Melanie Bevan became the Chief of the Bradenton Police Department in February of 2016. She served the St. Petersburg Police Department for 29 years, retiring at the rank of Assistant Chief. She holds a Doctor of Education degree in Leadership Education and has completed numerous professional specialty certifications including the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy and the Naval Postgraduate Center for Homeland Security and Defense, Homeland Security Executive Leaders Program. She also does contract investigative work for the office of the Commissioner for Major League Baseball.