Thirty-two new officers will be joining the Tampa Police Department following a swearing-in ceremony scheduled for September 4, 2025. The event, to be held at 2:00 pm in Ballroom A of the Tampa Convention Center, will feature Mayor Jane Castor and Chief Lee Bercaw welcoming the new recruits.
Of these officers, twenty-six are graduates of the Tampa Police Recruit Scholarship Program, which is intended to help aspiring officers receive training without incurring financial costs. The remaining six officers come to the department with prior law enforcement experience.
The department states that these new members “will all play a vital role in strengthening the bond between the department and the community it serves.” According to city officials, this ceremony marks an important milestone as these individuals begin their service focused on public safety.
“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,” according to a statement from the department. For those unable to attend in person, there will be a live stream available at www.facebook.com/TampaPD.
