TAMPA, Fla. – A veteran officer with the Tampa Police Department (TPD), who was just weeks away from returning to duty following a military deployment, has been stripped of his badge and placed on leave after being arrested on serious felony charges.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has charged Steven Barber with domestic battery by strangulation, domestic violence battery, and false imprisonment. The charges stem from an off-duty disturbance that occurred on November 27, 2025, involving an adult woman known to the officer.
Barber was taken into custody on November 28 by deputies with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office immediately following his release from a local facility. Authorities confirmed he is being transferred to the Orient Road Jail for processing.
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Barber is not a new recruit; he has served with the Tampa Police Department since September 2007. At the time of his arrest, he was not on active patrol. He has been on military deployment since March of this year and was scheduled to return to the police force next month.
Following the arrest, Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw issued a statement regarding the department’s stance on officer misconduct.
“Domestic violence is a serious crime, and no one is above the law,” Chief Bercaw said. “Our thoughts are with the victim of this incident. The actions alleged in this case do not reflect the values of our department and those who make the choice to take such actions will be held accountable.”
“The actions described in this case are disturbing and completely unacceptable,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “No badge, no title, and no rank will ever excuse violence inside the home. Our detectives worked quickly to make this arrest, and we will always stand with survivors and hold abusers accountable.”
Barber has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings and an internal investigation.
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