Sarasota Police Department Unveils State-of-the-Art Mobile Command Center
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
SPD
The Sarasota Police Department officially welcomed its new Mobile Command Center today, a state-of-the-art resource designed to enhance public safety across the community.
The Mobile Command Center arrived at SPD Headquarters at 10:30 a.m., escorted by the Sarasota Police Motor Unit, marking its first day at its permanent home. City commissioners attended the event and were the first to step off the new command center as it arrived, walking the red carpet to highlight the significance of this advanced resource.
“This is a game-changing investment in public safety for Sarasota,” said Chief Troche. “This Mobile Command Center gives us the tools we need to respond more effectively to large-scale events and critical incidents, collaborate with other agencies, and ultimately, better serve our community.”
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the Mobile Command Center enhances modern public safety operations. It enables real-time monitoring of body-worn camera and drone footage, providing critical situational awareness during emergencies. A dedicated space for the Crisis Negotiation Unit ensures essential functionality in high-stakes scenarios, while satellite technology guarantees uninterrupted communication during disasters—such as hurricanes—when traditional connectivity may be lost.
A unique aspect of the Mobile Command Center is its custom exterior wrap, designed by talented students from Ringling College of Art and Design. Their names are proudly displayed on the back of the vehicle, celebrating the creative collaboration behind this project.
The unit, which cost just under $925,000, was funded through $800,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds awarded by the Sarasota City Commission on July 5, 2022. The remaining amount was covered by the Sarasota Police Department’s Law Enforcement Trust Fund. This investment replaces a converted 24-foot maintenance trailer purchased in 2014, which served as a temporary solution but lacked the capacity and technology to meet the city’s growing needs.