidence recovery, and crisis intervention training. The Traffic units participate in a number of programs intended to prevent accidents including, “Click it or Ticket,” and “You Drink, You Drive, You Lose.” There is no “DUI unit” within the Sarasota police department

 

Sarasota Police Department Contact Information
Address: 2099 Adams Lane, Sarasota FL, 34237
Phone Number: 941-366-800
Website: www.sarasotapd.org

Florida Highway Patrol

Rarely can you drive through the state of Florida and not see the black and tan units of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). From the Panhandle to the Florida Keys, the FHP patrols and safeguards our states highways and roads and are well equipped for the job. All of the Florida Highway Patrol vehicles have in-car cameras, radar, and lasers used to catch and investigate traffic offenders. The FHP is called to the scene when an accident occurs in an unincorporated area of Sarasota County and will take over the investigation, if needed.

 

Florida Highway Patrol Contact Information
Address for Sarasota County: 4010 South Tamiami Trail, Venice FL, 34293
Phone Number: 941-492-5850
Website: www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/

North Port Police Department

The North Port Police Department may not be known as the Sarasota Police Department or FHP, but they write a lot of tickets. They are responsible for protecting and patrolling the 100 plus square miles and nearly 60,000 residents which make up the city of North Port. Most patrol vehicles are equipped with video cameras and have the ability to record DUI stops.

 

 

 

 

 

North Port Police Department Contact Information
Address: 4980 City Hall Boulevard, North Port FL, 34286
Phone Number: 941-429-7000
Website: www.cityofnorthport.com

Venice Police Department

The Venice Police Department is well equipped to handle any situation whether land or sea. They have four different types of patrol units, Vehicle Patrol, K-9 Unit, Marine Patrol, and a Bike Patrol. They are one of the few departments that have an Honor Guard, which sends officers anywhere in the state to the funerals of officers. The patrol Division is the most visible part of the Venice and is the most active unit. Each officer is equipped with the latest technology in emergency equipment and is often first responders to emergency calls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Venice Police Department Contact Information
Address: 1350 E. Ridgewood Ave, Venice FL 34285
Phone Number: 941-486-2444
Website: www.venicegov.com/Municipal_links/Police.asap

Longboat Key Police Department

If you happen to find yourself out on Longboat Key, make sure you keep an eye out for their police department. The Longboat Key Police Department is committed to protecting its community. The Longboat Key Police department is separated into several different departmental units; Community Policing, Crime Prevention, Traffic Enforcement, Marine Enforcement, Beach Patrol and Communications.

 

Longboat Key Police Department Contact Information
Address: 5460 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key FL, 34228
Phone Number: 941-316-1977
Website: www.longboatkey.org

New College Campus Police

If you’re a student or just passing through New College of Florida, make sure you’re on the lookout for the campus police department. The Campus police have the authority and training of a regular police officers and certified by the State of Florida. Chief of Police, Michael Kessie began his police career in Chicago, Illinois and retired as the Deputy Chief of Operations. New College PD has an excellent working relationship with many federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

 

Campus Police Department Contact Information
Address: 501 College Drive, Sarasota FL, 34243
Phone Number: 941-487-4210
Website: www.ncf.edu/police

 

So, if you’re driving around Sarasota County and see one of these Police Departments flashing their lights at be sure to pull over. After the stop, if you need the assistance of a lawyer feel free to call us. In most instances you should always try and fight your traffic tickets so that you don’t get any points on your license. Give us a call at 1-800-FIGHT-IT or 1-800-344-4848.