As Sheriff of Sarasota County, Tom Knight will:

Bring FISCAL SANITY to the Sheriff’s Office budget and budgeting process without compromising public safety

  • Create a citizens review panel to review the Sheriff’s budget and make recommendations annually
  • Simplify the budget reporting format for transparency and easy review by citizens
  • Cut wasteful spending and concentrate dollars on the core mission of public safety

WORK COOPERATIVELY with local government and other law enforcement agencies

  • Work with the county commission and administration to ensure the Sheriff’s Department budget and operations are consistent with the county’s broader vision
  • Find opportunities to create multi-agency programs and enforcement efforts for improved service at a lower cost

Deport ILLEGAL ALIENS from our jail

  • Cross-train deputies as immigration and customs officers
  • Alleviate jail overcrowding
  • Save taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars in costs to house illegal aliens

PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE with forward-thinking management

  • Create innovative solutions including a retired officers second career program to put more members on the street
  • Stay abreast of technology advancements
  • Use creative recruitment techniques to find qualified members
  • Encourage and promote continuing members' education
  • Develop a formal leadership training and succession plan

PROVIDE FAIR AND IMPARTIAL LEADERSHIP for improved morale and service to the public