Tampa Mayor Names New Police Chief

TAMPA, FL — A former longtime officer with the Tampa Police Department is now its newest police chief.

During a news conference Tuesday, Mayor Jane Castor announced that Mary O’Connor will serve as the department's next top cop.

"Through Mary’s experience as a beat cop, rising up to the second-highest position in the department, she has learned the value of an inclusive, diverse, transparent and accountable agency, which our community expects and deserves," Castor said.

O’Connor served on the Tampa Police Department for 22 years, rising to the rank of assistant chief before retiring in 2016.

Since then, she's spent time extensively traveling the country, teaching and providing subject matter expertise and training to law enforcement and criminal justice executives. She’s also served as a consultant to the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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"I believe in this community and department and together we can do great things," Incoming Chief O’Connor said. "There has been a violent crime increase around our country. Combatting that trend is also one of my top priorities."

While at TPD, O’Connor worked closely with a Tampa Police Chaplain in the implementation and efficient running of a post-trauma training and retreat program to assist Tampa and other local police officers cope with symptoms of stress and strain associated with first responder careers.

According to the city, she was also instrumental in opening an after-school program, The RICH House, Resources in Community Hope, which served hundreds of children and helped connect adults with social services.

“I love this profession, and I love this department,” Incoming Chief O’Connor said. “It’s been a tough couple of years, not just for law enforcement officers, but society as a whole. However, I am an optimist and absolutely believe that better days are ahead. As a starting point, I believe we need to get back to basics and remember why we chose this noble profession. It’s to serve our community.”

Ruben “Butch” Delgado has been serving as interim chief since September 2021.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to Ruben “Butch” Delgado,” Mayor Castor said. “I have no doubt he will be a police chief one day. He will continue to serve as a top, trusted leader at the Tampa Police Department.”

O’Connor will go before Tampa City Council on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022, to be confirmed.