The Texas Police Chiefs Association renewed the Cleburne Police Department’s Law Enforcement Agency Best Practices Recognition following a 2020 review.
The recognition acknowledges the police department’s commitment to effective service that reduces risks and protects individual’s rights. Cleburne Police first received in the recognition in 2016. Agencies must submit annual reports and analyses to assure compliance and the association conducts an on-site inspection every four years.
“Not only do our police officers handle themselves extremely professionally but they do their job with compassion and care for those involved,” Mayor Scott Cain said.
Cleburne Police is one of 167 Texas agencies that have received the recognition. Every four years, the Association reviews a police department’s policies, operations, equipment, and more to make sure they meet the standards set by police chiefs from across the state.
“Of the 2,400 police departments in Texas only 167 have the recognized status,” Texas Recognition Program Director Max Westbrook said. “Only 94 have been re-recognized.”
In addition to being recognized as an exceptional police force, the recognition also allows Cleburne PD to apply for grant funding.
As part of its best practices, the association introduced two standards, which Cleburne Police adopted on July 14. One of the new standards requires any officer that observes another using force that is beyond what is reasonable and necessary to intervene. The other prohibits unauthorized use of force such as choke holds or carotid artery neck restraints unless justified in the use of deadly force.
“I am so proud of the men and women of the Cleburne Police Department,” Chief Rob Severance said. “They work exceptionally hard to protect and serve the community with the highest of standards.”