Twenty-four new Tampa Police Officers will be sworn in during a ceremony on February 4, 2026, at the Tampa Convention Center. Mayor Jane Castor and Chief Lee Bercaw are scheduled to welcome the new recruits as they take their oath to serve as full-time and reserve officers.
The incoming group includes a mix of local graduates and experienced professionals. More than half of the new officers have completed the Tampa Police Recruit Scholarship Program, which aims to remove financial barriers for those interested in law enforcement careers and provides opportunities for local residents to join the force. Seven of the recruits bring prior law enforcement experience, while six are military veterans—two from the Marines and four from the U.S. Army—transitioning into police work.
Mayor Jane Castor stated, “This ceremony represents more than a career milestone; it reflects the ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of everyone who works, lives, or visits Tampa.”
The event is open to the public. Those unable to attend can watch a live stream on www.facebook.com/TampaPD.
