Interim Police Chief Brian Dugan has been appointed to the position of police chief of the Tampa Police Department by Mayor Bob Buckhorn.
“During his 27 year career, Brian has set the gold standard for what it means to be a Tampa police officer,” said Mayor Bob Buckhorn. “When I appointed him to interim-chief, I knew he had what it takes to lead one of the best police departments in the country. I have watched very closely over the last few months as Brian has demonstrated steadfast leadership through two very significant events. Each of these situations would have tested the most experienced chief and Brian passed with flying colors."
Buckhorn cited his work around the clock during Hurricane Irma and his efforts in the manhunt to find the killer in the recent Seminole Heights shootings as reasons for the appointment.
"I’m thankful and humbled that Mayor Buckhorn trusted me with this responsibility of leading the department,” said Chief Brian Dugan. “The majority of the credit should go to the men and women who work the streets. I look forward to partnering with them to build relationships with the people that we serve and protect the community.”
BACKGROUND FROM TPD:
Hired in 1990, he spent several years in the North Tampa district that encompasses Sulphur Springs, Seminole Heights and New Tampa. He has also worked in the Criminal Intelligence Bureau, Street Anti -Crime Unit, Quick Uniform Attack on Drugs Squad (QUAD), Internal Affairs Bureau, Mayor’s Security Detail, and as a Field Training Officer. Dugan has served in every facet of the department at some point in his career, developing a diverse background of experience.
Chief Dugan has served as an officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, major, deputy chief, and assistant chief. As the assistant chief he oversaw Special Operations, Criminal Investigations and the Special Support Division, and has taken primary responsibility for the Department’s $146 million budget. He currently serves as co-chairman of the Tampa Urban Area Security Initiative, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Police Athletic League. In 2017, with the retirement of Chief Eric Ward, Mayor Bob Buckhorn named Dugan as Interim Chief.
Dugan earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from West Liberty University and a Master of Public Administration degree from Troy State University. He is a graduate of the prestigious Southern Police Institute’s Command Officers’ Development Course. In 2014 he attended the Senior Management Institute for Police. He is a Leadership Tampa graduate and belongs to several professional associations, including the Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, and the Police Executive Research Forum. Brian Dugan is married with two children.
