Port Richey interviews two finalists for police chief; candidates stress transparency, training and marine patrol staffing

The Port Richey City Commission on Feb. 21, 2025, interviewed two finalists for police chief, William "Bill" Sampson and Frank Rogerio, as commissioners questioned each candidate on ethics, training, transparency and local enforcement priorities.

Both candidates told the commission they would emphasize training, improved internal investigations and stronger ties with neighboring agencies. Frank Rogerio said, "If it's illegal, you should not be following it," describing a past refusal to carry out what he viewed as an unlawful directive. Bill Sampson said he is "very pro police" and described his approach to investigations and internal affairs as a means to preserve public trust: "I think this is the finest profession in the world."

Why this matters: the city faces recurring operational questions about officer morale, overtime practices, how to respond to homelessness and whether the police can sustain a regular marine patrol on a limited staffing base. Commissioners and staff used the interviews to press candidates for concrete steps they would take if hired.

In the interviews, candidates outlined…