Chief of Police
Tampa Police Department
Tampa, Florida, United States
Chief Lee Bercaw began his career as a Tampa Police Reserve Officer in 1996 and has since served in all three police districts, the Major Crimes Bureau, and the Professional Standards Bureau. Known for proactive crime reduction initiatives and managing large-scale events such as the Super Bowl, RNC, Gasparilla, and the College Football National Championship, he now leads one of Florida’s largest police agencies, guiding nearly 1,300 members with a focus on community-oriented policing. He holds a Master’s in Criminal Justice Administration from USF and a Doctorate in Criminal Justice with a Homeland Security specialization from Saint Leo University, where his research focused on human trafficking and major events. He established the Professional Standards Bureau, launched the Quality Assurance Program, and secured the department’s initial accreditation. A graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police and Leadership Tampa, he also serves as an adjunct professor at USF.
Managing the Message: Law Enforcement Response After a Mass Shooting
Saturday, October 18, 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM MT
Building Bridges: Innovative Strategies for Police and Youth Engagement
Saturday, October 18, 2025
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM MT