Trinidad Police Department Ordered to Disband After State Finds Minimum-Standard Failures

On September 9, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement notified Mayor Dennis Haws that Trinidad’s license to operate its own police department was being revoked. The agency concluded the department “failed to meet minimum standards” and could not demonstrate a public benefit. Law-enforcement responsibilities will be transferred to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office.

The Independent

On April 21, the city issued a notice urging residents to boil tap water to “avoid harmful bacteria.” Subsequent environmental testing confirmed problems with the water supply. In May, resident Jennifer Combs posted on Facebook that reports linked the water to hospitalizations. A grand jury later declined to indict, and the charge was dropped. A protester arrested for displaying a sign criticizing the police also had his misdemeanor charge dismissed. The arrests generated national outcry and prompted the state investigation.

The Independent

Mayor Dennis Haws said the revocation was unsurprising, noting “there’s been a lot of neglect through the years” and that the city is moving toward a positive direction. Former Police Chief Charles Gregory, who defended the arrests, had earlier told the city council he had “nothing to hide” before resigning in June. After the shutdown, the Henderson County District Attorney’s Office announced it would no longer accept cases from the Trinidad Police Department.

Daily Wire

• The Trinidad Police Department employed five full-time officers and several part-time officers.

The Independent

• The state audit found the agency lacked 18 required policies, including those governing professional conduct, use of force, vehicle pursuits, and active-shooter response.

Daily Wire

• “There’s been a lot of neglect through the years,” — Dennis Haws, notified trinidad mayor

Daily Wire

• “For months, citizens who questioned this department were dismissed, attacked and in my case arrested,” — Jennifer Combs

Daily Wire