The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement plans to revoke the Trinidad Police Department’s authority to appoint or continue employing licensed officers effective Friday. In a Sept. 9 letter, the regulator said the department failed to meet minimum standards and could not show that it provided a public benefit to the community. The action follows months of controversy involving arrests linked to complaints about the city’s water supply, questions about police procedures and an ongoing state investigation.
City officials are preparing to meet with legal counsel to consider possible responses, including an injunction or appeal. Interim Chief Cameron Beckham disputed parts of the regulator’s findings and said many deficiencies had been corrected.
| 1) | Regulator announces action against the department |
| 2) | Missing policies and basic equipment cited |
| 3) | Water complaints brought scrutiny to Trinidad police |
| 4) | City weighs legal options as investigations continue |
| 5) | Revocation leaves continuing obligations |
Regulator announces action against the department
The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement said in a letter to Trinidad Mayor Dennis Haws that the department had failed to satisfy minimum standards. The planned action, effective Friday, would revoke the agency’s authority to appoint or continue employing licensed officers. Regulators also said the department was unable to provide evidence that it offered a public benefit to the community.
The decision concerns the small city’s police agency and follows months of public controversy. It does not end the city’s other responsibilities, including maintaining records and addressing unresolved matters identified by the regulator.
Missing policies and basic equipment cited
TCOLE identified deficiencies in essential resources and department procedures. The agency reportedly lacked bullet-resistant vests and secure evidence storage, raising concerns about officer safety and the handling of evidence.
The regulator also said 18 required policies were missing. Those policies covered use of force, vehicle pursuits, professional conduct, active-shooter incidents and investigations into alleged misconduct. At a City Council meeting Tuesday night, Interim Chief Cameron Beckham attributed the problems to previous management and said many issues had since been addressed.
“Piss-poor management is what I’m just going to say,” Cameron Beckham told the council.
Water complaints brought scrutiny to Trinidad police
The police department came under heightened scrutiny in May after Trinidad resident Jennifer Combs was arrested on a felony charge of making a false alarm or report. She had posted on Facebook that she was collecting photographs, videos and residents’ accounts concerning problems with the city’s water supply.
Jennifer Combs said her goal was to document the complaints and encourage state investigators to test water at residents’ homes. She spent 23 hours in jail before a Henderson County grand jury declined to indict her. Citizen journalist Winston Noles was later arrested and charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct while protesting outside City Hall, but that charge was dismissed.
Former Police Chief Charles Gregory resigned in June. Jennifer Combs has filed a federal lawsuit against the city and Charles Gregory, alleging political retaliation. A judge also questioned the accuracy, completeness and reliability of information provided by Trinidad officers when seeking a search warrant connected to her arrest.
City weighs legal options as investigations continue
Mayor Dennis Haws said city leaders planned to meet with their attorney Friday morning to discuss the next steps. He said the meeting could address several options rather than focusing only on keeping the department open.
At Tuesday’s council meeting, Dennis Haws said the early meeting would give the city time to pursue measures such as an injunction or appeal if advised by counsel. He said officials would follow the legal process under the direction of the city attorney.
“We are going to work through this process according to the law and at the direction of our attorney as we go through it,” Dennis Haws said.
The Texas Rangers confirmed in July that they had opened an investigation involving Trinidad, although officials did not disclose its scope. The regulatory action therefore comes while separate legal and investigative issues remain unresolved.
Revocation leaves continuing obligations
TCOLE’s letter states that revoking the department’s authority does not remove Trinidad’s continuing obligations. Those responsibilities include maintaining personnel records, providing 2026 traffic-stop data and addressing unresolved misconduct investigations.
The city’s legal strategy and the outcome of any appeal or injunction request will determine how local law-enforcement services proceed. The regulator’s findings, however, establish that the department must address administrative, operational and documentation issues even if its authority to employ licensed officers is revoked.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | TCOLE plans to revoke Trinidad police authority effective Friday. |
| 2 | The department was cited for 18 missing policies and inadequate resources. |
| 3 | The action follows controversy over arrests connected to water-supply complaints. |
| 4 | City officials are considering legal responses, including an injunction or appeal. |
Summary
Texas regulators are moving to strip the Trinidad Police Department of its authority to employ licensed officers after finding broad policy, equipment and accountability deficiencies. The city is consulting its attorney while related lawsuits and investigations continue. Regardless of the outcome of any legal challenge, Trinidad remains responsible for records, traffic-stop data and unresolved misconduct matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is TCOLE taking action against the Trinidad Police Department?
TCOLE said the department failed to meet minimum standards, lacked 18 required policies and could not demonstrate a public benefit to the community.
When is the revocation scheduled to take effect?
The revocation of the department’s authority to appoint or continue employing licensed officers is scheduled to take effect Friday.
What options is the city considering?
City leaders plan to consult their attorney and may pursue measures such as an injunction or appeal if legal counsel recommends them.
What other investigations or legal matters are involved?
The Texas Rangers confirmed an investigation involving Trinidad, while Jennifer Combs has filed a federal lawsuit alleging political retaliation. A separate disorderly-conduct charge against Winston Noles was dismissed.
