Social workers respond to 100 days of calls in effort to improve policing in St. Pete

The first 100 days are in for the new social worker response program with the St. Petersburg Police Department, the chief of police reported Thursday. It’s part of an effort to shift more mental health and social service calls from police to the experts, and Chief Anthony Holloway said officers and social workers currently go out on calls together.

Social workers to be sent to non-violent 911 calls for service in St. Pete

St. Petersburg city councilors unanimously approved a contract on Thursday with Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services to deploy social workers on nonviolent, noncriminal 911 calls for service.

SPPD: Undercover St. Pete officer has been shot twice in line of duty

The St. Petersburg Police Department said last week's shootout wasn't the first time an undercover officer was shot in the line of duty. 

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. 

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. 

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.