Jeff Powell, Operations Chief
(903) 731-8471

Email: jmpowell@palestine-tx.org

Program Description

The Police Department is organized into three inter-related Divisions responsible for preserving human life, maintaining public order, protecting the rights of persons and property, and enforcing all applicable laws and ordinances within the City of Palestine. The PATROL DIVISION is comprised of patrol officers assigned to four twelve hour shifts. The Division is commanded by the Operations Chief of Police with each of the four shifts under the direct supervision of a Sergeant. The responsibilities of the Patrol Division includes but are not limited to responding to calls for service, enforcement of criminal and traffic laws and the apprehension of criminal offenders. The Patrol Division is the direct link to the citizens of Palestine. Each officer has the responsibility of engaging in problem-solving techniques that are tailored to the needs of our community.

Goals

• The Police Department, together with the community of Palestine, will strive to make our City a place all people can live, work and visit safely without fear. In carrying out this task we are committed to the philosophy of "community and neighborhood policing", recognizing that in order to achieve this goal we must maintain the highest standards of professional ethics and integrity.
• Continue to provide police services: Seeking to improve our ability to identify and apprehend criminal offenders: Ensure safe and efficient traffic control resulting in increased awareness and continued reductions of motor vehicle accidents and fatalities.

Objectives

• Continuing utilizing random surveys, conducted in person by patrol personnel, citizen volunteers and civilian employees, to evaluate the level of citizen satisfaction with the delivery of police services. Address the "fear of crime" through positive interaction with citizens and participation in public meetings, forums and neighborhood meetings.
• Ensure that patrol officers and dispatchers are provided appropriate training opportunities to remain in compliance with TCLEOSE minimum requirements. Continue training and coaching our personnel to enhance their problem solving abilities as well as training to reinforce our commitment to high standards and ethics in our continuing search for excellence in policing.
• Continue our enhanced criminal warrant service activities with special emphasis on probation and parole violators who tend to be responsible for many repeat offenses. Effectively utilize the "CRIMES" network crime analysis reports, to target crime specific problems and better address community needs.
• Deploy innovative traffic control measures, based on research and analysis of traffic accident locations and areas with a high degree of non-compliance. To accomplish this objective we will employ enforcement, education, media blitzes and other coordinated efforts with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). We will conduct DWI task forces to assist in this goal. Upon reaching adequate staffing, ensure deployment of our two traffic enforcement officers.