Patrick Robinson

Mailing Address/Location:
1565 1st Street Room 101
Sarasota, Florida 34236
Telephone: (941)263-6402
Email: Pat.Robinson@SarasotaFL.gov

Patrick Robinson, a native of Sarasota, boasts deep roots in the community, having graduated from Phillippi Shores Elementary School, Brookside Middle School, and Riverview High School. His academic journey includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, and a Master's degree in Public Safety Executive Leadership from St. Cloud State University. Further enhancing his expertise, he successfully completed the State and Local Senior Executives’ Program at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and is presently an Aspen Institute/ADL Civil Society Fellow.

In his current capacity as Deputy City Manager and Public Safety Administrator, Robinson holds a pivotal role in overseeing multiple critical departments and initiatives, including the Sarasota Police Department, the Office of Emergency Management, the Public Works Department, Parks and Recreation, the Public Utilities Department, Information Technology, the Office of Homelessness Response, and the Office of Independent Police Advisory Panel and Complaint Committee.

In his pursuit of professional development, Robinson graduated from prestigious institutions and programs, including the 63rd Session of the Southern Police Institute’s Command Officer Development Course, the 61st Session of the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police, and the 257th Session of the Federal Bureau of Investigations’ Law Enforcement National Academy. Additionally, he completed the State and Local Government Senior Executives program at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government and was an active participant in Leadership Sarasota Class of 2017 and Leadership Florida’s Cornerstone Session XXXVII.

Robinson's dedication to public service began in 2000 when he joined the ranks of the Sarasota Police Department (SPD), a commitment that spanned over two decades until early 2021. Throughout his tenure, he served in various roles within the Patrol Division and Criminal Investigations Division, progressing from Officer to Detective and Sergeant. His remarkable journey within SPD included a significant milestone in 2013 when he was appointed Captain, responsible for overseeing all Patrol Operations, including Special Operations Units and Crime Prevention. Two years later, in 2015, Robinson earned the title of Deputy Chief of Police, leading operations across all four divisions of the Sarasota Police Department.

Robinson's exceptional contributions within the Sarasota Police Department were recognized with numerous accolades, including two Officer of the Year awards, Sworn Supervisor of the Year recognition, three SPD Distinguished Service Medals, two SPD Meritorious Service Medals, an SPD Life Saving Medal, three SPD Unit Citations, six SPD Unit Commendations, the American Red Cross "Celebrating Our Heroes" award, two VFW "Loyalty Day" Awards, and the Sons of the American Revolution Law Enforcement Medal.

Currently, Robinson remains deeply engaged in various professional associations, including the Police Executive Research Forum, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Florida Association of City and County Managers, and the International City/County Management Association.