Crime & Safety

Sarasota Sheriff vs. Police Chief: What's Your Take?

What do you think of the recent law enforcement spat over crime in Sarasota?

An apparent rift between the Sarasota County Sheriff and the city's police chief over crimefighting tactics seems to be over for now, but that doesn't mean the conversation has ended.

Sheriff Tom Knight publicly aired his frustrations with the police department at a June 18 Sarasota County Commission budget meeting, arguing police aren't doing enough to keep the city safe, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports. Knight said his department's resources are being sapped as he is forced to send more deputies to fight crime in North Sarasota.

The Sheriff did not call out Sarasota Police Chief Bernadette DiPino by name, and the two made a show of piece last week, the Herald-Tribune reports, following a private meeting.

Still, questions linger about law enforcement funding, crime in Sarasota and how the two departments might work together going forward.

One Sarasota Patch reader recently posted to our boards "What's up with the cops?" and asked neighbors to chime in with their take on the controversy.

So what do you think? Post a comment below and join in the conversation.


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