Northlake police report growth in staffing, more traffic enforcement and rising caseloads

At the Oct. 9 NorthlakeTown Council meeting Chief (speaker 2) reviewed the police department’s fiscal‑year update and goals for 2026, highlighting recruitment, technology and regional partnerships aimed at improving response and investigations. The chief said the department had submitted more than half — likely closer to 75% — of the ~176 policy submittals required by the Texas Police Chiefs Association as part of an effort to be a Texas best‑practice agency.

Chief (speaker 2) described technology and staffing initiatives: drone use in regional assists, plans to participate in a regional SWAT team with two approved officers, fielding additional traffic units and a planned full‑time SRO for a forthcoming middle school in Pecan Square. On staffing, he said the department could grow to about 32 sworn officers by 2026 and currently lists roughly 40 positions including part‑time personnel.

Operational metrics presented by the support/operations captain (speaker 11) showed roughly 12,526 traffic stops for the year, resulting in about 5,221 citations and 7,274 warnings, and about 5,643 911 dispatch calls. "Priority 1 calls were 6 minutes and 41 seconds to get to a call," the captain said, summarizing response‑time averages across priority levels. The presenters also reported 728 active cases opened and 284 arrests over the year.

Councilors asked clarifying questions about trends and capacity; staff said a staffing study with an academic partner (Dr. Eric Fritch, UNT) and a facilities study are underway and will be presented to council when complete. No council action was required during the update.