Social workers will be responding to calls by January, St. Pete police chief says
The cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg will be changing how their police departments respond to certain 911 calls. If someone is having a mental health breakdown, a social worker will soon respond along with an officer.
Police departments slow to address need for mental health support in law enforcement
Critical decisions can be the difference between life and death during a mental health emergency, and police officers often end up responding to those calls.
St. Pete PD promised new team for non-violent 911 calls by Oct. 1; now says timeline uncertain
St. Petersburg police said in July that the city had set aside $3.8 million to hire 25 additional police officers, but instead the department would hire social workers and other trained professionals who could respond to calls for help that did not involve violence.
More agencies turning to body cameras to increase transparency
Multiple law enforcement agencies in the bay area are taking steps to become more transparent by launching pilot programs or purchasing body cameras for officers.
SPPD forming new team to respond to non-violent 911 calls
With St. Petersburg police announcing Thursday it will change the way it responds to certain 911 calls, community members say it’s a good first step toward change in policing.
Chief says protests should continue, but not in St. Pete's streets
St. Pete’s chief of police says his officers will begin enforcing pedestrian traffic rules following complaints about protesters blocking traffic and emergency vehicles.
'Morale is in the gutter:' Protests, accusations taking toll on law enforcement
Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan puts it bluntly while talking about the state of morale within his agency. “It’s a bit of a dumpster fire."
Bay Area law enforcement make small changes, reinforce existing policies on use-of-force
The Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg police departments say their policies are sufficient but are reminding officers of the rules. Sarasota PD banned choke-holds. But for the most part, Bay Area law enforcement are only making small changes in response to big outcry for reform.
Three Pinellas County law enforcement agencies announce coming procedural changes
In the two weeks since George Floyd’s death, there has been a growing movement calling for real, positive changes at local police departments to address racism and brutality.
Armed man arrested during St. Pete protests after throwing 'projectile' at chief, police say
After a day of trying to convince demonstrators that unity was the key to moving forward, St. Petersburg police brought out the riot gear and lined up to block protesters outside their headquarters.
St. Pete officers to start wearing 'always-on' body cameras
St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway demonstrated Tuesday the new body-worn cameras he and four other officers will be testing over the next several weeks.
Protesters block roads in St. Petersburg as leaders meet to address public concerns
Protests resumed Tuesday in St. Petersburg after officers were forced to arrest people who they say were trying to incite violence the night before.
Protesters brave downpours, remain peaceful in St. Petersburg Monday
Protests outside the St. Petersburg Police Department remained peaceful Monday.
14 arrests after protesters turn on St. Pete officers
Police say 14 people were arrested after protesters turned on law enforcement outside St. Petersburg police headquarters late Sunday night.
'We better not ever see that here:' Bay Area law enforcement react to actions of Minnesota officers
Police chiefs and sheriffs from Tampa to St. Petersburg are standing in solidarity after the death of George Floyd in Minnesota, saying the officers involved must be held accountable.
COVID-19 has changed the way first responders respond to calls
While government leaders are urging people to stay home to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, there are others who don't have the option of working from home: first responders.
Former St. Pete police officer pleads guilty to child pornography charges
A former St. Petersburg police officer has pleaded guilty to child pornography charges.
St. Pete officers pay it forward by buying toys for 200 kids in time for Christmas
Police officers in St. Petersburg traded their patrol cars for shopping carts Tuesday morning.
Retired St. Pete K9 dies after battle with cancer
Police in St. Petersburg are mourning the loss of one of their K9 officers.
Decorated police officer facing child pornography charges
A decorated St. Petersburg police officer was in federal court Thursday afternoon after being arrested by Department of Homeland Security agents.