Police Communications

Through the effective, efficient and directed management of all facets of communication, it is the mission of the Communications Bureau to ensure the safety of the public and the officers that serve them, reduce crime to improve quality of life and provide the benchmark of customer service to all that we serve.

It is the intent of the Communications Bureau to promptly and courteously receive and record requests for police service; dispatch a police unit to handle every justifiable request made by the public for police service; provide the department with centralized control of personnel; and facilitate field operations through the rapid dissemination of critical information by radio and telephone.

The Communications Bureau is central to the police function.  Every call for police service must be received, recorded, dispatched and concluded by this area.  The bureau is the vital link between citizens requiring police services and the officers who respond to the event.  In 2010, the Tampa Police Department Communications Bureau processed 1,043,089 calls; receiving 607,468 direct calls from the public for police service.  Of these, 386,488 calls to the Communications Bureau were placed directly to 911.  Just over 53% of all incoming 911 calls were made with the use of cellular telephones.

Employment begins with one week of observation followed by a two-week Communications Academy covering systems, geography, procedures, and tactics.  Training then continues with a minimum of 16 weeks of on the job instruction as the probationary employee is assigned to one of the Communication Training Officers on the various positions.  There are 14 primary call-taking positions and 6 primary dispatch positions.  There are 8 radio dispatch desks and two "Pick Up Desk" positions for FDLE information, entering warrants and calling out wreckers.

The city is divided into three police districts, each with two sectors.  These six sectors, as well as Wants and Warrants, all require a primary radio channel and dedicated dispatcher.  Dispatchers are also committed to a Special Operations channel when required for events such as Tactical Response Team activations or large events; including those unique to the City of Tampa such as Guavaween, Gasparilla, and the upcoming Republican National Convention.