The Brownwood Police Department was recently recognized by the Texas Law Enforcement Agency Best Practices Recognition Program and received their “Recognized Status” certificate on Tuesday at the Brownwood City Council meeting.
Chief Stan Standridge of Abilene Police Department made the presentation as one of the members of the Recognition Committee of the Texas Police Chiefs’ Association. He stated that there are 2600 law enforcement agencies in Texas and that Brownwood Police Department is the 86th department to receive recognized status, making the department “one of the best of the best.”
“Your police department is one of the very best in the state,” said Standridge.
He explained that the BPD began this recognition process approximately a year and a half ago and that this difficult program is voluntary. The program is not easy to comply with and requires an outside audit that is very thorough, according to Standridge. To meet the requirements, a department must show they meet or exceed 165 standards of police service. The department will be required to maintain these high standards and will be reassessed every four years.
Mayor Stephen Haynes thanked the police force for their achievement.
“You may be small as compared to some cities but that doesn’t mean you cannot strive to be the very best and professional in everything. So thank you chief,” said Mayor Haynes.
City Manager Bobby Rountree echoed the mayor’s appreciation and thanked the officers.
“Obviously because the administrative rules and guidelines are written, but doesn’t mean that they are always enforced,” said Rountree to Chief Corley. “That is something that I know you and your staff continually strive to make sure you enforce the guidelines. I’ve seen a tremendous change since you got here, and I appreciate that.”
Pictured above left to right are: BPD Lt. Randall Krpoun, APD Chief of Police Stan Standridge and BPD Chief of Police Mike Corley as the presentation was made.
In other matters on Tuesday’s agenda:
*Council passed an ordinance on first reading changing the zoning classification for Banks of the Bayou Subdivision, Lots 1-23, Block 1; being 3.042 acres out of the WH Irion Survey 52, Abstract 537, known as 304-506 Riverside Park Drive from R1B Patio Home Residential District to C1 Local Business District.
*Council approved appointing members to a flood plain appeal and variance board.
*An ordinance was approved on second and third/final readings to close a 12’ wide alley at 111 Morris Street in Block 4 of the Woodland Addition, beginning at Morris Street and continuing northeast for approximately 103’.
*An ordinance was approved on second and third/final readings approving the Fiscal Year 2012/2013 budget amendments.
*Council cancelled the second regularly scheduled City Council meeting in December, which would have been scheduled on December 24, 2013.
*City Manager Bobby Rountree reported that the fire station construction has progressed with select fill being placed in the excavated portion of the foundation. Plumbing will be started on Wednesday, according to Rountree.
*Depending on the weather, Rountree also reported that the Truman Harlow overpass will be closed for several hours, beginning at 8:00 a.m. This closure is being made to reinstall light poles which were damaged in a traffic accident, which occurred several months ago. Maintenance of signage on the overpass will also be performed during this closure.
