The Sarasota Police Department announced that a police officer has been placed on paid administrative leave during an ongoing criminal investigation involving the alleged misuse of agency technology.
The announcement comes from a Thursday, Aug. 13, press release stating the agency became aware of the officer allegedly misusing law enforcement-only search databases on Thursday, Aug. 6.
Sarasota Police say the officer was placed on leave on Friday, Aug. 7, and has been with the department since 2023.
Police said the department launched an agency-wide audit Friday, Aug. 7, to ensure compliance. The audit remains ongoing.
“The Sarasota Police Department takes every allegation of misconduct seriously. The agency has a responsibility to uphold the public’s
trust and confidence in officers and resources entrusted to the agency,” the Sarasota Police Department said in a press release.
“Allegations involving the misuse of department resources are taken seriously and are thoroughly investigated to ensure accountability and maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.”
The Sarasota Herald-Tribune contacted the Sarasota Police Department with questions about the case, including which law enforcement-only search databases the officer is accused of misusing and whether the investigation involves Flock Safety or its database and search tools. Police said no additional details are available at this time.
The criminal investigation remains ongoing.
Michaela Galligan is an intern covering a variety of topics for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. She can be reached at MGalligan@usatodayco.com. Support local journalism bysubscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota police officer accused of misusing law enforcement database
