Page 134 - CITY OF WATAUGA, TEXAS ANNUAL BUDGET PORTRAIT

Police –

Crime Control District

Mission Statement

The Watauga Police Department will protect the community we serve 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 FY 24-25

• 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
• Implemented Crisis Response Program
• Increased Flock camera and license plate reader footprint

Goals/Objectives for FY 25-26

• 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
• Increase support and staffing of crime response program

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