Thirty-two new officers will join the Tampa Police Department following a swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Thursday, September 4, 2025. The event will take place at 2:00 pm in Ballroom A of the Tampa Convention Center.
Mayor Jane Castor and Chief Lee Bercaw are set to welcome the new officers. “This event marks a significant milestone for these dedicated men and women as they begin their commitment to making our community safer,” according to the announcement.
Of the 32 officers, twenty-six are graduates of the Tampa Police Recruit Scholarship Program, which is designed to help aspiring officers start their careers without financial obstacles. The remaining six officers have prior law enforcement experience and are joining from other agencies.
The department notes that these new hires will contribute to strengthening relationships between police and the community. “They will be joined by six officers who bring prior law enforcement experience to the department. These new officers will all play a vital role in strengthening the bond between the department and the community it serves.”
The public is invited to attend the ceremony or watch it live online at www.facebook.com/TampaPD. “The ceremony is open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to attend and welcome these dedicated individuals as they begin the mission to work in partnership with our community to reduce crime, improve quality of life, and make Tampa safer, together.”
