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Residents press council on policing and Citizens Police Academy conduct; council asks administration to seek reconciliation
Summary
Multiple residents accused a La Marque police officer of repeated intrusive stops and alleged biased conduct. The council debated the status of the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association and an MOU; the administration has waived the MOU for now and council directed staff to seek a meeting with the alumni and report back.
Dozens of residents used the Oct. 13 public-comment period to press the City Council about policing practices, alleging repeated, unfair traffic stops and harassment by specific officers and calling for leadership changes and accountability.
Why it matters: Several speakers described repeated stops and searches they said were unwarranted, named a specific officer (badge 531), and said complaints to the department had not led to corrective action. Those allegations prompted a lengthy council discussion about the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, which several residents and council members said has become a source of division rather than a bridge between police and the community.
Public comment and accusations Residents provided detailed accounts of traffic stops and searches they said were improper. Nicholas Rokey and other speakers said they had documented patterns of financial and reporting failures by the city's administration and then tied those concerns to policing and fairness. Multiple residents specifically cited an officer with badge number 531 and described repeated stops and searches they said lacked probable cause.
Council and staff responses Police Chief Randall Aragon (referred to in public comments) acknowledged there have been citizen concerns and said the department has a liaison relating to the Citizens Police Academy. Interim City Manager Barbara Holly said past practice required a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for outside groups using city facilities or equipment, and she described waiving the MOU for the alumni association when the group no longer stored equipment on city property.
Several council members said the academy/alumni should be held to clearly stated expectations and that the city manager and chief should press for a mediated meeting to resolve disputes. Councilmember Yancey asked administration to convene the alumni and requested the city report back to the council if the alumni declines to meet. Mayor Keith Bell and others urged administrative follow-up and emphasized the need for healing and restored trust between the police and community.
What was decided Council did not enact disciplinary or legal action at the meeting. Instead, members directed the city manager and police chief to arrange a meeting with alumni leaders, examine the association's bylaws and membership procedures, and return to council with results and recommendations. Council also reminded the public that the city can limit access to city facilities or storage if a third-party group does not enter a required MOU.
Ending Council members repeatedly said the top priority was restoring community trust and ensuring the police department and volunteer partners operate under clear, equitable rules. The administration was asked to report back with the outcome of outreach to the alumni association and any recommended next steps.
