Sarasota Police Absorb Parking Division

The Sarasota Police Department took control of the city's parking operations on Wednesday. The move places Parking Services directly under the agency's Patrol Division. Chief Rex Troche said the restructuring aims to boost employee safety and customer service.

Under the new setup, parking staff will be titled parking ambassadors. The department will provide these employees with extra training, better communication tools, and field support. The agency has already begun giving staff de-escalation training to help them handle interactions safely across the city.

Troche described the change as a return to a previous model. He noted that the police department has managed parking services four times in the past. 'Bringing the Parking Division under the Police Department is not new. It’s been under our agency four times previously,' Troche said. He added that the shift allows for stronger training and better coordination for employees serving residents, business owners, and visitors.

The department emphasized that the change focuses on professionalism. 'We want every interaction with our community to reflect professionalism, respect and a commitment to public service,' Troche stated.

Parking ambassadors will continue to enforce rules and help with parking concerns. Police officers will keep the power to issue citations. Officers can also call on Parking Services for assistance when parking issues arise.

The transition involves slow changes to uniforms and equipment. The department plans to assess future gear needs, which could include body-worn cameras. Parking rules and enforcement policies remain the same under the new structure.

Payment and permit services stay at the One Stop Shop on the first floor of 1575 Second St. Contact information does not change. Residents and visitors can reach Parking Services at 941-263-6475 or ParkingInfo@SarasotaFL.gov.