In 2021, my family and I were newcomers to this great city and we were immediately welcomed with open arms. We quickly made lasting friendships and learned that the Abilene Police Department has a family-oriented culture that mirrors our amazing community. For that, I am truly grateful.
As an organization, we saw great progress last year. After careful evaluation of departmental processes, goals, personnel assignments, and structure, we implemented initiatives aimed at improving supervisory span of control and holistic oversight of day to day operations. A third Assistant Chief of Police and the Support Services Division were created. Within the Investigations Division, the Major Investigations and Special Investigations Bureaus were established. We re-purposed a street enforcement unit into the Surveillance Apprehension and Tactics Team (S.A.T.T.) whose new mission is to remove from the community persons wanted on local, state and federal criminal charges – thereby improving public safety.
Our department also enhanced recruiting efforts and community relations by appointing an Administrative Sergeant to a “Tri-Position”, which has responsibility for recruiting, neighborhood services, and assisting with media relations. We have taken a vested interest in employee wellness and victim services by adding a Victim’s Advocate / Employee Wellness Coordinator position.
Looking forward, we will continue our pursuit to acquire innovative technology that will increase efficiency in operations and support intelligence-led, constitutional policing approaches.
I am proud of the great women and men of the Abilene Police Department for having achieved our annual goals. I am most proud for not only what they do, but also for how they do it. I am excited to see this team’s continuing success in 2022 and beyond.
Marcus Dudley, Jr.
Chief of Police
Email: apd-administration-user-group@abilenetx.gov