SARASOTA, FL — The Sarasota Police Department assumed oversight of the city's parking operations on Wednesday, bringing Parking Services under the agency's Patrol Division in a move that will improve employee safety and customer service, the department said in a news release.
Under the new structure, Parking Services employees will be known as parking ambassadors and will receive additional training, communication resources, and field support. The department has been providing de-escalation training to help employees interact safely with people parking throughout the city.
"We want every interaction with our community to reflect professionalism, respect and a commitment to public service," Chief Rex Troche said in a statement.
Troche said the transition isn't unprecedented, as Parking Services has previously been under SPD control.
"Bringing the Parking Division under the Police Department is not new. It's been under our agency four times previously," Troche said. "This transition creates opportunities to strengthen training, improve coordination, and better support our employees as they serve residents, business owners and visitors throughout the city."
Parking Ambassadors will continue enforcing parking regulations and assisting with parking-related concerns, while police officers will retain the ability to issue citations, the news release said. Officers also will be able to request assistance from Parking Services when parking issues arise.
The transition includes gradual changes to uniforms and equipment. The department also will evaluate future equipment needs, including the potential use of body-worn cameras.
Parking payment and permit services will remain available at the One Stop Shop, 1575 Second St., first floor. Existing contact information won't change.
Residents and visitors can contact Parking Services at 941-263-6475 or ParkingInfo@SarasotaFL.gov for questions, payments and other parking-related services.
The organizational change doesn't alter existing parking regulations or enforcement policies.
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