Texas Regulator Moves To Strip Trinidad Police Of Authority To Operate
Texas' law-enforcement regulator has moved to revoke the Trinidad Police Department's authority to appoint or employ licensed officers, with the suspension set to take effect Friday, Sept. 18.[1]
The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement found the department failed to meet minimum standards, could not show it provided a public benefit, lacked 18 mandated policies and had deficiencies in bullet-resistant vests and secure evidence storage.[1] Interim Police Chief Cameron Beckham told the city council on Tuesday, Sept. 15, that prior management caused many of the problems and that several issues have since been addressed.[1]
Mayor Dennis Haws said the city will meet with counsel on the morning of Friday, Sept. 18, to decide whether to seek an injunction, appeal the decision, or accept the shutdown.[1] A Texas Rangers investigation into Trinidad remains open.[1] Resident Jennifer Combs was arrested May 20 after a Facebook post about water concerns; a grand jury declined to indict, and she has filed a federal lawsuit alleging political retaliation.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On September 9, 2026, TCOLE notified Trinidad Mayor Dennis Haws that it will revoke the city police department's authority to appoint or continue employing licensed officers effective Friday, September 18, 2026.
- TCOLE found the department failed to meet minimum standards, could not show it provided public benefit, lacked 18 mandated policies and had deficiencies in bullet-resistant vests and secure evidence storage.
- Interim Police Chief Cameron Beckham told the city council on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, that prior management caused the problems and said many issues have been addressed.
- Resident Jennifer Combs was arrested May 20, 2026, on a felony charge after a Facebook post about water concerns; a grand jury declined to indict, and she has filed a federal lawsuit alleging political retaliation.
- Mayor Haws said the city will meet counsel on the morning of Friday, September 18, 2026, to decide whether to seek an injunction, appeal, or accept the shutdown, while a Texas Rangers investigation into Trinidad remains open.
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