"Since law enforcement agencies began partnering with citizens through community policing, we've seen significant drops in crime rates."
- US Attorney General, John Ashcroft

Chief Dorene Thomas - Pinellas Park Police Department

Chief Dorene Thomas began her law enforcement career with St. Pete Beach Police Department as a Parking Enforcement Officer, and was later assigned as an Identification Technician. She attended the Pinellas Police Academy to enable her to take a position as a Reserve Officer. She was hired as a Pinellas Park Police Officer in May 1980. She has worked in Patrol, Vice, and in the Detective Section. She has been a Supervisor in Patrol, Criminal Investigations, and in Special Services, Supervising Planning and Research, Training, Victim Assistant, and Youth Services.

Chief Thomas holds an associate's degree in police administration, a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of South Florida, and a master's degree in public administration from Golden Gate University. She spent 24 years with the United States Navy and is a Chief Petty Officer. She was named Naval Reserve Readiness Command Region Eight’s Sailor of the year in 1992. Chief Thomas has volunteered as a Pinellas County School Board Mentor, School Advisory Council member, and a Grief Facilitator for private schools.