A Message From Sheriff William F. Balkwill

Our number one goal is to provide help and service to the people of Sarasota County. 

During my administration the citizens of Sarasota County should be assured that I will not forget the reason behind your votes of confidence. You want more accountability from your Sheriff's Office. 

Accordingly, three goals have been established to accomplish that result:

• Put more deputies on the street to protect the public and more corrections deputies in the jail because of the new additions.

  • It can't be done overnight, but my staff and I will work diligently to make this a reality.

• Sound fiscal management of the Sheriff's Office. We must ensure that you receive the best possible law enforcement protection value for your tax dollars. 

  • This includes forging a cooperative partnership with our county commissioners and county government. We need their help as well as yours!

• Determine the best type of law enforcement protection needed for the future. Sarasota County is a diverse community and different areas have different needs. We need to gather data in a dynamic way to assess and meet these needs. 

  • You will have input through community meetings which are scheduled through our Crime Prevention programs. 

  • However, even if you don't see, hear or read about it, we will work continually to best address the needs of our communities.

With your involvement we are confident we will continue to preserve and provide future generations with an unsurpassed level of safety.

We are looking forward to utilizing this new and exciting tool to enhance our efforts. We hope the information provided here will be of interest and assistance to you. We plan to expand and enhance the information offered here periodically, so please visit us again soon.

On behalf of the men and women of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, I thank you for your continued support and welcome your comments and suggestions. 

Sheriff William F. Balkwill