Bernadette DiPino
Chief of Police
Bernadette DePino worked in law enforcement for over 35 years, starting in 1985 as a Baltimore County Police Officer. In 1988, she joined the Ocean City (MD) Police Department and worked every shift and every unit in the department, including Commanding the SWAT team. She was appointed Chief of Police in 2003. In 2012 DiPino was selected to be the Chief of Police in Sarasota, Fl. She retired in January 2021. Ms. DiPino earned her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from Salisbury University in 1995 while working full time. She graduated from the elite FBI National Academy’s 204th session in 2001. DiPino has been a certified instructor for community policing, defensive tactics, firearms, leadership, suicide prevention, mental health, SWAT, domestic violence, and many other topics. Over her career, DiPino received 16 commendations and was named officer of the year 3 times. The agencies she led as Chief won numerous international Chief awards, including a human and civil rights award.
