Page 199 - City of Watauga FY22 Adopted Budget

GENERAL FUND

DEPARTMENT: POLICE
DIVISION / ACTIVITY: POLICE DIVISION – FUND 01-080
LOCATION: HOURS OF OPERATION:
7101 Whitley Road 24 hours / 365 days
Watauga, Texas 76148
Phone Number: 817-514-5870
MISSION / PROGRAMS / SERVICES:

The mission of the Watauga Police Department is to provide the highest quality police services while
safeguarding individual liberties and building positive community relationships. Our mandate is to
reduce both crime and the fear of crime through training, technology, and the implementation of the
most modern and progressive resources available. The Watauga Police Department is responsible
for all crime prevention, crime reports, crime investigations, traffic law enforcement, professional
standards, and animal services.

FY2020-2021 HIGHLIGHTS / ACHIEVEMENTS:

• . Achieved Texas Police Chiefs Association Re-Recognition status as a Best Practices Agency
• Hired one Police Officer position to become fully staffed.
• Maintained Volunteers with virtual meetings.
• Maintained the Cadet program with virtual meetings.
• Added New in house training for Officers (OC Spray, Patrol Bicycle and SFST)
• Updated FTO Program
• Updated to Axon 3 Body Cameras and Fleet 2 in car cameras with auto labeling.
• Implemented Power DMS Policy Management software and Shield for tracking employee
training, Use of Force, and injuries.

FY2021-2022 GOALS/ OBJECTIVES:

• Increase staffing levels to have a safer work environment, reduce overtime and provide a
higher level of service to citizens.
• Develop an MHMR Program
• Increase staff training by hosting more classes and reducing the cost of outside training.

MAJOR BUDGETARY ISSUES AND OPERATIONAL TRENDS:

The most prominent issue facing our department is the national trend of negative publicity relating to
police activity. This negative publicity creates a lower candidate pool of applicants and can decrease
retention of officers. In addition to the national publicity and increasing number of non-enforcement
related tasks that continue to be placed on officers taking time away from enforcement and prevention
of crime.

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