Chief's Advisory Panel

The Tampa Police Department Chief’s Advisory Panel has been established, as provided under section 166.0486, F.S., to review the policies and procedures of the Tampa Police Department. The Panel shall review and provide informed feedback regarding department policies and procedures to improve police practices, strengthen police-community relations, promote openness between the police and the public, and increase transparency of police policies and procedures. Allowing citizens participation with review of policies and procedures will improve and promote public trust with the community.

Mission: To listen to matters concerning Tampa Police Department policies and procedures and maintain direct, open, and ongoing dialogue between members of the Panel and the Chief of Police to ensure the Chief of Police is provided with an independent review of established department policies and procedures based on facts that will positively impact the police and the daily lives of all those in the City of Tampa.

Duties of the Panel: To review and understand current department policies and procedures and provide feedback directly to the Chief of Police in accordance with the mission statement.

In reviewing the policies and procedures of the department, the Panel will have the opportunities to hear about Tampa Police Department actions affecting the department and the daily lives of the citizens of Tampa to determine how the policies and procedures can best protect the department and the citizens. The Chief’s Advisory Panel will focus on providing feedback of their review of established policies and procedures to effectively carry out and implement the four pillars of the department:

• Community Oriented Policing: Strengthening connections with the community through proactive encounters to build and maintain community trust and confidence.
• Crime Reduction: Reducing crime and enhancing the quality of life for all residents and visitors of Tampa through cooperative partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
• Quality Assurance: Enforcing departmental accountability, uniformity in processes across patrol districts, standardization of training programs, and a culture of transparency.
• Wellness: Supporting programs that promote the mental and physical health of police officers and the community, and facilitating access to resources that enhance quality of life.

Panel Composition:

A diverse group of seven community members, including a retired law enforcement officer, were selected to provide the Chief of Police with recommendations on policy and procedure enhancements or changes.

*The inaugural Chief's Advisory Panel incorporated members from the Citizen's Review Board, each of whom have previously demonstrated their dedication to serving the citizens of Tampa.

Selection Criteria:

• Diversity: Panel members will be chosen to represent a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
• Community Engagement: Members must be active in the Tampa community and have a demonstrated commitment to public service.
• Availability: Members must be available to participate in regular meetings to review policies and procedures and make recommendations.
• Residency: Members must have resided within the City of Tampa for at least five years.

Appointment:

• All panel members will be appointed by the Chief of Police as provided under section 166.0486, F.S. Members are requested to serve for two-year terms. 

Applications will be made available online when future vacancies become available for appointment.

For questions regarding upcoming meetings, please contact Captain Lisa Purcell at 813.274.3411.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and Florida law, the City of Tampa will provide reasonable accommodations to any person with a disability who needs an accommodation to attend any City of Tampa public hearing or meeting of a body, board, or magistrate acting in its official capacity on behalf of the City of Tampa. To ensure that your request for accommodation can be considered, please ensure that the City of Tampa’s ADA Coordinator receives your request at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled public hearing or meeting by using one of the following methods to submit your request:

• through the City of Tampa’s online Tampa Connect portal.
• by phone at (813) 274-3964
• by e-mail to TampaADA@tampa.gov or
• by mail to the City of Tampa ADA Coordinator, 306 E. Jackson Street, 280A4N, Tampa, Florida 33602.

Please note that the City of Tampa may not be able to accommodate any request received less than 48 hours before the scheduled public hearing or meeting.