St. Pete Police Name New Assistant Chief

A former Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office colonel is hopping across the Bay to serve in one of the St. Petersburg Police Department’s top posts.

Chief Anthony Holloway has announced that James D. Previtera is taking over the role of assistant chief over the Investigative Services Bureau.

Previtera will replace David DeKay in the role. Assistant Chief DeKay intends to retire at the end of November.

Previtera brings 28 years of law enforcement experience with him. While he most recently served as a colonel in Hillsborough, he launched his career with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. He also worked for several years with the U.S. Secret Service.

“As assistant chief, James Previtera will bring his expertise as well as a fresh set of eyes into the St. Petersburg Police Department,” Holloway said in a media release. “I am impressed with his experience in working with other agencies, both local and federal.”