A police department in Trinidad, Texas, has been ordered to close by state officials after an investigation concluded it failed to provide any benefit to the community.
The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCLE) informed Trinidad's mayor, Dennis Haws, on 9 September that the agency would be disbanded. The TCLE stated the department "failed to meet minimum standards" and "was unable to provide evidence that the agency provides public benefit to the community."
The investigation was prompted by the arrest of Jennifer Combs in May, who spent a night in jail after a Facebook post suggested people were hospitalised by bacteria in Trinidad's water pipes. A supporter of Combs was also arrested for disorderly conduct after displaying a placard outside city hall; both charges were later dropped.
The department, which employed five full-time officers and several part-timers, reportedly lacked resources such as bulletproof vests and an evidence room. Other identified failings included issues with use-of-force policies, active shooter situations, vehicle pursuits, and officer professional conduct.
Mayor Haws stated the order to revoke the department's licence was "not a shock," acknowledging "a lot of neglect through the years." Police duties in Trinidad are now being transferred to the Henderson County Sheriff's office.