Tampa police given $1 million in grants to help prevent violent crime

The City of Tampa and the Tampa Police Department have been awarded grant funding through the Department of Justice (DOJ). The agencies said it will play a key role in preventing and reducing violent crime and improving overall community safety.

Symbol of strength: Massive lion memorializes officer who died saving others

When Tampa Police Officer Jesse Madsen steered his police car into the path of a wrong-way driver last March, he made a split-second decision that cost him his life, but likely saved the lives of other drivers on I-275.

Florida and its police departments offering incentives to attract new recruits

Florida is making a hard push to lure law enforcement officers to the state, offering incentives and reimbursements to relocate. Local agencies are sweetening the deal with their own perks from scholarships to increased salaries.

Tampa Police Department honors fallen officers with memorial run

More than 800 runners and walkers crossed the finish line Saturday at the 28th annual Tampa Police Officer Memorial run, in honor of 32 TPD officers killed in the line of duty. 

Tampa police officer thanks actor Gary Sinise for helping him dress for success

A veteran who received a free business suit from the Gary Sinise Foundation got a chance to personally thank the actor for helping him dress for success as he sought employment in the civilian world. 

'This is what we've been fighting for': Advocates applaud TPD victim’s advocate program

Earlier this year, TPD announced plans to create a Victim Advocate Program. The program would assist victims of crime with access to the Crime Victim Compensation Fund for relocation expenses in domestic violence cases, funeral expenses, counseling and a retreat.

Tampa set to approve 'historic' 18.5% raise for police, fire, blue collar workers

Currently, first-year police officers make just over $60K. By the third year of the new contract, officers would start at about $72K. The mayor's office says the city is able to fund the raises with a $40-million property tax surplus.

Investigators look for leads after 21-year-old killed in drive-by shooting in Tampa

Tampa police said they need the community's help in solving the shooting death of 21-year-old Antonio Richardson. He was killed on May 29 in a drive-by shooting right in front of his home on North Bay Street.

Three arrested in connection to 2021 homicide, Tampa police say

Three people have been arrested in connection to a 2021 homicide, police said. One man was killed in a shooting on September 10, 2021 in the 2900 block of North 17th Street. 

Tampa man accused of impersonating police officer, stealing gun from victim

A man was arrested over the weekend for impersonating a police officer after he pulled over two victims in Tampa. Troopers also said he stole a gun from another victim on I-75 before he was caught by Tampa police.

Teen arrested in connection to East Tampa shooting that injured four, TPD says

A 17-year-old was arrested in connection to an East Tampa shooting that injured four people Wednesday evening. The Tampa Police Department also said they are searching for other suspects who left the scene on East Chelsea Street and Courtland Street. 

Tampa police investigate 'possible homicide' after body was found in vehicle

Officers with the Tampa Police Department said they are investigating a possible homicide after a body was found in a vehicle on North Elmore Avenue and East Adalee Street. 

Family of Tampa officer killed in 2021 crash sues FDOT over wrong-way vehicle detection system

In early March 2021, a Tampa police officer intentionally drove into the path of a wrong-way driver to stop him. Now, his family is suing the state's transportation department, claiming they failed to maintain an early detection system for wrong-way drivers.

Police search for vehicle after 16-year-old shot in Tampa

Police are searching for a vehicle after a 16-year-old boy was shot on North 32nd Street and East Diana Street in Tampa, investigators said. 

TPD: Six arrested in drug bust at Seminole Heights motel after month-long investigation

The Tampa Police Department is cracking down on nuisance hotels and motels. After receiving several complaints of ongoing criminal activity occurring at hotels and motels in Seminole Heights, TPD began surveilling several businesses along Nebraska Avenue.