Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw Retires in 2026

Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw will retire on August 6, 2026, after 30 years with the department. He will join the University of South Florida's College of Behavioral and Community Sciences as an Associate Professor of Instruction in Criminology, where he will help coordinate the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration program.

Bercaw spent three and a half years as chief. Mayor Jane Castor praised his leadership during Monday's announcement.

"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," Castor said. "Under his leadership, this department became a national model for community-oriented policing."

Bercaw said the department reduced crime while building community trust and prioritizing officer wellness. "As I prepare to pass the torch and help shape the next generation of law enforcement leaders, I do so knowing the men and women of this department will continue to protect and serve this city with unmatched integrity," he said.

Mayor Castor named Assistant Chief Brett Owen as Acting Chief of Police. Owen will serve until the next mayoral election.