Send us a text Chief Troche sits down with Sarasota County Emergency Manager Sandra Tapfumaneyi for an important conversation about hurricane season including what we learned from the historic 2024 season, how our community came together and what you can do to prepare before the next storm. City of Sarasota Hurricane Preparedness: https://www.sarasotafl.gov/Department-Pages/City-Manager/Communications/Hurricane-Preparedness Sarasota County Government Hurricane Preparedness: https://ww...

Send us a text We’re pleased to announce the return of the Sarasota Police Department’s podcast, Chat with the Chief. After a brief pause, we're excited to resume sharing conversations, insights and stories from our agency. On this episode, Captain Konstantopoulos and Lt. Quinlan, leaders of the Sarasota Police Department’s Support Services Division, join Chief Troche to discuss protests and public safety. The Sarasota Police Department is committed to protecting the constitutional right to p...

Send us a text In Part 2 of this Chat with the Chief episode, Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche continues the conversation with Western Australia Police Force Detective Senior Constables Jamie Auhl and Brandon Jeffries and DEA Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Mike Furgason. The discussion highlights lessons learned from this international collaboration, the benefits of task force operations, and how these experiences will shape future law enforcement strategies in Australia. The guests...

Send us a text In this special two-part Chat with the Chief episode, Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche hosts three distinguished guests: Western Australia Police Force Detective Senior Constables Jamie Auhl and Brandon Jeffries, and DEA Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Mike Furgason. Part 1 explores the unique collaboration between the Western Australia Police Force and the DEA in Tampa. Learn about the challenges and successes of tackling serious crimes like drug trafficking across in...

Send us a text In this Chat with the Chief episode, Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche is joined by North Port Police Chief Todd Garrison to reflect on the devastation of Hurricane Ian, two years after it made landfall. As the anniversary of this deadly storm approaches and the region enters peak hurricane season, the two chiefs discuss the lessons learned from the disaster, the investments made in equipment and technology to enhance response efforts, and the unwavering support from surrounding...

Send us a text In this Chat with the Chief episode, Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche welcomes Officer Trip Schwenk, who took home gold and silver medals in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA. Officer Schwenk competed in swimming. He is now a skilled member of the Sarasota Police Dive Team, assisting in derelict vessel removals and teaching water survival tactics to new recruits. In this episode, Officer Schwenk reflects on his Olympic accomplishments and shares how his athletic background ...

Send us a text In this Chat with the Chief episode, we're excited to welcome Chuck Wexler, the Executive Director of the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). Chuck shares the story of where his love for law enforcement began and why he chose to stay in the research field rather than become a sworn officer. Our discussion delves into successful and failed recruiting techniques, offering valuable insights for departments nationwide. We also explore the profound impact of body-worn cameras o...

Send us a text In this Chat with the Chief episode, we're thrilled to host Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody. Attorney General Moody's presence at the April 18, 2024, swearing-in ceremony for nine new officers marked a pivotal moment, highlighting her commitment to bolstering law enforcement across the Sunshine State. Her innovative "Be a Florida Hero" program, offering financial incentives to new Law Enforcement Officers, has made a profound impact, with eight out of nine officers in the...

Send us a text Joining Chief Troche on the podcast this episode is Denise Schonwald, a nationally licensed mental health counselor, published author, and public speaker in Sarasota, with over 30 years of experience as a registered nurse (RN) in the ICU. As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, Denise talks with Chief Troche about some best practices for navigating relationships and family life for law enforcement officers. The national average of marriages ending in divorce is around 50 percent. Acco...

Send us a text Joining Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche on the podcast for this episode is Lashelle Williams, the Civilian Volunteer Coordinator. She works closely with the Community Relations (CRU) and Crime Prevention Units. The Crime Prevention Unit works with community groups, organizations, and businesses in an effort to identify mutual problems and community needs, identify police service needs, obtain community feedback, and exchange information. The Civilian Volunteer Coordinator over...

Send us a text Lieutenant Richie Schwieterman of our Support Services Division (SSD) is joining Chief Troche for this episode. The Support Services Division comprises the critical infrastructure components like the Body Worn Camera Program, Management Information Systems (MIS), Special Events and Extra-Duty, Facilities Maintenance, Records Management, Property and Evidence Unit, Fleet, and the Red-Light Camera Program. This time of the year is hectic for Support Services, as they plan ...

Send us a text Joining Chief Troche on the podcast this episode are two members of the new Community Relations Unit (CRU), Sergeant Comac and Officer Grochowski. Our CRU officers are dedicated to addressing quality-of-life concerns throughout our city. They are highly trained and bike-certified, allowing them to patrol area parks and neighborhoods efficiently. You may have already seen them at your local schools, where they greet students during morning drop-offs, provide homework assistance,...

Send us a text Joining Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche on the podcast this month are Officer Dixon and Officer Skinner of the Marine Patrol Unit. Learn about the many things their unit is tasked with, like enforcing marine laws and ordinances and investigating boating accidents. Officer Dixon and Officer Skinner also talk about how they assist the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with derelict vessel investigations and removals. Chat with the Chief is the official podc...

Send us a text Joining Chief Troche on the podcast this episode is our top-notch recruiting team, Jack Carter and Enrique Nazario. Law enforcement continues to offer exciting career opportunities while meeting the ever-changing needs of our diverse community. Our recruiters are working hard to find the best and brightest candidates to enhance our dedicated workforce. In this episode, Jack and Enrique discuss what qualities they look for and what perks and benefits there are to being a Sarasot...

Send us a text Joining Chief Troche on the podcast this episode is Captain Armstrong. He oversees the entire Patrol Division, which is considered by many to be the backbone of the Sarasota Police Department. With four rotating shifts covering ten work zones, officers provide police services within the City of Sarasota 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Patrol officers are the first to arrive on-scene at critical incidents occurring in the City of Sarasota. They routinely detect a...

Send us a text Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche talks about how collaboration leads to great things. Learn how technology and teamwork help students stay educated and engaged during the summer. Community Partners, Deb Kabinoff from the Deb Kabinoff Fund, Jeff Birnbach from the Sarasota Police Foundation, and Lucero Guzman from UnidosNow join Chief Troche to discuss a unique community outreach project in the 1500 N. Orange, Sarasota, neighborhood. Thanks to a generous donation by...

Send us a text Joining Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche on the podcast this episode is Sergeant Morrison and Deidre "Dede" Jones of the City of Sarasota's Homeless Outreach Team. Learn about the resources they provide to those in need and what community partners they work with most frequently. Chief Troche, Sgt. Morrison, and "Dede" Jones also talk about the best ways you can help the Homeless Outreach Team and why some handouts can be harmful. Chat with the Chief is the official podcas...

Send us a text Joining Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche on the podcast this month are Sergeant Frangioni and Officer Beskin of the Traffic Unit. Learn about the many things their unit is tasked with, like conducting traffic studies and investigating traffic homicides. Chief Troche, Sgt. Frangioni and Officer Beskin also talk about new roundabouts in the City, including the FDOT project at Gulfstream and U.S. 41. Chat with the Chief is the official podcast of the Sarasota Police Department, wh...