Page 186 - Watauga FY22-23 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.

FY2021-2022 HIGHLIGHTS / ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Created and implemented an Honor Guard team
• Maintained minimum staffing levels on Patrol utilizing staff assigned to other areas
• Passed TCOLE Audit
• Passed CJIS Audit
• Promoted two Sergeants
• Promoted three Corporals
• Began the purchase of a new weapons system for officers funded by Certificate of Obligations

FY2022-2023 GOALS/ OBJECTIVES:

• Become fully staffed using recruiting bonus and seeking certified officers from outside the metro
area
• Transition to a new weapons system for all officers
• Increase utilization of Bike Patrol for crime prevention and community policing when staffing
allows
• Increase the use of technology to aid in investigating crime and criminal activity

MAJOR BUDGETARY ISSUES AND OPERATIONAL TRENDS:

• Even more so now than in the past years recruiting qualified applicants is our greatest struggle
to due several issues. These issues are salary, benefits and an overall lack of candidates
wanting to be officers.

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