Police vehicles

About Us - Tampa Police Department

The mission of the Tampa Police Department is to work in partnership with our community to reduce crime, improve quality of life, and make Tampa safer, together. 

The following bureaus report directly to the Office of the Chief:

Lee Bercaw 3

Lee Bercaw
Chief of Police

Assistant Chief Owen in uniform with two brass stars.

Brett Owen
Assistant Chief of Police

Deputy Chief Messmer in uniform smiles, standing in front of U.S. flag and police badge display.

Patrick Messmer
Deputy Chief 

Operations

Photograph of a smiling police chief in uniform, with a US flag and police badge backdrop, June 2026.

Eric DeFelice
Deputy Chief 

Investigations and Support

Major of District 1: Alex Thiel

Alex Thiel, Major
District I

Photograph of Major Whitney McCormick in police uniform, U.S. flag and police emblem behind.

Whitney McCormick, Major
District II

Major Les Richardson

Les Richardson, Major
District III

Major Jason Dillaha

Jason Dillaha, Major
Special Operations

Major Purcell in uniform with police badges, smiling, American flag, and seal in the background.

Lisa Purcell, Major
Criminal Investigations

Major Kim Fruit in uniform, smiling in front of a U.S. flag

Kimberly Fruit, Major
Support Services