New SCSPD Chief of Police
To our school communities,
As you know, Chief Tim Enos will be retiring from duty after our winter break. I’m pleased to announce that Duane Oakes – currently one of our Lieutenants within the Sarasota County Schools Police Department (SCSPD) – will serve as our new Chief of Police and Executive Director of Safety & Security effective Tuesday, January 11, 2022.
Chief Duane Oakes has over 30 years of law enforcement experience with a proven ability to provide ethical, positive, and effective policing. He values collaborative partnerships among the school district, local law enforcement agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure school communities receive the best care and support. Chief Oakes is well-versed in school security, modern police administrative principles, crime prevention, and leadership development, among other key areas of effective law enforcement.
Chief Oakes earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Colorado Technical University and received his Equivalence of Training (Florida Department of Law Enforcement Certification) from Chipola College. He is a graduate of the 215th Session of the FBI National Academy and has training as an Emergency Medical Technician from Trinidad State Junior College. Chief Oakes started his time with the SCSPD as a Sergeant when the department was first formed in 2018 and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2019. Prior to joining Sarasota County Schools, Chief Oakes served as a Military Police Officer in the United States Army; a Dispatcher, Patrolman, Sergeant, Investigator Sergeant, and Lieutenant with the Monte Vista Police Department; the Director of the Law Enforcement Training Academy at Trinidad State Junior College; and a Patrolman, Detective Corporal, Lieutenant, Captain, and Chief of Police with the Alamosa Police Department.
The depth of Chief Oakes’ law enforcement experience & leadership prowess has been invaluable to the SCSPD thus far, and we look forward to seeing him achieve many great things in the years to come. Please join me in congratulating Chief Oakes on his expanded role within the school district family!
As one,
Dr. Brennan Asplen
Superintendent of Schools
