TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Police Department (TPD) has released its 2024 Annual Report, showcasing significant achievements in crime reduction, community engagement, and disaster response over the past year.
“We are pleased to share the release of the 2024 Tampa Police Annual Report, which highlights our resiliency and significant strides in ensuring the safety of our beloved city,” said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. “As we reflect on the year, we are proud to report significant crime reductions, as well as improvements in other key areas that have helped make Tampa one of the safest cities nationwide for another year.”
The 2024 report highlights a 14.8% overall reduction in crime, with notable declines in key areas:
- A 17.7% decrease in violent crimes involving firearms.
- A 16.6% drop in property crimes.
- A 10% reduction in homicides and a 27% decline in non-fatal shootings.
- A 27.5% decrease in auto burglaries, with 79% involving unlocked vehicles. Stolen firearms from vehicles also fell by 25%, thanks in part to community awareness efforts.
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The report also addressed emerging challenges, including a rise in illegal street racing and street takeovers. In response, TPD collaborated with the Florida Highway Patrol and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to conduct targeted operations. These efforts resulted in 207 traffic stops, over 100 citations, and multiple arrests, including the seizure of firearms and impoundment of vehicles. New state legislation, Senate Bill 1764, introduced harsher penalties for street racing, further aiding enforcement efforts.
TPD also made strides in combating gang-related violence. In a high-profile case, detectives worked with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Department to arrest three individuals connected to the June 2024 murder of Charles Jones, also known as “Julio Foolio.” The investigation not only brought justice for Jones but also shed light on other unsolved homicides in Jacksonville.
The 2024 hurricane season brought unprecedented challenges to Tampa, with two major storms striking within 10 days. Despite personal hardships, including 11 officers losing their homes, TPD personnel worked tirelessly to ensure public safety.
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During Hurricane Milton alone, officers answered over 15,000 calls and conducted 118 water rescues.
TPD’s commitment to community engagement remained a cornerstone of its mission in 2024. The department awarded $35,000 in grants to eight local organizations, including Men of Vision, Academy Prep Center of Tampa, and West Tampa Little League, to support initiatives aligned with TPD’s goals of reducing crime and enhancing quality of life.
The department also prioritized inclusivity, hosting events like Helping Hands for Autism during Autism Acceptance Month. At Lavoy Exceptional Center, students participated in sensory activities and painted city vehicles alongside officers and firefighters, fostering a sense of inclusion and collaboration.
TPD’s Opioid Task Force made significant strides in combating drug trafficking, seizing thousands of grams of narcotics, 8,750 amphetamine pills, 13 firearms, and over $100,000 in cash.
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Twenty-five suspects linked to a drug trafficking organization were arrested, some connected to fatal fentanyl overdoses. Additionally, Operation Overdrive, launched in 2023, resulted in 32 suspects receiving a combined 125 years in federal prison in 2024.
Chief Bercaw expressed optimism for the future, announcing the launch of Signal 87 Summits—community meetings aimed at strengthening ties between TPD and residents.
“The collaborative spirit between our community and the police department is the cornerstone of our continued success,” he said.
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