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Texas Orders Trinidad Police Department Disbandment, Sheriff Takes Over

By Drooid · Sep 15, 2026, 12:38 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Texas Commission on Law Enforcement ordered Trinidad Police Department to disband.
TCOLE said the department failed minimum standards, lacking bulletproof vests, an evidence room, and two dozen policies.
Henderson County Sheriff’s Office will assume responsibility for emergency calls in Trinidad.
Member Steven Stearman said the shutdown could free funds to repair the water system sooner.
Texas Rangers continue investigating city and police officials over arrests tied to the water dispute.

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Story summary

Texas Commission on Law Enforcement ordered Trinidad Police Department to disband.
TCOLE said the department failed minimum standards, lacking bulletproof vests, an evidence room, and two dozen policies.
Henderson County Sheriff’s Office will assume responsibility for emergency calls in Trinidad.
Member Steven Stearman said the shutdown could free funds to repair the water system sooner.
Texas Rangers continue investigating city and police officials over arrests tied to the water dispute.