Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw retires, takes teaching job at USF

TAMPA, Fla. - Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw announced his retirement Tuesday after more than three decades of service, paving the way for a transition to a university teaching role this August.

Chief Lee Bercaw retires

What we know:

Bercaw submitted his official retirement notice on Tuesday after spending 30 years with the department, including three and a half years as the head of police. His final day leading the agency will be Aug. 6.

He is leaving the department to become an Associate Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida within the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences. Bercaw will instruct and coordinate the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration program.

Declining Tampa crime rates

By the numbers:

Under his leadership, the department added more than 40 sworn positions to its ranks. The agency doubled the national average for homicide reductions while cutting historic amounts of crime across all major categories.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said that under Bercaw, violent crime was reduced by 17%, homicides fell 53% and total crime went down by more than 21%.

The department projects it will reach full staffing levels early this fall. 

Leadership expects a double-digit over-hire before the end of the year to secure future public safety foundations.

Police chief reflects on service

What they're saying:

"Leaving this organization is the hardest decision of my career," Bercaw wrote in his letter. "This department has been my life's work. I grew up here, from a young officer learning the streets of Tampa to having the privilege of leading the finest police department in the nation."

He expressed gratitude to Mayor Jane Castor and the Tampa City Council for funding new tools like immersive virtual reality training and advanced safety gear. 

"This has been the honor of a lifetime. The Tampa Police Department hasn’t been a career to me, it’s been a family. I grew up here as a young officer patrolling the streets, moving through the ranks, becoming a leader of the finest organization in the nation. Leaving this department was the hardest decision of my career," Bercaw explained during Tuesday's press conference. "However, I’ve been given an opportunity to continue serving through education as an associate professor of instruction at the University of South Florida in the department of criminology. Teaching, mentoring and developing future leaders has always been a passion of mine."

During Tuesday's press conference, Castor stated, "He came in as a young police officer and he is leaving after 30 years as one of the best police chiefs and leaders that our community has seen," 

Bercaw was also joined by the Dean of USF's College of Behavioral and Community Sciences at Tuesday's new conference.

"He has the type of experiences and the depth of knowledge that is beyond anybody that we could possibly have considered for this role," Dr. Julie Serovich said.

Bercaw also highlighted the ivnestments made in technology and training for officers, and the expansion of community programs, like the Police Athletic League.

"Over the last several years, we have not simply reduced crime," he said. "We have helped redefine what modern policing looks like."

Tampa police leadership transition

What's next:

Bercaw discussed some projects on the horizon for the Tampa Police Department after his departure.

"One is our new evidence and forensics building," he said. "We're expanding our training facility out there and obviously, you all know we're looking for a new headquarters."

During Tuesday's press conference, Castor announced that Assistant Police Chief Brett Owen will be the acting police chief for TPD. Owen has been with the department since 2002.

Castor said she will not name a new police chief because there will be a new mayor in 2027 and that decision needs to be left to the next administration. 

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