Sarasota Police Station Suspends Public Access Over Coronavirus

SARASOTA, FL — The Sarasota Police Department has temporarily suspended public access to the agency's lobby and records department as part of efforts to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

Sarasota Police Chief Bernadette DiPino said the temporary closures will not affect police services in the community.

“The men and women of the Sarasota Police Department will not stop serving our community during COVID-19,” DiPino said. “We’re still serving and protecting our community 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while making sure we’re taking all the necessary protocols and following the guidance of the CDC and Florida Department of Health."

Visitors to the agency will find a notice posted on the front door that reads: "Due to COVID-19 concerns, the Sarasota Police Department front desk access is closed at this time."

People may still call the front desk at 941-263-6025 or 911 in the case of an emergency. The measures will be in effect until further notice.

"Chief Bernadette DiPino and the men and women of the Sarasota Police Department are monitoring information being provided from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Florida Department of Health, while taking proactive measures to try and slow the transmission and prevent exposure to the coronavirus," said the agency's Genevieve Judge.

To reach a nonemergency dispatcher, call 941-316-1199.

To request information on public records, call 941-263-6045 or send an email to SPDPublicRecords@sarasotaFL.gov.

"Residents and visitors are encouraged to follow protocols put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention," Judge said.

To reach the Florida Department of Health new coronavirus hotline, call 866-779-6121 or send an email to COVID-19@flhealth.gov.