Pasco Sheriff’s Office hires New Port Richey Police Chief | News

New Port Richey, Florida -- The Pasco County Sheriff's Office has announced it has hired New Port Richey Police Chief James Steffens as its new Chief Forensic Investigator.

Steffens will be replacing Charlie May who spent 25 years at the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and the last seven years as Chief Forensic Investigator. May’s retirement will be effective on March 31, 2013.

"I'm privileged and honored to be able to join the Pasco Sheriff's Office,” said Chief Steffens in a release. “I believe in Sheriff Nocco's vision and the opportunity to be part of his team and to make Pasco County safer is the opportunity of a lifetime. I will do my best to help him continue to move the agency and our community in the right direction."

Chief Steffens' new position is responsible for the supervision of all personnel assigned to the Forensic Services Section and requires supervisory experience as well as experience in Forensic Science technology.

The sheriff's office says Chief Steffens has more than 22 years of law enforcement experience with 13 of those years in a supervisory position. He has been the police chief of the New Port Richey Police Department since May 2011.

SEE ALSO: New Port Richey appoints new Chief of Police

Steffens also serves as the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) Commander for the unified team comprised of the Pasco Sheriff's Office and the New Port Richey Police Department. He will continue to serve in this position as well as his new role of Chief Forensic Investigator.

"The Pasco Sheriff's Office is excited to have Chief Steffens, join our team,” said Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco.  “As the Chief of Forensics, I look forward to him leading our members to fully integrate forensics into our Intelligence Led Policing process. In addition, with Chief Steffens’ tactical background merged with the ability of  forensics, we can enhance our abilities to do vulnerability assessments on schools and other public buildings. In critical times we need to continue to be forward thinking."

Chief Steffens is expected to begin his new role in March and will make a salary equivalent to Chief May.

Below is a copy of Chief James Steffens resignation letter as Chief of Police:

"This correspondence is intended to serve as my official notice of Resignation as the Chief of Police.

I have had the distinct privilege to have served the citizens, business community and visitors of this city.  I have had the rare honor to have worked alongside the selfless professional men and women who proudly represent the New Port Richey Police Department.  The ever-present "can do/will do" attitude and dedicated work ethic of these special men and women has helped keep this city as safe as possible and has moved this agency to new levels of respect and professionalism.

I sincerely thank you and the City Council for your trust and acceptance of me to lead this agency.  I truly appreciate the unique opportunity I have had to work alongside my fellow Department Heads - especially as we tackled the pressing issues of this past year.

I have accepted the exciting and challenging opportunity to join the Pasco County Sheriff's Office and to carry out the progressive vision of Sheriff Chris Nocco.  We have worked so hard to create and promote dynamic partnerships inside and outside the County.  This next phase of my professional and personal life is intended to continue furthering those partner-shipping and problem-solving practices.

Thank you for the very special opportunity to serve the City of New Port Richey.  I would like to assist with the transition and selection of your next Chief of Police if possible.  My resignation date is currently planned for March 16, 2013."