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 similar priorities but different emphases. Sampson, a career law-enforcement executive who described more than three decades in policing, focused on building internal affairs units, investigator capacity and interagency relationships to improve case outcomes. He raised concerns about preserving "political capital" and the need to maintain transparent complaint processes so the community retains confidence in the department.

Rogerio, a longtime Pasco County-area officer and trainer, emphasized community policing and officer preparation. He described bringing classroom training back into departments and expanding in-house instruction so officers can share skills without sending many staff off-site. He described community policing as the top priority: "Community policing, 100%."

Commissioners asked both finalists about matters of local interest. Topics and candidate responses included:

- Overtime and scheduling: Sampson described a prior assignment where an overtime budget was roughly $340,000 and said a pattern of excessive shift leave had produced operational and integrity concerns; he told commissioners his approach was to enforce rules consistently while explaining the rationale to staff. Rogerio said preparing supervisors in advance for their roles and providing training helps reduce scheduling and morale problems.

- Homelessness and mental-health calls: Both candidates said policing alone cannot solve homelessness. Sampson and Rogerio described using outreach partners, churches and social-service providers and stressed that arrests are not a long-term solution. Rogerio added that offering storage and hygiene options can reduce visible impacts.

- Marine patrol and joint operations: Candidates agreed marine patrols are resource-intensive and potentially hazardous if conducted with insufficient staffing. Sampson said he would not send an officer out alone, and Rogerio supported joint fire/police boat deployments with both agencies trained to work together.

- Gambling and organized crime: Rogerio and Sampson urged coordination with state-level agencies on large gaming or racketeering investigations. Rogerio noted FDLE, the state attorney's office and federal partners are typically needed for complex cases and wiretaps.

- Dispatch consolidation: Both candidates acknowledged an ongoing county-level discussion about moving dispatch to a regional center. Rogerio said local dispatch offers continuity and a known voice for officers in crisis; both indicated they would raise operational issues with county partners if safety concerns emerged.

Commissioners also pressed candidates on leadership style, how they would rebuild cohesion after previous internal divisions, and how they would support succession and career development for officers. Each candidate described plans to meet individually with officers, solicit input on reforms and establish training or mentorship pathways.

No hiring decision was taken at the meeting. The commission completed the scheduled interviews and then recessed; the meeting record shows the commission later moved to adjourn.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to adjourn: motion offered and seconded; commissioners voted "aye." (Outcome: approved.)

The interviews continue the hiring process; the commission did not announce a timetable for a next step or a final appointment during the session.