Page 228 - City of Watauga FY22 Adopted Budget

SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS

DEPARTMENT: POLICE
DIVISION / ACTIVITY: WATAUGA CRIME CONTROL AND PREVENTION DISTRICT – FUND 18

LOCATION: HOURS OF OPERATION:
7101 Whitley Road 24 hours a day
Watauga, Texas 76148

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 utilizing virtual meetings
• Maintained the Cadet program utilizing virtual meetings
• Added new in-house training for Officers such as 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 create a safer work environment, reduce overtime and provide a
higher level of service to citizens
• Develop an MHMR Program as part of the strategic initiatives
• Host more in-house training classes to increase staff training opportunities while reducing
outside training costs

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 potentially
decrease officer retention. In addition, 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 is operationally detrimental.
The continuing increases in investigation supplies and testing creates budgetary constraints and
challenges.

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