TAMPA Police Chief Brian Dugan has been a temporary employee. He appears to be using some of the time to express his thoughts.
Take a look at a text exchange that Dugan and Bill Carlson had in late July. This thread shows that the retired chief is not shy about voicing his greatest criticisms on council.
Carlson did not spare Dugan from his opinions about the chiefs time at Tampa Police Department.
It's not surprising that it all started on Twitter.
Tatiana Morales, a local activist, tweeted about Dugan on July 26.
I will not miss anyone who has repeatedly called for violence and death in my community. I hope that the new leader will listen to (communities') needs.
Later in the evening, Carlson liked Morales' tweet.
This prompted Dugan to send a message to Carlson.
Dugan was disappointed that you would engage in such a thing, and he texted.
Carlson replied via text.
Over the past two years, I have been repeatedly disappointed and you didn't seem to care and didn't reach out. I have not made public statements, and I don't plan to. I want to thank you for your services and wish you all the best.
Dugan was not having it.
This tweet speaks volumes. Your future will be decided by the voters, not me, chief text.
Carlson made a prediction regarding his political future. In 2023, he will be running for reelection in his South Tampa district.
Yes. He replied that he will be reelected by a majority vote because voters want to see a shift from the past. You should watch the meetings again to see how you treated the council and the public.
Carlson concluded his text by saying that he removed his like from Moraless' tweet in respect of your tenure.
The Tampa Bay Times obtained the text messages through a records request this past week.
Carlson and Dugan did not respond to a call Friday morning asking for comment. Morales could not be reached immediately for comment.
Morales then tweeted: "Is it me?" Do I play the drama?
Then, she tweeted support for Carlson and doubled her support for Dugan.
Continue the story
Dugan will retire next week after spending 31 years in the department and four as chief.
Bob Buckhorn hired Dugans in part to perform during the Seminole Heights serial killer case. The last part of Dugans tenure was marked last summer by the highly publicized, tension-filled protests.
Dugan stated that his officers had gone above and beyond to ensure civil rights were protected at the time. His department also implemented transparency improvements and guidelines for the use of force.
However, the department's response to protesters who tried to block streets or refused to obey police orders was also criticised. One example of this was when his officers arrested a Times journalist.
The chaos reached the council chambers. Meetings were held at Tampa Convention Center in the early part of last summer, but were suspended due to the second wave pandemic. Activists pushed for reforms in police including overhauling the Citizens Review Board. They also wanted Mayor Jane Castor fired. The mayor stood behind her chief.
Castor finally reached a compromise that disappointed some activists.
Dugan was not done with Carlson after their lengthy texts.
Last month at a roast for Dugan, the chief made a dig at Carlson. He called him Bullet Bill, in reference to Carlsons failed attempt last summer to prevent the police department purchasing ammunition. They said it was for training purposes.
Dugan was awarded a City Council commendation in recognition of his outstanding service during this week's meeting. Carlson was not able to return to the dais until the next item.
Charlie Miranda, who presented the commendation for Dugan, stated that he did not want to get into personal issues between the men. He also said that he respects the rights of all public officials to express their opinions.
Miranda stated that he had followed the rule.
To accuse someone of something, you must know them. Dugan is someone I know. He is a strong man.
Tony Marrero, a Times staff writer, contributed to this report.
