The Tampa Police Department published its 2023 Annual Report, which highlights the department’s efforts in crime reduction, community engagement, quality assurance, and wellness.
“As your mayor, and with a heart full of pride as former Chief of Police, I am honored to present to you the 2023 Annual Report for the Tampa Police Department,” Mayor Jane Castor wrote. “This past year has been a testament to what we can accomplish through collaboration and trust between our police department and the community. Together, we have achieved remarkable strides.”
Tampa Police are celebrating a decline in overall violent crime that was three times lower than the national average for major cities at 8.3%. According to the report, total crime in Tampa declined 6.9% and violent crime with a firearm declined 17.2%.
1,880 guns were recovered by police. The homicide rate also declined 13%, and auto burglaries, grand theft auto and traffic fatalities all decreased.
According to the Tampa report, the training standard and expectation for officers is to use the least amount of force in response to resistance. Use of force declined by 6% while de-escalation increased 9.5%.
In 2023, Tampa police officers responded to 495,242 calls for service.
To view or download, check the 2023 Tampa Police Annual Report online.
In addition to the Annual Report, Chief Lee Bercaw pens an open letter to the community, where he provides an overview of the report.
The Tampa Police Chief’s open letter is 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.Â
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%.Â
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.Â
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
