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Chief Arata updates CCPD board on recruitment, safety programs, drone review and covered‑parking plans
Summary
Chief Arata told the CCPD board the department expects to offer a cadet position soon, described traffic safety and micro‑mobility ordinance proposals, outlined an expansion of the elderly ‘take‑back’ ID program, previewed a covered‑parking RFP and paused the drone program pending a federal NDAA report.
Chief Arata provided a multi‑part update to the CCPD board on staffing, safety programs and technology during the Nov. 19 meeting.
On recruitment, Arata said the department expects to make an offer to a recruit within days. The plan described is a six‑month police academy followed by four to five months of field training (FTO); CCPD funding supports an over‑hire/cadet program so a trained cadet can fill vacancies as officers rotate into other positions.
Traffic and micro‑mobility were a central part of the update. Arata said the town commissioned a traffic safety study and that enforcement and data show where speeding occurs; he proposed two sets of policy responses: (1) consider requiring seat belts on golf carts when transporting children and (2) follow Flower Mounds‑style micro‑mobility rules that would set helmet and lighting requirements for certain classes of e‑bikes and scooters. He stressed the department will take proposed language to a council workshop before bringing any ordinance for a vote.
Arata described the elderly take‑back program as an important community service for residents with dementia. The department has about 12–15 people enrolled and plans to issue ID cards with a photo and a barcode or QR code officers can scan to access emergency contact and calming information so missing residents can be returned home quickly. He said staff intend to cross‑reference records with the fire department while observing HIPAA constraints.
On transparency and data, staff said they are exploring a crime‑data dashboard on the town website that would pull real‑time information from the department’s Mark43 CAD system and display dashboards for crime statistics, annual reporting, use‑of‑force, pursuits and policies.
Arata also noted an RFP for covered parking at the police facility will likely be advertised next month; he said recent hail damage has cost roughly $150,000 in repairs over the past few years, which informed the need for covered parking options.
Finally, Arata said the department paused decisions about a drone purchase pending a mandated federal review in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA); the report due in Dec. 2025 could change how Chinese‑manufactured drones and parts are allowed, so the department will revisit the drone program after the federal guidance is issued.
Board members asked clarifying questions about shelters and emergency management after severe weather; Arata said schools (elementary or middle) and Byron Nelson are likely first sheltering sites and noted coordination with neighboring Roanoke on emergency operations.
The board will revisit these operational items at future meetings and in planned workshops with town council.
