Among goals are improved employee safety and better customer service, agency and city manager say
In accord with plans that Sarasota City Manager Karie Friling announced on Oct. 1, the Sarasota Police Department assumed oversight of the city’s parking operations on Wednesday, Oct. 28, “bringing the Parking Services Section under the agency’s Patrol Division as part of an organizational transition,” the Police Department has announced.
“The transition is intended to enhance employee safety, improve customer service and strengthen coordination between parking personnel and police officers working throughout the city,” a news release explains.
“Parking Services employees regularly interact with residents, business owners and visitors while working independently in the field,” the release continues. “Under the new structure, Parking Service employees will be known as Parking Ambassadors and will have access to additional communication resources, field support and training,” it adds.
“The Sarasota Police Department has been working with Parking Ambassadors to support the transition and provide training in de-escalation techniques to help them perform their duties safely and effectively,” the release points out. “This transition includes a gradual change in uniforms and equipment. The Sarasota Police Department will evaluate future equipment needs, including the potential use of body-worn cameras, as part of its planning process,” the release notes.
In her written report to the City Commission on her first 100 days as city manager, Friling explained, “The reorganization of Parking Enforcement with the Police Department provides an opportunity to strengthen employee safety, field responsiveness and professional training while redefining enforcement as both compliance and customer service. Parking personnel are receiving enhanced training in communication, de-escalation and consistent enforcement; body-worn cameras will add safety and accountability; and closer coordination with Police and special-events operations will improve field support. At the same time, the City should continue simplifying the parking program and expanding business-oriented services such as validation and valet options. Small hospitality touches can reinforce a larger message: sometimes exceptional public service is found in the smallest interactions.” (See the related article in this issue.)
In the Oct. 28 news release, Police Chief Rex Troche said, “We want every interaction with our community to reflect professionalism, respect and a commitment to public service.” He added, “Bringing the Parking Division under the Police Department is not new. It’s been under our agency four times previously. This transition creates opportunities to strengthen training, improve coordination and better support our employees as they serve residents, business owners and visitors throughout the city,” he noted in the release.
“Department leadership will continue working with Parking Ambassadors to continue a smooth transition and provide the resources needed to carry out their responsibilities safely and effectively,” the release continues. “Police officers will retain the ability to issue parking citations, as they have in the past. Parking Ambassadors will continue to enforce parking regulations and assist with parking-related concerns throughout the city. Under the new structure, police officers will also be able to request assistance from Parking Services when parking-related issues arise, allowing officers to focus on their primary patrol responsibilities.”
Parking payments, permits and customer service
The release further explains, “Although oversight is moving to the Sarasota Police Department, residents and visitors will continue to access parking payment and permit services through the One Stop Shop,” which is located at 1575 Second St., on the first floor.
Parking Ambassadors who facilitate parking permits and citations — and respond to the parking phone line and email — “will become part of the Police Department’s Parking Services operations but will continue working from the One Stop Shop,” the release adds. “Existing parking contact information will remain unchanged,” allowing customers to use the same phone number and email address for parking-related questions, payments and other services,” the release points out.
Below is the contact information:
• Parking Services — 941-263-6475.
• Parking Services email — ParkingInfo@SarasotaFL.gov.
The release adds, “The organizational transition does not, by itself, change existing parking regulations or enforcement policies. Residents and visitors should continue to follow posted parking restrictions and applicable payment requirements. Any future changes to the city’s parking program will be communicated separately.”
The release concludes, “The Sarasota Police Department is committed to working collaboratively with Parking Ambassadors and city partners to support safe, accessible parking and a positive experience for everyone who lives, works or visits Sarasota.”
For the latest information about City of Sarasota parking services, visit www.SarasotaFL.gov/Parking.