The council interviewed several candidates, including Bill Samson and Frank, who highlighted their professional backgrounds, approaches to leadership, and plans to tackle issues facing the Port Richey Police Department. Samson, a law enforcement veteran, recounted his career journey and stressed the importance of transparency and accountability within the police force. He emphasized the need for open communication channels for complaints and internal investigations to maintain public trust and integrity.

Samson also discussed modern policing practices suitable for a department of Port Richey’s size, focusing on maintaining accreditation, regular policy reviews, and fostering inter-agency relationships. He stated the significance of training and accountability in ensuring high standards within the police force. Samson addressed the challenges of departmental morale and community relationships.

Frank, another candidate with extensive experience, shared his background with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and previous roles in traffic homicide investigations. He outlined operational challenges like managing overtime and time-off requests, which he identified as critical areas requiring structured management to prevent budget overruns.

Frank also addressed the importance of effective communication within the department and with the community. He emphasized handling complaints internally to prevent escalation to the mayor’s office, advocating for department heads to take ownership of resolution processes. His philosophy of open communication and engagement with residents was reiterated throughout the discussion.

Both candidates highlighted the significance of community policing, proposing initiatives to enhance interactions between the police and citizens. Samson and Frank discussed strategies like foot patrols and neighborhood crime watch groups to foster stronger community ties. Frank proposed a Citizens Academy to educate residents about police operations.

The council also explored the broader challenges facing the police department, such as addressing homelessness and crime rates. The candidates acknowledged the limitations of policing in resolving issues like homelessness, advocating for collaboration with community organizations and emphasizing the importance of outreach and support services.

Aspirations for Port Richey’s police department to become a model of professionalism within five years were discussed, with a focus on training, leadership, and inter-agency collaboration. The candidates underscored the importance of assessing the current state of the department, communicating with officers about their career goals, and fostering a collaborative environment.

The council also deliberated on the integration of code enforcement with police patrols to enhance community services. The candidates supported a unified approach, stressing the necessity of teamwork between different departments to address community concerns effectively.