We are honored to spotlight Chief Melanie Bevan, Ed.D., of the Bradenton Police Department, a dedicated leader whose law enforcement career spans over 38 years. Chief Bevan earned her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from St. Leo University in 1997, followed by a Master’s in Public Administration from Troy State University in 2001, and a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Argosy University in 2011. This strong educational foundation has equipped her with the necessary skills to excel in various roles within law enforcement.
Chief Bevan began her service in law enforcement in the St. Petersburg Police Department, where she spent 29 years, ultimately retiring at the rank of Assistant Chief. In 2016, she took the helm as Chief of Police in Bradenton, where she has introduced a range of safety measures, technological advancements, and community engagement protocols. Her leadership emphasizes a community-centric approach to policing, demonstrating her commitment to finding innovative ways to serve and protect.
Throughout her career, Chief Bevan has achieved several notable milestones. She is a proud graduate of the FBI National Academy’s 219th Session and was one of only 13 law enforcement leaders nationwide selected to attend the Anti-Defamation League National Counter Terrorism Seminar in Israel. Additionally, she completed the Naval Postgraduate Center for Homeland Security and Defense’s Executive Leaders Program. Beyond her policing duties, Chief Bevan is an adjunct professor in the Homeland Security Program for the State College of Florida and serves as a consultant in officer safety and wellness for the VALOR program.
Chief Bevan is recognized for her active engagement in the community and her focus on building strong relationships. She established the Safety Patrol Badge Program, which instills leadership qualities in elementary school students by providing them with badges and recognition for their roles in promoting safety among their peers. In response to the growing threat of elder fraud, she initiated the Elderly and Vulnerable Fraud Unit in 2024, aiming to protect seniors from exploitation.
Under her leadership, the Bradenton Police Department achieved significant milestones, including a commitment to accreditation through the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement. Chief Bevan has consistently emphasized the importance of ethical leadership, stating, “In times of crisis, you must lead from the front,” and she believes that integrity is essential in law enforcement.
As she looks to the future, Chief Bevan is excited about the ongoing construction of a new training facility that will serve law enforcement agencies across the region, featuring a driving pad and two firing ranges. She aims to ensure that the Bradenton Police Department remains a premier agency known for its commitment to excellence.
In her message to the community, Chief Bevan emphasizes the importance of support and appreciation for law enforcement: “A friendly wave and a thank you for your service goes a long way with our officers.” Her dedication to serving the Bradenton community and her vision for a safer, more engaged environment are commendable, and we are grateful for her leadership and the positive impact she continues to have on our community.
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