Tampa Police Not Shirking Beyonce Duty

TAMPA, FL — While the Miami Police union is calling for cops to boycott Beyonce’s Marlin Park show, Tampa Police officers are signing up to work extra duty during the performer’s April 29 Raymond James Stadium stop.

Rumors have been circulating that Tampa officers decided to give Beyonce the big brush off following her Super Bowl 50 appearance, during which she gave nods to the Black Lives Matter and Black Panthers movements. Some media outlets have reported that no Tampa Police officers have signed up to provide security during the second stop on the singer’s Formation World Tour.

“The emails just went out requesting people to work and while yes, some declined, many officers have signed up to work the concert,” Andrea Davis, Tampa Police Department spokeswoman, told Patch. “The fact they said zero is just flat out wrong.”

Hoping to debunk the rumors, TPD took to its Twitter page, as well. The agency reports the event will be fully staffed.

“What?! @Tampa PD officers have been in #formation for days signing up to keep the #Beehive safe! #Truth #Fact,” the agency tweeted Thursday afternoon.

See Also:

• New Jersey Troopers ‘Disgusted’ By Beyonce’s Super Bowl Show

Beyonce’s Super Bowl appearance has inflamed law enforcement agencies across the country, prompting some to take stands and others to issue statements. News of Miami’s proposed boycott broke late Wednesday. The singer’s Formation World Tour is expected to kick off at Marlins Park on April 27.

“I challenge Beyoncé to review the 86-page report written by the United States Department of Justice on the death investigation of Michael Brown,” Miami Fraternal Order of Police President Javier Ortiz was quoted by the Miami New Times as saying. “Hands up, don’t shoot was built on a lie.”

Ortiz went on to ask all “law enforcement labor organizations to join our boycott.”

He’s not the only law enforcement official angered for the Super Bowl halftime show.

The New Jersey State Troopers Fraternal Association fired off a letter to the NFL following Beyonce’s performance. Association president Christopher Burgos said Beyonce’s performance was a “blatant anti-police message” and went on to say his organization was “disgusted” and “shocked” by the show.

Tickets for Beyonce’s Tampa appearance went on sale Tuesday via Live Nation. The prices start at $45 and go up to more than $280.

Photo courtesy of Live Nation

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