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Tampa Police Chief Expects Crime To Decrease 10%

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Lenora Lake

Published: September 28, 2007

TAMPA - Tampa Police Chief Steven Hogue is predicting a 10 percent drop in crime for 2007.

That will come on top of a combined 36 percent drop in the last four years, Hogue told the Rotary Club of New Tampa members at their meeting Friday morning at the Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club.

However, there is more work to be done, Hogue said in a 30-minute presentation and question-and-answer period at the service club's meeting.

"We still won't be at the mean for cities our size," said Hogue, who is a New Tampa resident.

When he became chief four years ago, Tampa had the second-highest crime rate in the nation for cities of 250,000 to 450,000 residents.

He said Tampa has three officers per 1,000 residents, while the national rate is 2.5 officer per 1,000 residents.

The chief praised Tampa Mayor Iorio's commitment to always "fully fund" the police and fire departments.

The chief also praised the club for its work in the community and its welcoming attitude.

"I've not sure I have ever spoken anywhere that people are so happy and cheery," he said.

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