Cross Plains Deactivates City's Police Department

CROSS PLAINS, TX — The Cross Plains City Council voted Thursday to deactivate the city's police department after state officials determined it had been out of compliance with law enforcement standards since April.

The decision follows findings by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, which said the department no longer met state requirements. City officials said remaining operational while out of compliance could have resulted in fines of up to $1,000 per day.

TCOLE Deputy Chief T.J. Vineyard told council members that changes to state law require law enforcement agencies to continuously meet state standards to remain active.

Interim City Administrator Melonie K. Carey said TCOLE recommended temporarily deactivating the department while the city addresses the compliance issues and works toward reestablishing its police department.

To maintain law enforcement services, the city has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Callahan County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff's officials said response times may be longer because deputies patrol the entire county.

City leaders said the agreement will provide public safety coverage while Cross Plains works to meet state requirements and eventually restore local police services.