The Challenge in Belton, Texas
The small town of Belton, Texas sits between Austin and Waco, just off of I 35. The location of the city-between two large metropolises, just off a major highway, is fueling the growth of the town at a rapid pace that is expected only to increase over the next few years. Critical to managing that growth is a disciplined and engaged police force that is responsive to the community’s needs. At the time, the Belton police force was focused more on highway patrol than on serving the citizens of the community. Relations between the community and the police force were strained and many of the community’s needs were being unmet.
Charting a Solution
Belton needed strategic plan that would guide them in managing future growth while at the same time addressing some of the critical needs that were immediately facing the community. Drawn to ICMA Center for Public Safety Management Director of Research and Public Safety Programs Leonard Matarese’s experience in both city management and as a police chief, the city turned to him to provide a solution. ICMA Center for Public Safety Management conducted an extensive review of Belton’s police service and met with members of the city council, to assess the current staffing and deployment of the police and devise a plan that would better meet the community’s needs while creating a guide for moving forward. The recommendations made by ICMA chartered a new path for the community.
Findings and Recommendations
Led by Matarese, ICMA Center for Public Safety Management conducted a three-pronged analysis of the police force, covering the workload, deployment and response times. Over the course of their assessment, the team found significant inconsistencies in the department. Members of the police force supplied their own equipment, including handguns, and did not wear their uniform while on duty. Further, the police concentrated the majority of their efforts on highway patrol.
During the course of the study, the police chief left his position, giving Belton an opportunity to make a significant culture change in the police force. ICMA Center for Public Safety Management created guidelines to identify the next police chief and made policy recommendations as to the future course of the department. The city council advised that ICMA’s recommendations be used in the selection of the new chief of police.
Using ICMA Center for Public Safety Management's report as a roadmap, the new police chief implemented significant changes in the police force resulting in a fundamental shift in relations between the police force and the community. Under his guidance, the police force became a stronger, more disciplined presence. Regulations were implemented mandating uniforms, and city-issued handguns and the force was required to meet physical fitness standards.
The new chief implemented a citizen police academy to strengthen ties to the community. The academy gives citizens the opportunity to learn about the role of the police force in their community and develop relationships with the staff.
The new chief also deemphasized highway patrol in favor of community policing, and encourage a proactive presence in the community.
“The whole attitude of service and community orientation is very positive. The culture has changed.
I encourage anyone who needs that type of analysis to look at ICMA's service. My experience has been very positive and the community has benefited from their insight,” said Belton City Manager, Sam Listi.
About ICMA Center for Public Safety Management Services
ICMA Center for Public Safety Management Services helps create excellence in local governance through the provision of consulting services in public safety.
Contact Leonard Matarese at lmatarese@icma.org or call 716-969-1360 to schedule an appointment.