For a little more than a year, Officer Devin Epps has been walking the streets of downtown Sarasota to keep the peace. “Each day is brand-new,” he says. “You never know what you’re going to get.” Theft, traffic violations, bar brawls, homeless issues and more can arise on his 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. beat, but Epps, 29, says most situations can be resolved by establishing an atmosphere of mutual respect and “knowing how to talk to people.” After a stint in the Navy, Epps says he “knew I wanted to be a cop.” He worked as a corrections officer, then landed a job with the Sarasota Police Department. At a time when clashes between citizens and police make headlines, Epps says, “We have a good relationship here, but it takes constant work.”