Chat with the Chief

Latest Episodes:

Chat with the Chief: Back to School with Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Terry Connor Sep 15, 2026

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School has been back in session for about a month, so how is the new school year going across Sarasota County?

On this episode of Chat with the Chief, Chief Troche sits down with Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Terry Connor for a timely conversation about the start of the school year, the successes and challenges so far and what’s ahead for students, families, teachers and the entire school community.

Tune in for an inside look at how Sarasota County Schools is kicking off another year of learning and growth.

Chat with the Chief is the official podcast of the Sarasota Police Department, where Chief Troche speaks with department leaders and community partners about public safety, policing and issues that impact our community. Each episode offers insights, stories from the field and guidance on how residents and visitors can stay informed and engaged.

Chat with the Chief: Smooth Sailing into Summer Safety with Marine Patrol Jun 24, 2026

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Ready to hit the water this summer? Join Chief Troche and the Marine Patrol Unit for an important conversation about boating safety, waterway awareness and the simple steps that can make all the difference in an emergency. On this episode of Chat with the Chief: Smooth Sailing into Summer Safety with Marine Patrol, you'll learn how to keep you and your family safe all season long.

Chat with the Chief Podcast: Inside the Sarasota Police Department's Real-Time Operations Center May 18, 2026

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The Sarasota Police Department Real-Time Operations Center (ROC) is a centralized hub that enhances public safety by bringing together live technology and real-time intelligence.
It integrates tools such as traffic cameras, license plate readers, computer-aided dispatch data and other digital systems to give officers a comprehensive, real-time view of activity across the City of Sarasota.
This improved situational awareness allows analysts and officers to quickly track developing incidents, support field units and respond more efficiently to crimes in progress. The ROC ultimately strengthens investigative capabilities and helps the department make faster, more informed decisions to better protect the community.

Chat with the Chief Podcast: Intimate Conversation with Commissioner Bill Bratton Jan 30, 2026

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On this episode of Chat with the Chief, we're humbled to welcome Commissioner Bill Bratton to our podcast. Former leader of NYPD, Boston PD and LAPD. He’s a dedicated leader who cares deeply about public safety, our community and law enforcement. We appreciate his partnership and his willingness to join us for this important conversation.

School & Safety: Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Sits Down with Chief Troche Dec 08, 2025

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As the 2025-2026 school year continues, Sarasota Police and Sarasota County Schools are teaming up to talk about what safety really means on and off campus. Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Terry Connor joined Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche to talk about everything from managing the busy morning drop-off line to protecting student wellness and building trust between schools, law enforcement and families. They are discussing the issues that matter most on this episode of 'Chat with the Chief.'

Chat with the Chief: Ready for Anything with Sarasota County Emergency Manager Sandra Tapfumaneyi Oct 23, 2025

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Chief Troche sits down with Sarasota County Emergency Manager Sandra Tapfumaneyi for an important conversation about hurricane season including what we learned from the historic 2024 season, how our community came together and what you can do to prepare before the next storm.
City of Sarasota Hurricane Preparedness: https://www.sarasotafl.gov/Department-Pages/City-Manager/Communications/Hurricane-Preparedness
Sarasota County Government Hurricane Preparedness: https://www.scgov.net/government/emergency-services/hurricane-preparedness-6291
Even though the busiest part of hurricane season is behind us, it’s not over until Nov. 30. Hurricane season runs June 1 through Nov. 30. Stay informed, stay prepared, and take care of one another, Sarasota.

Chat with the Chief Returns Sep 22, 2025

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We’re pleased to announce the return of the Sarasota Police Department’s podcast, Chat with the Chief. After a brief pause, we're excited to resume sharing conversations, insights and stories from our agency.

On this episode, Captain Konstantopoulos and Lt. Quinlan, leaders of the Sarasota Police Department’s Support Services Division, join Chief Troche to discuss protests and public safety.

The Sarasota Police Department is committed to protecting the constitutional right to peacefully protest while ensuring the safety of residents, visitors and demonstrators. Effective planning, communication and coordination with organizers are essential and our officers are trained in de-escalation, crowd management and public safety.

The presence of our officers at demonstrations is intended to maintain safety, not to intimidate. We thank all who exercise their rights respectfully, as this strengthens our community and we remain dedicated to safeguarding both free speech and public safety for everyone involved.

From Perth to Tampa: International Law Enforcement Partnerships, Part 2 Dec 20, 2024

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In Part 2 of this Chat with the Chief episode, Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche continues the conversation with Western Australia Police Force Detective Senior Constables Jamie Auhl and Brandon Jeffries and DEA Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Mike Furgason.
The discussion highlights lessons learned from this international collaboration, the benefits of task force operations, and how these experiences will shape future law enforcement strategies in Australia. The guests also share their observations of life in the U.S., from driving adventures to celebrating the Fourth of July, and reflect on how Tampa and Perth compare as cities.
Tune in for an engaging conclusion to this two-part series that underscores the value of global partnerships in law enforcement.

From Perth to Tampa: International Law Enforcement Partnerships, Part 1 Dec 13, 2024

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In this special two-part Chat with the Chief episode, Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche hosts three distinguished guests: Western Australia Police Force Detective Senior Constables Jamie Auhl and Brandon Jeffries, and DEA Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Mike Furgason.
Part 1 explores the unique collaboration between the Western Australia Police Force and the DEA in Tampa. Learn about the challenges and successes of tackling serious crimes like drug trafficking across international borders, the vast jurisdiction of Western Australia, and how task forces strengthen global law enforcement efforts. The conversation also highlights the cultural and operational differences between policing in the U.S. and Australia and dives into what makes Perth and Tampa surprisingly alike.
Don’t miss this enlightening discussion about bridging continents to combat crime. Stay tuned for Part 2!

Weathering the Storm: Lessons from Hurricane Ian with Chief Todd Garrison Sep 11, 2024

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In this Chat with the Chief episode, Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche is joined by North Port Police Chief Todd Garrison to reflect on the devastation of Hurricane Ian, two years after it made landfall. As the anniversary of this deadly storm approaches and the region enters peak hurricane season, the two chiefs discuss the lessons learned from the disaster, the investments made in equipment and technology to enhance response efforts, and the unwavering support from surrounding agencies that came together day after day.

Tune in as Chief Garrison shares how the City of North Port has recovered, the resilience of its first responders, and the steps being taken to better prepare for future storms. Join us for an insightful discussion on leadership, community strength, and the power of collaboration in times of crisis.

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