Tampa Police Department

The Tampa Police Department has approximately 1000 sworn law enforcement officers who's average pay is around $72,500. There are three districts that the department is divided into and typically the officers will work 4 days on and 4 days off but that is not always the case.

City Of Tampa FL

In 1855 the first police officer position of City Marshal by official act when incorporating the City of Tampa. As with every established government program it grew over the next 18 years as duties and responsibilities expanded. Soon the Marshal was overseeing the examining of brands and earmarks discovered on butchered cattle. Long gone are those days although if called upon out of necessity I am sure a Tampa Police Officer would still perform any task needed.

Tampa Police Department & A Cooperative Partnership With Citizenry

Often referred to as Community Policing a cooperative partnership is somewhat different. It is still based on relationships and trust but individual relationships are challenging to maintain in a city the size of Tampa FL. However, a substantial portion of recurring training as well as academy training is now centered on interpersonal relations with the local community, it's citizens and verbal communications.

Police Officers Are Responsible For Enforcing, Rules Regulations & That Means Laws

The Tampa Police Department has duties that are often stressful and arduous to preform. Police work you see on Television is somewhat over glamorized and there is much more to the job than a simple investigation, arrest and prosecution. Imagine for a moment dealing with prostitution or responding to a 2 am burglary call un aware of what awaits you.

Services often include dealing with violent individuals where not only stopping the offense or crime is dangerous, but the search of the offenders is as well. For what money is earned being a police officer is a fairly stressful quality of life.

How We Can All Help The Tampa Police Department & Reduce Crime

I often have people ask me is Tampa is a safe place to live. I always reply parts of it are safer than others. That is very true when it comes to property crime. What can you do to make yourself and your belongings safer? There is an old parable about two men an a bear. You don't have to out run the bear, only the other man. In many instances you just have to practice more precaution than those around you.

I am a retired Law Enforcement Officer. I own TampaFL.com and do all of the writing you will see on it, and take 99% of the photos. Needless to say I know Tampa fairly well and drive all over the city, all year round. Here are some basics to help you keep your valuables a little safer.

1. Keep them out of sight. Especially at the beach or in a parking lot. Thieves will walk parking lots looking in windows and take what they see. I have seen this many times. In fact I have witness teams of criminals cover an entire parking lot from one side to the other and then all get into escape vehicles. Just do not be that person who leaves something in view or unsecured in the back of your truck.

2. Personnel Safety often comes down to following your gut, that means listen to it. If you are somewhere you do not feel safe or do not feel like you belong then leave as quickly and directly as possible. If you witness a crime, be a good witness from a distance that provides your personnel safety. If possible call the Tampa Police Department or County Sheriff's Office at 911.

Tampa Police Department Headquarters

• 411 N Franklin Street, Tampa FL, 33602

• 813.276.3200 Non Emergency

• Tampa Police Chief is Lee Bercaw

Helping Our Lee Bercaw & The Tampa Police Department

This may seem silly but it makes a difference. When an officer is focusing on the tasks at hand be a good witness and good citizens. Don't be concerned about getting the best video for your social media while the officer deals with subjects. Distractions can cause injuries especially to new recruits. Being a police officer often feels thankless and no the pay is not that great.

When you see an officer out who is not in the process of investigations etcetera be cordial and kind. Kind words often go further and help a person more than we think.