Local police chief appointed to Statewide Council on Human Trafficking

Bradenton Chief of Police Melanie Bevan has been appointed to the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking, Gov. Rick Scott’s office announced on Wednesday.

Scott appointed Bevan to fill a vacant seat on the board until the end of that term on June 30.

Bevan, 52, has led the Bradenton Police Department since becoming chief in February 2016. With more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, Bevan began her career at the St. Petersburg Police Department, where she rose through the ranks to assistant chief of police, commanding the administrative bureau before leaving for Bradenton.

“I’m thrilled and glad he has the confidence that I will carry an important message forward,” Bevan told the Herald.

Bevan said she was humbled by the appointment and Scott’s confidence in her on such an important initiative.

“I will work hard in my capacity as the Bradenton police chief to further the mission of this council,” she added.

Bevan found it fitting that she was at a Selah Freedom event on Wednesday evening when she was surprised with the news of her appointment. Selah Freedom, headquartered in Sarasota, is national organization committed to the prevention and education on human trafficking and outreach to victims.

Bevan hopes to bring more education and awareness to the community through her appointment, she said.

This story was originally published November 15, 2017 at 9:25 PM with the headline "Local police chief appointed to Statewide Council on Human Trafficking."