Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw will join the USF College of Behavioral and Community Sciences this fall as a full-time faculty member, bringing one of the region's most accomplished law enforcement leaders into the classroom.
In his faculty role as associate professor of instruction, Bercaw will help instruct and coordinate the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program, sharing his real-world perspectives on policing, criminal justice leadership and public safety with students preparing for careers in law enforcement, corrections, public service and related fields.
Teaching, mentoring and developing future leaders has always been among the most rewarding parts of my career, and I look forward to helping shape the next generation of criminal justice professionals through research experience, integrity and public service."
Tampa Chief of Police Lee Bercaw
Bercaw is a two-time USF alumnus, earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration from the university. He also holds a doctorate in criminal justice from St. Leo University. In 2016, Bercaw was inducted into the Department of Criminology Wall of Fame as an Outstanding Criminology Ambassador.
Lee Bercaw has been a long-time supporter of the USF Department of Criminology. He is pictured introducing panelists during a Women in Policing event organized by the Tampa Police Department and the UFS Department of Criminology in September 2025.
Chief Bercaw brings a remarkable depth of leadership, practical expertise and public service experience that will enrich not only the department, but the college as a whole, said Julie Serovich, dean of the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences. He has been a valued member of our academic community for many years through his work as an adjunct professor, guest lecturer and member of the college's advisory board since its inception.
Bercaw served with the Tampa Police Department for more than 30 years, including three and a half years as chief of police, before announcing his retirement, which will be effective Aug. 6, 2026. During his tenure, he became known for advancing community safety initiatives, implementing data-driven crime reduction strategies and overseeing security planning for major events. Under his leadership, Tampa experienced a decline in violent crime and homicides, significantly outpacing national trends among major cities.
"Lee Bercaw has spent his career navigating the complex realities of public safety, said George Burruss, chair of the USF Department of Criminology. His perspective will help students connect theory to day to day practice, strengthening the learning environment and enriching our examination of criminal justice issues. Chief Bercaw has long been an agency partner in our research on public safety and crime, and we are fortunate to now count him as a colleague. We are excited to welcome him to the department in this new capacity."