Chief Brian Dugan
What’s it like battling coronavirus on the front lines? Peter Schorsch hunkers down with Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan to find out. Dugan has had a 28-year career with the Tampa Police Department and was instrumental in establishing the department’s reputation as a well-respected, highly professional organization. In November 2017, then-Mayor Bob Buckhorn halted a national search for Chief, naming Dugan the 32nd Chief of Police, after serving as the department’s Interim Chief. Dugan talks about how he went from a hit the ground running-chief to one managing law enforcement response to the COVID-19 crisis. He’s juggling both public safety and officer safety. The department currently has 30 officers under quarantine with one who tested positive for the coronavirus as well as another 45 officers being monitored for symptoms. Dugan explains the challenges facing law enforcement agencies as officers lack the ability to wear appropriate protective gear. Officers, he explain, cannot be encumbered by extra protective equipment that could hinder their ability to protect themselves in a dangerous situation. Dugan looks ahead as the agency continues to manage the crisis and worries about a potential uptick in looting and domestic violence calls, though so far, calls for service are actually down due to so many individuals staying at home. Special Guest: Brian Dugan.