- How do I get a press pass?
- How do I get information during business hours?
- How can I find information after hours?
- Where is the Media Liaison Office located?
- Who is the spokesman/PIO (Public Information Officer)?
- When is the Media Law Enforcement Academy?
How do I get a press pass?
Press passes can be obtained by submitting a request on your company letterhead signed by a supervisor/editor/publisher. Upon receiving and verifying of this information, you are eligible for a press pass card issued by the Florida Sheriff's Association, as well as a Press license plate.
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How do I get information during business hours?
We are generally open from 8am until 5pm Monday through Friday (except holidays). Any requests for information, interviews, mug shots, reports, or other inquiries related to the Sheriff’s Office needs to be directed to the Media Liaison Office. Our office is your point of contact. We can be reached at 861-4005.
The Media Office will be happy to help you with your questions or inquiries. All requests should be in as early as possible. You are encouraged to access the website for arrest information, mug shots, news releases, forms, and current 9-1-1 calls.
Please DO NOT call the 9-1-1 Dispatch Center to seek
information.
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How can I find information after hours?
After 5pm on weekdays and all hours on the weekends, if you have a question about an incident or need verification on something you heard on the radio, you need to call the Front Desk Deputy and ask for the Watch Commander.
The main numbers for the Front Desk are: North County 941-861-4260 or 941-861-4261 and South County: 941-861-1701. If he is unavailable the Front Desk Deputy will page the Watch Commander to call you.
If there is “breaking news” or a large scale incident Lt.
Lesaltato will be informed and the media will be notified.
Please DO NOT call the 9-1-1 Dispatch Center to seek information.
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Where is the Media Liaison Office located?
The Media Liaison Office is located on the 2nd Floor of the Criminal Justice Building in Downtown Sarasota. The physical address is 2071 Ringling Blvd.
Our mailing address is: PO Box 4115, Sarasota, FL 34230.
There is generally someone in the office from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
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Who is the spokesman/PIO (Public Information Officer)?
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office spokesman is Lt. Chuck Lesaltato. He can be reached in the office at (941) 861-4005 or by pager at (941) 252-3373.
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When is the Media Academy?
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office holds a Media Law Enforcement Academy each year in April. For more information visit the Media Academy Page.
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