Sarasota Parking: City moves enforcement staff under police command

Sarasota residents and visitors will see a different chain of command for parking enforcement starting this week. The city moved its Parking Services department under the control of the Sarasota Police Department on Wednesday. This change places the parking staff directly within the agency's Patrol Division.

The department stated that the primary goal is to improve employee safety and customer service. Personnel in the unit are no longer called employees or officers but are now designated as parking ambassadors. The police department has already begun providing de-escalation training to these staff members to help them interact safely with the public. The department said the ambassadors will receive additional training, communication resources, and field support.

Chief Rex Troche emphasized that this organizational structure is familiar to the department. He noted that parking services have been under police control four times previously. Troche said, “Bringing the Parking Division under the Police Department is not new. It’s been under our agency four times previously.” He added that the transition allows for stronger training and better coordination between the units serving residents, business owners, and visitors.

The day-to-day functions of the department remain largely the same. Parking ambassadors will continue to enforce regulations and assist with concerns. However, police officers retain the ability to issue citations. The release also noted that officers can now request assistance from the parking unit when specific parking issues arise. The department plans to evaluate future equipment needs, which may include the use of body-worn cameras.

The transition involves gradual changes to uniforms and equipment. Existing parking regulations and enforcement policies will not change. Payment and permit services will continue at the One Stop Shop, located on the first floor of 1575 Second St. Contact information for the public remains the same, with the phone number 941-263-6475 and the email ParkingInfo@SarasotaFL.gov still active for inquiries.

Troche said the department wants every interaction to reflect professionalism and respect. “We want every interaction with our community to reflect professionalism, respect and a commitment to public service,” he said in a statement. The department said the move is complete, with the new structure now in place.