Today, the Tampa Police Department has published its 2023 Annual Report.
The Annual Report highlights the department’s efforts in crime reduction, community engagement, quality assurance, and wellness.
To view or download the 2023 Tampa Police Annual Report visit: https://www.tampa.gov/document/2023-tampa-police-annual-report-144911
In addition to the Annual Report, Chief Lee Bercaw pens an open letter to the community, as well as a video, where he provides an overview of the report.
To view the video: https://youtu.be/4KdIpZm5hws?si=2IcfLPswjJSGXZDM
Chief’s open letter is attached and copied below.
—Chief’s Open Letter—
To the entire Tampa community,
September 30, 2023, marked my first 100 days as your Chief of Police. In my 100 days, I highlighted the positive momentum we had as a department and community as we launched several new community engagement efforts, continued to focus on the wellness of our officers and residents, and most importantly worked together to make Tampa safer.
Our work resulted in a decline in overall violent crime that was three times lower than the national average for major cities at 8.3%.
In 2023 our city also experienced the largest mass-casualty incident in decades, where we lost two young community members and 16 others were injured. Although the work of our dedicated detectives and tips from witnesses provided some closure to the victims and their loved ones, the immediate sense of safety was shattered because of senseless gun violence.
However, through tragedy came the opportunity to strengthen and launch several new community-orientated policing programs focused on mentoring our youth and creating stronger relationships with you all.
Throughout all of 2023, our city remained resilient and dedicated to ensuring that Tampa remains the place that people want to work, live, and visit.
In 2024, I look forward to advancing our mission of working in partnership with our community to reduce crime, improve quality of life, and make Tampa safer, together.
Sincerely,
Lee Bercaw
Chief of Police
—END—