Page 102 - CITY OF WATAUGA, TEXAS ANNUAL BUDGET PORTRAIT

Police Department

Mission Statement

The mission of the Watauga Police Department is to protect the community served with professionalism, integrity,
and compassion. We are committed to fostering trust through accountability, collaborative partnerships, and the
relentless pursuit of justice.

Department Overview

The Watauga Police Department provides law enforcement services to everyone lucky enough to live, visit,
work, and play in the City of Watauga. WPD works closely with our regional public safety partners to
proactively identify crime trends, respond to calls for police service, and enforce both local ordinances and
state laws. Comprised of thirty-eight sworn peace officers and sixteen professional staff members, the
Watauga Police Department is committed to policing with excellence and integrity.

The Watauga Police Department, led by Chief of Police Jim Lewis, includes the Administrative Bureau and the
Operations Bureau. Under the purview of the Administrative Bureau are the Criminal Investigations Unit,
Property and Records Unit, Animal Services Unit and Code Enforcement Unit. The Operations Bureau directs
the Patrol Division and the Traffic Enforcement Unit. The Professional Standards Unit reports directly to
Assistant Chief of Police Kevin Mead and is responsible for coordinating training, equipment procurement, and
investigating personnel policy violations and complaints. The Watauga Police Department is committed to
being good stewards of the resources to which it has been entrusted, maintaining an atmosphere of community
partnership, ensuring transparency, and supporting the development of personnel to create future leaders.

Highlights/Achievements for FY2025

• Exceeded staffing goals through the addition of a new Chief of Police, Assistant Chief of Police,
Lieutenant, Sergeant, Corporal, Code Officer, Animal Control Officer, Records Supervisor, Property Clerk,
Records Clerk, and Executive Administrator
• Implementation of Leadership training
• Met Texas Commission on Law Enforcement’s “Target 100” program for state training compliance
• Implemented Peer Support and Officer Wellness Programs
• Added Crisis Response Coordinator
• Increased Flock camera and license plate reader footprint

Goals/Objectives for FY2026

• Fully staff all Divisions
• Restart VIP and Citizen Public Safety Academy
• Increase participation in community events
• Streamline records retention and reduce natural resource consumption
• Create public facing dashboards for data transparency
• Improve internal reporting to support data driven policing
• Increase recognition of staff achievements
• Optimize human resource allocation
• Develop and host public safety training for local and regional stakeholders
• Increase traffic enforcement activities
• Improve response to community questions and outreach

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