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Wichita Falls council approves independent review of police policies and training
Summary
The City Council approved a $273,913 contract with 21CP Solutions for a four- to six-month independent review of police use of force, training, supervision and department culture, with staged findings and public engagement required. Residents urged transparency during public comment.
The Wichita Falls City Council voted March 17 to amend the Police Department’s fiscal 2026 budget and contract with 21CP Solutions LLC for an independent review of use-of-force policies, training, supervisory oversight and organizational culture in a phased process not to exceed $273,913.
City staff described the four-phase review as research and analysis, policy and training comparison with national best practices, a cultural assessment involving surveys and focus groups, and a final prioritized report with implementation timelines and measurable metrics. The consultant team includes practitioners with law-enforcement and training backgrounds and will produce findings memoranda at the end of each phase.
Council members said the process will be transparent and will include community engagement. A 21CP representative, Sean Smoot, told the council the team will meet with officers and community members and produce interim findings during the engagement.
During public comment, Crystal Washington urged greater transparency in police-related investigations and records releases, citing delays in obtaining body-camera footage in a high-profile local case. Washington said selective releases and extended delays have eroded trust and asked the council to prioritize openness.
The ordinance passed on a voice vote. Staff said the review will take roughly four to six months to complete and that documents and final deliverables will be made public as appropriate.
