Tampa police chief resigns after using her position to wiggle out of traffic violation

Tampa, Florida - A police chief resigned after body cam footage was released that showed her using her position to get out of a traffic stop.

The police chief of the city of Tampa resigned after she was caught on body cam video using her position to get out of a traffic ticket.
The police chief of the city of Tampa resigned after she was caught on body cam video using her position to get out of a traffic ticket.  © Collage: Screenshot/YouTube/Tampa PD

According to a statement from the Tampa Police Department, on November 12, chief Mary O’Connor and her husband were driving a golf cart on the road in Oldsmar.

The couple was stopped by a Pinellas County Sheriff's Office deputy because the vehicle did not have a license plate.

Body cam footage shows O'Connor pulling out her badge while the deputy was questioning them.

"Are you recording?" she asks, before handing over her badge anyway. "I'm the police chief in Tampa ... I'm hoping that you'll just let us go tonight."

The deputy hesitantly decides to let the couple go. But before leaving, O'Connor is seen handing the officer a card and says, "If you ever need anything, call me."

Creative Loafing Tampa Bay broke the story last Thursday after receiving the video via a public records request.

That same day, O'Connor sent out an email to her staff concerning the incident, explaining that it was "poor judgment" on her part to note her position and that she is "very remorseful" that it occurred.

Tampa mayor Jane Castor, on the other hand, was far less forgiving: "We hold everyone accountable, no matter their position, and this behavior was unacceptable. Chief O'Connor will go through the due process and face appropriate discipline."

Tampa Bay's former police chief was given a second chance

Last Friday, Castor announced that O'Connor would be placed on leave pending an investigation into the incident, with assistant chief Lee Bercaw temporarily filling the position.

On Monday, O'Connor officially resigned from her position as Tampa police chief. She was appointed as chief by Mayor Castor back in February, even though O'Connor was arrested and charged with battery against a fellow officer during a DUI stop in 1995.

"This is especially disappointing because I gave Mary O’Connor a second chance, as I believe in second chances for people," Castor said in a statement regarding O'Connor's resignation.

Mayor Castor went on to say that she had "high hopes" for Mary O'Connor, but her accomplishments during her time as chief "pale in comparison to the priority I place on integrity."

Cover photo: Collage: Screenshot/YouTube/Tampa PD

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