Having grown from a reserve officer on the streets of Tampa into the leader of the agency, Chief Bercaw will enter his next chapter continuing to shape the future of law enforcement. Following retirement, he will join the University of South Florida College of Behavioral and Community Sciences within the Department of Criminology as an Associate Professor of Instruction, where he will help instruct and coordinate the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration program.
“Chief Bercaw came up through this department as a young officer and leaves as one of the finest law enforcement leaders this city has ever seen. Thirty years is a long time to give yourself to something, and he gave Tampa everything he had,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “Under his leadership, this department became a national model for what modern, community-oriented policing looks like. Chief Bercaw made us safer, stronger, and I am deeply proud of what we built together.”
“We did not simply reduce crime in Tampa, we demonstrated what effective, modern policing looks like when it is rooted in community trust and a commitment to officer and employee wellness,” added Chief Bercaw. “As I prepare to pass the torch and help shape the next generation of law enforcement leaders, I do so with the full knowledge that the men and women of this amazing department will continue to protect and serve this city with unmatched integrity.”
Mayor Castor has selected Assistant Chief Brett Owen to serve as the Acting Chief of Police upon Chief Bercaw’s retirement. He will serve in that capacity until the next mayoral election.
Chief Bercaw extends profound gratitude to Mayor Castor, City Council, the department’s sworn and professional staff, and the Tampa community for their unwavering partnership and support.
Read the full news release at https://mailchi.mp/tampa.gov/chief-bercaw-announces-retirement-after-30-years-of-service