Tampa Police Launch "SIGNAL 87 SUMMITS" to Empower Community-Driven Solutions

TAMPA, FL (May 23, 2024) - - The Tampa Police Department is excited to launch our newest initiative, "Signal 87 Summits," designed to foster even stronger partnerships within our community. These summits will serve as vital platforms for residents, local businesses, and Tampa Police officers to connect, collaborate, and proactively address neighborhood-specific concerns.

The inaugural Signal 87 Summit will take place at Ragan Park on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 5:30 PM. This family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to meet your neighbors, connect with community business partners, and engage directly with the dedicated officers and professional staff who serve your area. This summit marks the first in a series of six bi-monthly gatherings, each strategically located in a different sector of the city.

Building upon the success of existing community outreach programs like Town Hall Tuesdays and Front Porch Roll Calls, the Signal 87 Summits aim to further empower residents to take an active role in shaping the quality of life in their neighborhoods. "Signal 87" is the Tampa Police code for "Community Meeting." 

"By embracing our police code in the name of this new program, we are signaling our unwavering commitment to genuine collaboration," said Chief Lee Bercaw. "Our aim is to break down any remaining perceived barriers, foster true understanding, and ensure that these meetings are about the community and the police working together to develop shared solutions that enhance the well-being of every neighborhood."

A primary objective of these summits is to support and expand our network of Neighborhood Watch (NHW) Groups. Established NHW leaders will be encouraged to connect with neighboring communities, sharing their valuable insights and demonstrating how NHW programs contribute to Tampa's consistent ranking as one of the safest cities of its size nationwide. 

The Signal 87 Summits are also designed to empower residents to identify and develop independent or shared solutions for concerns specific to their neighborhoods that may not require a police response. To facilitate this, representatives from a variety of City of Tampa departments will also be present to provide guidance on accessing a wide array of city resources, including: Mobility, Neighborhood Enhancement, Parks & Recreation, Solid Waste.