Does Sarasota law enforcement have open access to resident Ring cameras?

Though the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office recently joined the Neighbors app by Ring, the agency can only view video surveillance that is publicly shared by residents.

Neighbors is an app designed to allow communities to post real-time updates and safety alerts. 

A spokesperson said SCSO joined the platform to share crime and safety alerts and request “voluntary” video evidence related to criminal investigations.

But that doesn’t mean SCSO will have unlimited access to residents’ Ring cameras. The spokesperson said that “the Sheriff’s Office has no access to live view cameras” and cannot “view any video that is not publicly shared.” 

Sarasota County announced it joined the platform this month (May 2026), while the City of Sarasota joined in May 2025.