SARASOTA – When Sarasota’s police chief was hired 18 months ago, she portrayed her strength as developing creative solutions to law enforcement problems.
Bernadette DiPino said she prefers to reduce the need for arrests, when possible, by making changes at chronic trouble spots. That could involve better lighting, for instance, or zoning code changes, or anything that helps reduce crime.
A perfect example of DiPino’s approach has now been offered: The chief is urging city commissioners to make a few late-night Newtown businesses close hours earlier. She hopes this will much reduce the late-night gatherings nearby that sometimes include fights, drug deals, and sometimes worse.