Chief Sarah Coursey, a third-generation Tavares native, has been with the city of Tavares since 2009, where she worked her way up the ranks, serving in every capacity before being appointed Chief in August of 2022. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Columbia College and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement Administration from Columbia College. Chief Coursey’s appointment was historic, as she is the first female Chief of Police for the City of Tavares. Under her leadership, the Tavares Police Department received its first-ever Accreditation status through the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation. Chief Coursey also developed the Tavares Police Charity, which has helped hundreds of families since its inception.
Chief Coursey is a Southern Police Institute Officer Command Development course graduate and received the Trilogy Award from FBI-LEEDA for Supervisor, Command, and Executive Leadership. Chief Coursey is a graduate of the FEDS (Florida Executive Directors) program, through the FBI and has been a member of the Florida Police Chief’s Association since 2021. Chief Coursey serves as a district director, and a member of the awards committee, and professional standards committee. Chief Coursey is also a member of the IACP.
Tavares Police Department
Phone: (352) 343-2101
COUNTIES: Citrus, Lake, Hernando, Sumter