(903) 731-8436
Crime Report Form
Police Recruit Brochure
The Police Department is organized into three inter-related Bureaus 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.
POLICE ADMINISTRATION provides overall leadership and direction and is responsible for the promulgation of policies and procedures that govern the operations and personnel activities of the entire department. Administration has defined a philosophical course of action toward professional community-oriented policing services.
The Police Department Administration will foster an environment of accountability, provide overall leadership through involvement with all Department members and improve the technical capabilities of the Department through appropriate equipment acquisitions.
Use the crime analysis capabilities of the "CRIMES" network to identify repeat calls for service and work with patrol, CID and other service providers to solve these problems. Use employee evaluations and supervisor recommendations along with promising innovative approaches to policing, to determine the training needs of all Department personnel.
Ensure that a member of Police Administration is scheduled for duty between the hours of 5:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m. at least 2 days per month that will not only provide adequate supervision, but will also foster improved, continuing communication between the various inter-related units within the Department.
By April 1, 2002, have completed a thorough evaluation of department needs and purchased specifically identified equipment and new technology, which will improve our ability to serve the community. This needs assessment will have allowed input from department personnel and be ranked in terms of priority to ensure the appropriate usage of tax dollars.
Ensure that officers and dispatchers are provided appropriate training opportunities to remain in compliance with TCLEOSE minimum requirements. Continue updates of our employee records to remain in full compliance with TCLEOSE rules. This will include written notifications to those officers who are approaching non-compliance with TCLEOSE training requirements.
Continue training and mentoring 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 to recognize outstanding achievements by Department members.
Continue to sponsor and support the complete development of the Cadet Program established during FY 2000-2001, with area high schools. Continue recruitment efforts at colleges and universities.
The PATROL DIVISION is comprised of patrol officers assigned to three eight-hour shifts. The Division is commanded by the Assistant Chief of Police with each of the three 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.
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.
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 garget crime specific problems and better address community needs.
Deploy innovative traffic control measurers, 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 one DWI task force each quarter. Upon reaching adequate staffing, ensure deployment of our two motorcycle traffic officers.
The DETECTIVE DIVISION is charged with conducting investigations resulting from criminal offenses reported within the City. In an average year the Division receives just under 4,000 cases, of which approximately 2,800 are sufficient for continued investigation. The Division currently consists of five investigators and a supervisor. Criminal investigation requires special skills and expertise. The Department provides training in promising innovative approaches and technology to maintain these abilities that improve our ability to solve crimes and arrest suspects. the Division is the link between the Department and the prosecutor's office, preparing and presenting cases for prosecution. The Division provides support services to other city agencies as well as other law enforcement agencies.
Improve our ability to identify and apprehend criminal offenders. Recognizing that through the use of new innovative technology, combined with modern, well-trained criminal investigators, our efforts to solve and prevent crimes will increase.
Effectively utilize the crime analysis capabilities of our "CRIMES" computer network and the national "AFIS" (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) computer to increase the clearance rate of criminal offenses.
Ensure that criminal investigation personnel are provided appropriate training opportunities to remain in compliance with TCLEOSE minimum requirements. In addition, identify and provide specialized training in areas including criminal investigation interview and interrogation, statement analysis and proactive crime prevention techniques.
Continue to review and make changes as necessary to the division's case management system, providing timely updates to victims and complainants.