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As the 2025-2026 school year continues, Sarasota Police and Sarasota County Schools are teaming up to talk about what safety really means on and off campus. Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Terry Connor joined Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche to talk about everything from managing the busy morning drop-off line to protecting student wellness and building trust between schools, law enforcement and families. They are discussing the issues that matter most on this episode of 'Chat with the Chief.'

Chat with the Chief is the official podcast of the Sarasota Police Department, where Chief Troche speaks with department leaders and community partners about public safety, policing and issues that impact our community. Each episode offers insights, stories from the field and guidance on how residents and visitors can stay informed and engaged.

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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://www.scgov.net/government/emergency-services/hurricane-preparedness-6291

Even though the busiest part of hurricane season is behind us, it’s not over until Nov. 30. Hurricane season runs June 1 through Nov. 30. Stay informed, stay prepared, and take care of one another, Sarasota.

Chat with the Chief is the official podcast of the Sarasota Police Department, where Chief Troche speaks with department leaders and community partners about public safety, policing and issues that impact our community. Each episode offers insights, stories from the field and guidance on how residents and visitors can stay informed and engaged.

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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 peacefully protest while ensuring the safety of residents, visitors and demonstrators. Effective planning, communication and coordination with organizers are essential and our officers are trained in de-escalation, crowd management and public safety.

The presence of our officers at demonstrations is intended to maintain safety, not to intimidate. We thank all who exercise their rights respectfully, as this strengthens our community and we remain dedicated to safeguarding both free speech and public safety for everyone involved.

Chat with the Chief is the official podcast of the Sarasota Police Department, where Chief Troche speaks with department leaders and community partners about public safety, policing and issues that impact our community. Each episode offers insights, stories from the field and guidance on how residents and visitors can stay informed and engaged.

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 also share their observations of life in the U.S., from driving adventures to celebrating the Fourth of July, and reflect on how Tampa and Perth compare as cities.

Tune in for an engaging conclusion to this two-part series that underscores the value of global partnerships in law enforcement.

Chat with the Chief is the official podcast of the Sarasota Police Department, where Chief Troche speaks with department leaders and community partners about public safety, policing and issues that impact our community. Each episode offers insights, stories from the field and guidance on how residents and visitors can stay informed and engaged.

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 international borders, the vast jurisdiction of Western Australia, and how task forces strengthen global law enforcement efforts. The conversation also highlights the cultural and operational differences between policing in the U.S. and Australia and dives into what makes Perth and Tampa surprisingly alike.

Don’t miss this enlightening discussion about bridging continents to combat crime. Stay tuned for Part 2!

Chat with the Chief is the official podcast of the Sarasota Police Department, where Chief Troche speaks with department leaders and community partners about public safety, policing and issues that impact our community. Each episode offers insights, stories from the field and guidance on how residents and visitors can stay informed and engaged.

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 agencies that came together day after day.

Tune in as Chief Garrison shares how the City of North Port has recovered, the resilience of its first responders, and the steps being taken to better prepare for future storms. Join us for an insightful discussion on leadership, community strength, and the power of collaboration in times of crisis.

Chat with the Chief is the official podcast of the Sarasota Police Department, where Chief Troche speaks with department leaders and community partners about public safety, policing and issues that impact our community. Each episode offers insights, stories from the field and guidance on how residents and visitors can stay informed and engaged.

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 has influenced his law enforcement career. Join us for an inspiring conversation as Officer Schwenk discusses the transition from elite athlete to dedicated public servant and how his unique skill set continues to benefit the Sarasota community.

Chat with the Chief is the official podcast of the Sarasota Police Department, where Chief Troche speaks with department leaders and community partners about public safety, policing and issues that impact our community. Each episode offers insights, stories from the field and guidance on how residents and visitors can stay informed and engaged.

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 on the law enforcement field, highlighting their role in enhancing accountability and transparency. Looking ahead, Chuck discusses how AI could revolutionize the law enforcement landscape, bringing new opportunities and challenges. Join us for an engaging conversation with Chuck Wexler and Chief Rex Troche as we navigate the evolving world of law enforcement research and innovation.

Chat with the Chief is the official podcast of the Sarasota Police Department, where Chief Troche speaks with department leaders and community partners about public safety, policing and issues that impact our community. Each episode offers insights, stories from the field and guidance on how residents and visitors can stay informed and engaged.