The Port Richey Police Department plays a central role in keeping the City of Port Richey safe. Located in Florida, this law enforcement agency serves only the incorporated city area. With a small but committed team, the department works around the clock to protect lives, property, and public order. A strong sense of duty, history, and structure defines the department's identity and growth over time.
Agency Overview
The basic overview of the Port Richey Police Department is given below.
- Department Type: It is a full-service municipal law enforcement agency
- Location: City of Port Richey, Florida
- Sworn Officers: 17 full-time officers
- Civilian Staff: 9 employees in records, communications, and property
- Services Provided: Law enforcement, communication dispatch, evidence handling, public safety support
Key Functions
The Port Richey Police Department is performing various functions; a brief overview is given below.
- Patrol Operations: Officers respond to emergency and non-emergency calls within the city limits.
- Records Division: Civilian staff manage police reports, public records, and data entry.
- Property and Evidence: Secure storage and chain-of-custody procedures for evidence items.
- Communications Division: 24/7 dispatch center supports constant law enforcement presence.
History of the Port Richey Police Department
The Port Richey Police Department has been working since 1925. Check the complete history of the Port Richey Police Department here.
Early Years (1925–1946)
- Incorporation Year: 1925
- First City Marshal: Clyde Daso
- Main Duties: Sole law enforcement officer responsible for city-wide enforcement
- Historical Fact: A small jail cell built during this time still exists within the Fire Department building.
Growth and Leadership Changes (1947–1978)
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1947 | City Council discussed jail options for those sentenced by the Mayor's Court |
| 1959 | Deputy Marshal added to support law enforcement duties |
| 1969 | Joseph Donahue became the first Chief of Police; he commanded 8 patrolmen and 2 cadets. |
Structural Developments
- New Roles: The role of Chief of Police replaced the old title of City Marshal.
- Team Expansion: The addition of uniformed patrolmen and cadets marked the department's growth.
- Modernization: Law enforcement responsibilities became more organized under new leadership.
Temporary Closure and Revival (1978–1979)
- June 1978 Decision: City Council abolished the police department.
- Interim Services: Pasco County Sheriff’s Office provided law enforcement coverage.
- November 1979: The City reestablished the Port Richey Police Department.
- New Chief Appointed: Larry Colin led the renewed department.
Staff Structure
The Port Richey Police Department is working as a team. Check the full details of the structure of the Port Richey Police Department here.
| Position | Number of Staff | Main Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Chief of Police | 1 | Department leadership and coordination |
| Sworn Officers | 17 | Patrol, emergency response, investigations |
| Civilian Employees | 9 | Records, communication, and evidence handling |
| Dispatch Staff | Part of civilian staff | 24/7 emergency call handling |
Department Strengths
The Port Richey Police Department promises to provide below facilities to the people of the city.
- Community Focus: Officers work closely with residents and local leaders to maintain peace.
- Flexible Structure: Civilian employees ensure operational support without overstretching sworn staff.
- Secure Facilities: Evidence and property are stored with strong security measures.
Historic Contributions
- City Jail Cell: A historical jail cell from the early days still exists and is used for storage.
- Leadership Legacy: Chiefs like Joseph Donahue and Larry Colin left lasting impacts on law enforcement style.
- Long-Term Vision: Despite being closed once, the department has continued to evolve and support public safety.
Important Milestones Table
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| 1925 | City incorporated; Clyde Daso became the first Marshal |
| 1947 | City Council discussed prisoner placement for the Mayor's Court |
| 1959 | Additional Deputy Marshal appointed |
| 1969 | City Marshal changed to Chief of Police (Joseph Donahue) |
| 1978 | Department abolished, services handed to Pasco County |
| 1979 | Department re-established under Chief Larry Colin |
Modern-Day Operations
- Routine Patrols: Officers patrol neighborhoods and business areas to deter crime.
- Rapid Response: The dispatch center enables officers to respond quickly to calls.
- Public Engagement: The department builds trust through visibility and communication.
Focus on Community Safety
- Neighborhood Monitoring: Officers interact with the community to understand concerns.
- Youth Engagement: Programs may include outreach in schools or at local events.
- Traffic Control: Officers manage vehicle and pedestrian traffic to ensure road safety.
Technology and Infrastructure
- 24/7 Communication Center: Ensures fast response time and coordination with emergency services.
- Recordkeeping Tools: Electronic systems help manage incident data efficiently.
- Secure Evidence Room: Maintains integrity and confidentiality in legal cases.
Current Priorities
- Crime Prevention: Efforts focus on reducing thefts, assaults, and disturbances.
- Emergency Response Readiness: Officers receive regular training for natural disasters and crises.
- Operational Transparency: Public records and accountability remain a top concern.
Community Impact
| Area | Impact |
|---|---|
| Safety | Reduction in crime helps residents feel secure |
| Visibility | Officers' presence promotes peace and deters illegal activity |
| Support Services | Civilian roles ensure public records and emergency calls are handled efficiently |
Future Repercussions
The Port Richey Police Department stands as a symbol of resilience and dedication. With a rich history, strong leadership, and a focused team of professionals, the department continues to serve the public faithfully. A balance between tradition and modernization supports its mission to protect and serve the residents and visitors of Port Richey every day.
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