TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody welcomed new law enforcement officers to Florida and honored the Sarasota Police Department for their exceptional efforts in reducing crime. The ceremony, which took place at the Sarasota Police Department, saw the swearing-in of nine officers, with six of them hailing from out-of-state.
In her address, Attorney General Moody expressed pride in Florida's pro-law enforcement stance, stating, “Only in Florida can you host a swearing-in ceremony where more than half of the new officers are from out-of-state. This is a testament to the work we’ve put into making Florida the most pro-law enforcement state in the nation. I’m proud to welcome these new officers—may God protect them as they risk their lives to protect us.”
Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche also spoke at the event, emphasizing the significance of the occasion for the department. Chief Troche remarked, “Today marks a pivotal moment for the Sarasota Police Department as we welcome nine new officers into our ranks. In an era where law enforcement agencies nationwide face recruitment challenges, we stand out with a waitlist of highly qualified candidates eager to serve. With eight of our new recruits eligible for the Governor's bonus, it's evident that our commitment to excellence is recognized and rewarded."
The Sarasota Police Department's accomplishments were highlighted during the ceremony, including being homicide-free in 2023 and achieving a more than 16% reduction in certain serious crimes. Notably, six of the new officers sworn in had relocated to Florida from various states like Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and New York.
Since July 2022, Florida has seen a significant influx of law enforcement recruits, with over 5,000 joining the ranks, including more than 1,200 from out-of-state. Attorney General Moody's initiatives, such as the Thin Line Tribute and Be A Florida Hero program, are aimed at recognizing and encouraging law enforcement officers to serve in Florida.
The Thin Line Tribute, launched in 2021, acknowledges the daily sacrifices made by front-line officers, while the Be A Florida Hero program provides information on career opportunities within the state. To explore benefits and incentives for joining Florida’s law enforcement ranks, interested individuals can visit BeAFloridaHero.com.
The ceremony not only celebrated the dedication of new officers but also underscored the ongoing support from the local community and state leaders towards law enforcement in Florida.