In Tampa, Florida, on November 12, 2022, Tampa Police Chief Mary O’Connor and her spouse were pulled over by a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office deputy while driving a golf cart without a license plate in a residential area in Oldsmar. The deputy explained that they were stopped for driving an unlicensed vehicle without a tag on the road. During the stop, O’Connor identified herself as the police chief and hoped they would be let go. The deputy recognized her, and they were allowed to leave. O’Connor later apologized for her actions, acknowledging her mistake and learning from it.
Chief Mary O’Connor stated, “Driving the golf cart without proper tags on a public roadway was poor judgment on our part. This was the first time we used it outside our golf-cart friendly community, which required a license plate. I understand how my actions might seem inappropriate in hindsight, but that wasn’t my intention. I spoke knowing it was on video, not to make the deputy uncomfortable. I offered to pay any potential citation and expressed remorse to the Mayor and residents. I know nobody is above the law, including myself.”
Mayor Jane Castor commented, “We hold everyone accountable, regardless of their position. Chief O’Connor will face appropriate discipline.” O’Connor voluntarily requested the same discipline as any officer for similar conduct. An internal review is ongoing.
Update – December 05, 2022 – Tampa Police Chief Mary O’Connor has resigned. Mayor Jane Castor accepted her resignation and appointed Assistant Chief Lee Bercaw as acting chief while a national search for a new chief is conducted. O’Connor’s resignation followed the release of body cam footage of the November incident with the Pinellas Sheriff’s deputy.
source
