Meet Tampa Police Detective Heather Bishop

Heather Bishop

Tampa police detective

Works at: TPD District 3, 3808 N. 22nd St.
Joined: 1998
Personal: 34, married, mother of one son
Hometown: Pasadena, Md.

Patch: What do you like most about your job?

Bishop: So many different things. We investigate everything from harassing phone calls to robberies and home invasions. Not every day is the same. … I like working with people. Being able to help folks in whatever they need.

Patch: How did you become interested in policing?

Bishop: My grandfather and my father are both retired law enforcement. [Her grandfather worked for the Baltimore city police, and her father for the Anne Arundel County police.] So I grew up in a law enforcement family.

Patch: What’s your most memorable call?

Bishop: One of the most rewarding things is giving victims back their property. I once worked a case where a pest-control guy had stolen an elderly woman’s wedding ring. She was everybody’s grandma. Being able to give her back something that was irreplaceable -- that was so sentimental and heartfelt.

Patch: Do you have a hero or mentor?

Bishop: My parents. My dad currently works for the FBI. My mother’s always kept me grounded in making your family a priority.

Patch: What’s your favorite color?

Bishop: Blue. It represents the sky. I love the water. I find it extremely soothing.

Patch: What’s the last movie you saw?

Bishop: My son and I rented “Megamind.” It wasn’t one of my favorites, but if the kids like it ...