State of Public Safety Address

Premont Police Chief's State of Public Safety Address
2 April 2025
City of Premont, TX

Good morning, Premont!

It’s an honor to stand before you today as the Chief of Police and provide an update on the state of our police department, the work we’ve been doing, and how we’re continuing to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

I want to begin by acknowledging the incredible dedication and hard work of our officers. Each day, our officers put on their uniforms and step out into our community with the mission of keeping Premont safe. Their commitment is unmatched, and we are grateful for their professionalism and service.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

Over the past year, we’ve strengthened our partnerships with local organizations, schools, and residents. Our officers have participated in numerous community events and programs, aiming to build trust and communication between the police department and the community we serve. We’ve hosted meetings, school safety programs and trainings, and even organized community events to encourage positive interactions between residents and law enforcement. Your participation in National Night Out during our Grito Fest 2024 was amazing!

We believe that safety is not just about enforcement, but also about partnership. We’re here to serve you, and it’s crucial that we work together as a community to keep Premont a safe place for everyone.

Crime and Public Safety

Thanks to the hard work of our dedicated officers, Premont continues to move forward in becoming a safer place to call home. The timely reporting and investigation of crimes continues to be a focus of our department, and violent crimes committed have remained relatively low. However, we know that every crime, no matter how small, impacts someone’s life, and we will continue to work tirelessly to address all public safety concerns.

Last year (2024) the Premont Police Department generated 2,133 Calls for Service, 1,798 Traffic Stops/Vehicle Contacts, 265 Offense Reports, and 1,987 Business Checks.

Our department has also prioritized traffic safety, with officers increasing patrols in high-traffic areas and responding quickly to accidents and incidents. We’ve also introduced new initiatives to combat impaired and distracted driving, and we will continue to advocate for safer roads for all.

Premont Police Department continues to also provide School Based Law Enforcement Officers to the Premont Independent School District for the safety of our children and campuses. We are proud to have a wonderful working relationship with our school district that allows the Officers to work closely with our community’s youth. This helps shape positive interactions and outcomes when dealing with school issues both on and off campus.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

While we have made great strides, we face ongoing challenges. Like many small towns, we work with limited resources, but we make every effort to maximize the impact of our budget to ensure our officers are well-equipped and supported.

One area we’re focused on is improving our department’s training and ensuring that our officers have access to the latest tools and techniques for handling complex situations, from mental health crises to domestic violence. We’re committed to enhancing our officers' skills and ensuring they have the support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.

Future Plans and Goals

Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue our efforts to improve the quality of life for everyone in Premont. In the coming year, we plan to:

1. Expand our Community Policing Initiatives – We will deepen our involvement in the community, strengthening relationships with residents and local businesses. Our officers will spend more time engaging with the community in non-enforcement roles, such as mentoring youth, volunteering in the community, and hosting safety workshops.

2. Upgrade Technology and Equipment – We are working on securing grants to update our fleet and enhance our crime-fighting technology. This will help us improve our response times and overall efficiency. We are also laying down a foundation for future growth by purchasing and renovating the vacated Premont nursing home as the future home of the Premont Police Department. Having this building will soon allow us to have our own police dispatch center, centralizing and improving police response and services. This investment will see further positive fiscal dividends as we are planning on renting office space to other law enforcement entities. This further centralizes our local, county, state, and federal public safety agencies to our community, ensuring increased public safety and emergency response.

3. Recruitment and Retention – As the town grows, we will continue to recruit the best candidates to serve as officers, ensuring that we have a highly trained and diverse police force. We will also focus on officer wellness to reduce burnout and ensure that our officers are healthy and ready to serve. We will strive to create an environment that is not only conducive to the growth and overall job satisfaction of our officers, but in retaining them to continue serving the City of Premont.

Gratitude and Appreciation

I would like to thank the citizens of Premont for your continued support. Without your trust and collaboration, none of our progress would be possible. Together, we are creating a safer, stronger community.

In conclusion, while challenges remain, the Premont Police Department is fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of all who live, work, and visit here. We will continue to serve with integrity, professionalism, and a dedication to making Premont a place where everyone can feel safe and welcome.

Thank you, and may God bless you all.

Chief Ricardo R. Garcia