Internal Affairs Section (reports directly to Chief Abbott)

The Internal Affairs Section, reports directly to the Office of the Chief of Police, and is responsible for investigating allegations of misconduct by police officers as directed by the Chief of Police.

It is the policy of the Police Department that inquiries and complaints about Department employees will be accepted from any source to include, but not be limited to, in person or anonymously, by correspondence or telephone This Unit is led by Lt. Norman Stockton.

Contact Information:

If you are dissatisfied with police services or would like to file a complaint regarding police misconduct, you may do so by contacting the Sarasota Police Department at 941-954-7025. Generally, complaints and inquiries are received by the involved employee's supervisor or an on-duty supervisor of the Division involved.

A complaint or inquiry may also be filed with the Internal Affairs Section. An appointment is not required, but is suggested to efficiently accomplish the process. To schedule an appointment, you may contact Lt. Norman Stockton at 941-954-7007, or he may be reached via email at Norman_Stockton@sarasotagov.com.

The Process:

The nature of the complaint will determine the level at which each complaint is investigated.

Informal Investigations are conducted at the Division level. These investigations are handled primarily by the supervisor of the involved employee and forwarded through the employee's chain of command. The final disposition is approved by the Chief of Police.

Formal Investigations are conducted by the Internal Affairs Section. During these investigations, the complainant, the involved employee and witnesses are interviewed under oath. A report is prepared to include transcribed statements and all other evidence pertinent to the case.

Completed cases are forwarded to the Chief of Police for review by the employee's chain of command. Upon review, the chain of command board will recommend a disposition. The Chief of Police ultimately makes the final decision regarding the disposition of all formal complaints. The complaint may be sustained, not sustained, exonerated or unfounded. At the conclusion of each case, letters of disposition will be sent to the complainant. The Chief of Police will determine the disciplinary actions for sustained allegations.

While the Sarasota Police Department encourages citizens to report legitimate complaints of misconduct, our agency assumes that citizens will not file frivolous, vindictive or false complaints against employees who have properly performed their duties. State law prohibits anyone from lying under oath and forbids the intentional filing of a false report to law enforcement agencies.

All complaints will be thoroughly investigated in a fair and objective manner. The facts of the investigation are confidential until the investigation is complete. The Internal Affairs Section will not make findings or recommendations in reference to the disposition and disciplinary action of a case. Sarasota Police Department is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity as we serve our community.