Tampa Police Department's streak of plummeting crime statistics continues

Castor gave credit in part to Mayor Pam Iorio, who tried to deflect any attention on her when speaking behind the lectern. She called the men and women who make up the police department "the cream of the crop." She said when she hired Stephen Hogue in '03, she discussed with him the fact that Tampa at that time was one of the worst in the nation for a city their size in the crime rate.  "I told him, 'Chief, we have got to reduce the crime rate.'  And he said 'it can be done. ' And he had a remarkable tenure in the success in doing that."

Iorio said when she's asked what she believes is the most significant accomplishment that's happened on her nearly 7 years in office, "I always point to the crime rate."

Chief Castor was asked about the budget issues with City Hall.  In December, the City Council voted down awarding officers so called "step" increases, stance that Mayor Iorio backed.  To show their displeasure, about 20 officers protested at a news conference held by Councilwoman Linda Saul-Sena last month.  Saul-Sena was one of those Council members to oppose the officers request.  Officials with the Tampa Benevolent Association says they will hold similar protest rallies against all other Tampa lawmakers who voted against them.  Those protests have met with some backlash from the public.

Castor would only say acknowledge that there are budget "issues" and that that the "picture becomes grimmer each year."