Sarasota Officer On Leave Amid Investigation Into Database Misuse: Police

SARASOTA, FL — A Sarasota police officer has been placed on paid administrative leave while the department investigates the alleged misuse of law enforcement-only databases, authorities said.

The Sarasota Police Department said it learned Aug. 6 that the officer allegedly misused agency search databases. The department immediately launched an internal affairs investigation, the department said in a news release.

The officer was placed on paid administrative leave Aug. 7, police said.

The case is also being investigated criminally.

The department didn’t identify the officer or provide details about what information was allegedly accessed or how the databases were misused.

The officer has worked for the department since 2023, according to the agency.

The department also launched an agency-wide audit Aug. 7 to ensure employees are complying with policies governing the use of the databases. That audit remains ongoing.

“The Sarasota Police Department takes every allegation of misconduct seriously,” the department said. “The agency has a responsibility to uphold the public’s trust and confidence in officers and resources entrusted to the agency. 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.”

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