TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-Attorney General Ashley Moody today helped welcome out-of-state law enforcement officers to Florida and honored the Sarasota Police Department with a Thin Line Tribute for extraordinary efforts to drastically reduce crime. During the swearing-in ceremony at SPD, Attorney General Moody addressed nine new officers-six of them from out-of-state. The Attorney General also highlighted that Sarasota was homicide-free in 2023 and reduced certain serious crimes by more than 16%.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, "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 said, "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. We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support from our local community and state leaders, including Attorney General Ashley Moody, whose presence here today underscores the significance of this occasion."

Since July 2022, nearly 5,000 recruits joined Florida's law enforcement ranks, including more than 1,200 moving from out-of-state. 400 of these officers moved from California, Illinois and New York. Six of the nine new SPD officers sworn in today moved to Florida from the following states: Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico and New York.

Recently, SPD announced that Sarasota saw zero homicides during 2023. SPD also announced a more than 16% drop in Part 1 crimes last year, including homicides, rapes, robberies, aggravated assaults, burglaries, larcenies and vehicle thefts.

Attorney General Moody launched Thin Line Tribute in 2021 to recognize the daily efforts of front-line officers who work to protect Floridians. Attorney General Moody created Thin Line Tribute to give law enforcement officers the recognition they greatly deserve but may not always receive.

Attorney General Moody created Be A Florida Hero in 2021 to encourage law enforcement officers across the country to come and serve in Florida. The program offers an interactive map highlighting available career opportunities throughout the state.

To learn more about available benefits and incentives to joining Florida's law enforcement ranks, visit BeAFloridaHero.com.

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