Sarasota Police Department
This department has independent oversight.
Sivil routes complaints first to Office of the Police Advisory Panels — the civilian oversight body for Sarasota. Routing here means your complaint isn't reviewed by the people it's about.
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We audit every department's public-facing feedback channels. Last verified 06/28/2024.
Sarasota Police Department (FL)
How to file a complaint about a Sarasota Police Department officer
The Sarasota Police Department serves roughly 58,506 residents. If you had a problem with an officer, you have three distinct ways to file a complaint — and they are not equivalent. Here is how each one works in Sarasota, based on Sivil's audit of public records and agency websites.
1. Office of the Police Advisory Panels — independent civilian oversight
The Office of the Police Advisory Panels is a civilian agency that reviews complaints about Sarasota Police Department officers outside the department's own chain of command — your complaint is not investigated by colleagues of the officer involved. It accepts anonymous complaints, so you can file without giving your name. No notarization is required to file.
- How the Office of the Police Advisory Panels complaint process works
- By phone: (941) 263-6322
- In person or by mail: 1565 1st Street, Sarasota FL 34236
- Office of the Police Advisory Panels website
2. Sarasota Police Department Sarasota Police Department — the department's internal channel
Complaints filed with Sarasota Police Department are investigated inside the department itself. The office investigates anonymous complaints.
- Phone: (941) 263-6773
- Department page on the complaint process
3. File through Sivil
Sivil delivers your complaint by email to the right recipient for this department — routed to the Office of the Police Advisory Panels so it is reviewed independently. You keep a copy, and it takes about five minutes. Start your complaint here.
Good to know
- The Sarasota Police Department homepage links directly to complaint-filing information.
- General department line: (941) 316-1199
Compiled by Sivil from agency websites and public records; last verified 06/28/2024. Procedures change — confirm details with the agency before relying on them. Sharing a positive experience instead? Send a compliment.