Sarasota Police Department Presents 2024 End-of-Year Review: Crime at Historic Low

SPD Sarasota, FL – On March 17, 2025, Chief Rex Troche and the Sarasota Police Department (SPD) Command Staff presented the 2024 End-of-Year Review, highlighting a significant reduction in crime and key department achievements.

The most notable achievement was a 21.8% decrease in Total Index Offenses compared to 2023, which had already seen a 16.2% drop from the previous year, marking the largest crime reduction in SPD’s history.

Key Crime Reduction Statistics:

• Total Index Offenses decreased by 21.8%

• Crimes reduced: Motor Vehicle Theft, Larceny, Burglary, Aggravated

Assault, Robbery, and Forcible Sex Crimes

• 2,774 physical arrests, nearly 4,000 total charges

• Seized contraband:

• 245 firearms

• $425,500 in U.S. currency

• 29+ kg of cocaine

• 630+ lbs of methamphetamine

• 24 kg of fentanyl

• 1 kg of heroin

Solving Crimes & Community Outreach:

In 2024, Sarasota experienced seven homicides, all solved within 48 hours—five by arrest, two by offender death.

SPD’s Community Relations Unit enhanced ties with programs such as:

• RC Car STEAM Summer Camp

• Barbers and Badges

• Opioid Prevention Programs

• Police Explorers Program

Enhancing Public Safety & Emergency Response:

SPD launched Operation Safe Summer on May 26, targeting gun violence, resulting in:

• 95 felony charges

• 12 firearms seized

During hurricane season, SPD’s Support Services Division conducted over 500 rescues.

Technology & Infrastructure Enhancements:

SPD implemented several initiatives to improve public safety, including:

• School Zone Speed Camera Enforcement at six schools

• Real-Time Operations Center (ROC) development

• New Mobile Command Center

“The safety of those who live, work, travel, and visit Sarasota is our top priority,” said Chief Troche. “We remain committed to using every available resource to ensure community safety.”