Department Biography

The City of Brownwood is located in west central Texas and is the county seat for Brown County.  Incorporated in 1884, Brownwood was settled by farmers and cattle ranchers and was later dominated by the cotton industry.  Brownwood went through two boom periods in the first half of the twentieth century; that being the oil industry and later the formation of Camp Bowie during World War II.

Today, with a population of 19,288 Brownwood is home to many industries.  Our community’s economic base has diversified and broadened through cooperative efforts between the City and industry leaders such as 3M, Kohler, and Superior Essex.  These companies are major community employers along with the Brownwood Regional Medical Center and Brownwood Independent School District.  An increase in local businesses, additional health services, tourism and retirement contribute to making this community “Feel like Home”.

The Brownwood Law Enforcement Center (LEC) is located at 1050 W. Commerce.  Dedicated in 2001, the LEC is the law enforcement hub for Brown County. It is home to the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Brown County Jail, Brownwood Municipal Court and the Brownwood Police Department.  The Brownwood Police Department employs thirty-nine sworn police officers, sixteen communications officers, and seven civilian staff members.  The Department is a Local Government Code Chapter 143 Civil Service agency.  

The Operations Division is commanded by a Lieutenant who oversees the Patrol Division and Criminal Investigations Division (CID).  The Patrol Division consists of twenty six officers who work 12 hour shifts.  Each patrol shift consists of a Sergeant, Corporal and four to five Patrol Officers.  The Criminal Investigation Division consists of a Sergeant and five Detectives.  

The Special Services Division is commanded by a Lieutenant who oversees two School Resource Officers and two animal control officers.  The Special Services Lieutenant also oversees and manages all Departmental training. 

The Administration Division consists of the Chief, Assistant Chief, one narcotics investigator, one Records Manager, one administrative assistant and one evidence custodian.  

The Communications Division is commanded by the Communications Manager.  The Division consists of three 8 hour shifts led by a Communications Supervisor and three Communications Officers.  The Communications Division is the 911 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for Brown County and handles all 911 calls.  Communications provides primary dispatch services for the Brownwood Police Department, Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Early Police Department and the Bangs Police Department.  Dispatch service is also provided for the Brownwood Fire Department and 10 volunteer fire departments across Brown County.