Tampa’s First Female Police Chief Officially Retires, Successor Announced

By Matt Wiley

After more than 30 years in the Tampa Police Department (TPD), the city’s first female police chief — Jane Castor — has officially retired and her successor has been announced. During her time in the agency’s top job, Castor replaced former Chief Stephen Hogue and ushered in an era of a dramatic drop in crime throughout the city, including parts of New Tampa.

TPD statistics show that, during Castor’s tenure, the areas of New Tampa within the city limits experienced a 22-percent drop in “Part 1” crimes, which include murder, robbery, burglary, auto theft, violent sexual assault, aggravated assault and other serious crimes.

According to an April 30 press release, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn appointed 27-year TPD veteran Eric Ward as Castor’s successor. Her last day in her job was May 8.

“The position of police chief is one of the most important appointments a mayor can make, and for our city, Eric Ward is the right person to lead the Tampa Police Department,” said Mayor Buckhorn in the release. “Eric grew up in this community, and he has a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist as we continue to make Tampa a better place to live, work, and raise a family. Within the department, Eric is known as a quiet force, and his methodical demeanor and certitude will serve him, the department and our city.” 

Chief Ward, who will make $156,000 in the top TPD position, holds a B.A. degree in Criminal Justice from St. Leo University in Dade City. Ward is married with two children and lives in West Tampa.

“I never thought that I’d be Chief of Police,” Ward said in a video announcing his appointment to the position. ”But, I believe that in this position I can do a lot of good and bring the community together with law enforcement.”  

Ward joined the department in 1988 and previously served as the agency’s assistant chief of operations. Ward also served in the Patrol, Criminal Intelligence Bureau, K-9, Gang Suppression, Firehouse Program, Street Anti-Crime Squad and Selective Enforcement Bureau units. 

The release says that before becoming part of the department’s command staff, Ward also was a member of TPD’s Tactical Response Team, Honor Guard and its Hostage Negotiation Team. 

Castor, whose contract was renewed for one year last May, has announced that she now will serve as the head of a new nonprofit organization that will benefit TPD called Rise Tampa — Our Police Foundation. 

According to the organization’s website, the group will, “start its work where the city budget stops.” The site says that Rise Tampa will raise money to help ensure that officers are receiving the latest training, safety equipment and are using cutting edge technology, “to keep our citizens safe while providing growth opportunities to our most underprivileged children.”

For more information, please visit RiseTampa.org.