Police Chief Robert Kochen
Chief Robert Kochen has served as a sworn law enforcement officer in the State of Florida since 1988, bringing more than 35 years of experience in policing, including over 15 years as Chief of Police. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for strong leadership, strategic vision, and a commitment to community-focused policing.
Chief Kochen spent more than 32 years with the Tarpon Springs Police Department, where he served 12 years as chief, becoming the second longest serving Chief of Police in that agency’s history. During his tenure, he led the department to achieve its first accreditation through the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation and successfully maintained that status for more than a decade. In addition to his law enforcement leadership, he also served over seven years as Chief Assistant to the City Manager, further strengthening his experience in municipal administration and government operations.
In January 2023, Chief Kochen was appointed Chief of Police for the New Port Richey Police Department by City Manager Debbie L. Manns. Under his leadership, the department achieved its first accreditation through the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation in February 2026. He has overseen key advancements within the agency, including the integration of CAD/RMS systems with the county, implementation of the Life Improvement Facilitation Team (LIFT) to assist individuals in need, modernization of the department’s patrol fleet and technological upgrades to essential police equipment. His leadership continues to focus on innovation, accountability, and delivering high-quality police services to the community.
Chief Kochen holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Tampa College and a master's degree from Florida Metropolitan University (FMU). He is a graduate of the University of Louisville’s Southern Police Institute’s prestigious 400-hour Command Officers Development Course, as well as Florida’s Criminal Justice Executive Institutes 46th Chief’s Executive Seminar. He strongly believes in continuous learning and professional development.
He is a lifetime member of the Florida Police Chiefs Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and he previously served as president of the Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Association, where he also holds a lifetime membership.
Chief Kochen is dedicated to family and community. He has been married to his wife, Michelle, for over 30 years, and together they have two adult children. They are proud longtime residents of the New Port Richey area.
Contact Chief Kochen
Robert Kochen
Office: Police Department
Title: Police Chief
Phone: (727) 841-4550
Email: KochenR@cityofnewportrichey.org