Departmental Units
The Brenham Police Department has three divisions within it. The Patrol Division, Criminal Investigation Division and Community Relations.
Patrol Division: Consists of 16 certified police officers and their lieutenant. Officers patrol the city limits in police vehicles to enforce the laws and prevent crime; make traffic stops of violators, including issuing citations and warnings; respond to dispatched calls; make arrests of violators and suspects; serve arrest warrants; prepare reports in incidents; testify in court as needed; investigate vehicle accidents; perform searches of vehicles and persons; and investigate crime scenes, including taking photographs and fingerprints.
All officers are certified by TECLEOSE and receive continuing education and training on a regular basis. Patrol officers may also serve in specialized units, including the Bike Patrol, Motorcycle Unit, SWAT Team and Hostage Negotiation Team. Officers choosing to participate in any of those units receiving specalized training. Officers are required to be high school graduates and are encouraged to pursue higher education degrees.
All units are equipped with standard policing tools, including radar, video cameras, mobile radios and Stinger spike systems. The Patrol Division is the largest one within the department and is supervised by the Patrol Lieutenant. The Field Training Officer program also operates within this division as does the School Resource Officer program.
Criminal Investigation Division: Consists of five detectives and a sergeant and is supervised by the CID Lieutenant. This division is responsible for the investigation and/or follow up investigation of offenses reported to the Brenham Police Department. In a joint cooperative initiative, one detective has been assigned to the local housing authority to reduce crime and address issues identified by housing authority residents as affecting their quality of life. One detective specializes in Narcotics Enforcement. The CID also works with local businesses to develop strategies to reduce burglary, forgery and theft.
Community Relations Division: One officer is assigned as a liaison between the Office of the Chief of Police and the community. He oversees community related programs, including the Citizens Police Academy, Citizens on Patrol, Police Explorers, Honor Guard, Anti-Drinking and Driving Program and Crime Stoppers.