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5 Major Shifts Inside The City Of Amarillo Police Department: New Chief, Crime Drop, And 2025 Community Initiatives

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The City of Amarillo Police Department (APD) is currently undergoing a significant period of transition and strategic realignment, marking a new chapter in its commitment to public safety and community engagement. As of the current date, December 19, 2025, the most critical update is the selection of a new Chief of Police, a pivotal leadership change that follows a comprehensive, city-wide search and the retirement of a long-serving chief. This shift in command coincides with the release of promising crime statistics and the implementation of new, dedicated community outreach programs, signaling a proactive approach to modern law enforcement challenges in the Texas Panhandle.

This article provides an in-depth look at the most recent and impactful developments within the APD, focusing on the new leadership, the measurable success in crime reduction, and the innovative units designed to strengthen the bond between officers and the residents of Amarillo. Understanding these changes is essential for any citizen or interested party seeking to comprehend the current state and future direction of the city's primary law enforcement agency.

1. The New Era of Leadership: Chief Thomas Hover's Profile

The most significant recent development is the appointment of the City of Amarillo’s next Chief of Police. After a rigorous selection process managed by the City Council and Public Sector Search & Consulting, Thomas Hover accepted a conditional offer for the position, ushering in a new era for the department.

Thomas Hover: Biographical Snapshot

  • New Role: Chief of Police for the City of Amarillo Police Department (APD).
  • Appointment Status: Accepted a conditional offer pending the completion of all pre-employment requirements.
  • Experience: Hover brings more than 25 years of extensive law enforcement experience to the role.
  • Previous Leadership: He has prior experience serving as Chief of Police in other Texas cities, including Lubbock and Rockport.
  • State-Level Service: He previously led the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), providing him with a broad, state-wide perspective on policing standards and training.
  • Military Background: Hover is also a retired Naval officer, which speaks to his background in structured leadership and strategic planning.

Hover’s selection was based on his proven leadership approach and his experience, which the City of Amarillo believes is well-suited to the current and future needs of the Amarillo Police Department. His immediate challenge will be building on the recent successes of the department while navigating the complexities of modern policing.

2. Measurable Success: The 11.5% Crime Rate Drop in 2024

Amidst the leadership transition, the Amarillo Police Department reported a major achievement in its fight against crime. The department’s annual crime report revealed a substantial decrease in overall criminal activity across the city.

  • Overall Crime Reduction: Amarillo saw an 11.5% decrease in overall crime for the 2024 reporting period.
  • Strategic Impact: This drop is a direct result of the APD's strategic deployment of resources and data-driven policing policies, a methodology that has been championed within the department to explain and justify policy decisions and technology purchases.
  • Cold Case Progress: In addition to the drop in current crime, the APD has also shared updates on significant progress made in solving cold cases throughout 2024, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to historical justice.

While the statistics are positive, APD leadership acknowledges that challenges remain, and the department continues to focus on protecting individual rights and creating a secure environment for all residents and visitors.

3. Launch of the New Community Engagement Unit (CEU)

In a major effort to strengthen the connection between officers and the public, the Amarillo Police Department officially launched its new Community Engagement Unit (CEU) in mid-2025.

The CEU is a dedicated team whose mission is to foster trust, transparency, and a collaborative spirit with the diverse communities of Amarillo. This initiative moves beyond traditional policing and focuses on proactive relationship-building.

Core Community Outreach Entities and Programs

The CEU and the broader department’s efforts are supported by several key programs and internal entities that embody the APD’s commitment to community service:

  • Neighborhood Police Officers (NPOs): These officers are integral to the community-oriented policing model, working directly on crime problems and other localized concerns within their assigned areas.
  • Citizen Police Academy: A long-standing program that educates citizens on the inner workings of the department, fostering mutual understanding.
  • Student Police Academy & Explorer Post: Programs aimed at engaging the youth, providing mentorship, and introducing them to law enforcement careers.
  • Officer Friendly Program: A learning program specifically for children, allowing them to become acquainted with police officers in a positive, non-confrontational setting.
  • Amarillo Crime Stoppers: Managed under the Investigation and Staff Services Bureau, this program provides a vital anonymous resource for the public to assist in solving crimes.
  • National Night Out: A major annual event coordinated by the Crime Prevention Unit, which relies on assistance from patrol officers to bring neighborhoods and law enforcement together.

These initiatives highlight the APD’s focus on being a full-service law enforcement agency dedicated to excellent public service, which is a key component of its overall mission.

4. The APD's Organizational Structure and Key Bureaus

The Amarillo Police Department operates with a structured organization designed to efficiently manage its diverse responsibilities, from patrol to complex investigations.

Investigation and Staff Services Bureau

This bureau is a critical part of the APD’s structure, currently commanded by Assistant Chief Joe Loftus. It encompasses several specialized units necessary for both internal support and external crime-fighting efforts. Key entities within this bureau include:

  • The Crime Prevention Unit/PIO (Public Information Office).
  • Amarillo Crime Stoppers.
  • The Records Division.
  • The Training Academy.

The bureau ensures that officers are well-trained, that public information is disseminated accurately, and that crucial crime data is managed effectively.

5. The Future Outlook: Technology and Transparency

The City of Amarillo Police Department is moving toward a future defined by increased transparency and the strategic use of technology. The department's previous leadership set a precedent for using data to explain policing policy decisions, a trend likely to continue under Chief Hover. This data-driven approach allows the department to allocate resources more effectively, targeting high-crime areas and addressing community concerns with measurable solutions.

With a new Chief of Police, a proven track record of crime reduction in 2024, and the establishment of the Community Engagement Unit in 2025, the APD is positioned to enhance its service delivery. The continued collaboration with the Amarillo City Council and community stakeholders will be vital in maintaining the momentum of safety and trust that the department is currently building.

5 Major Shifts Inside the City of Amarillo Police Department: New Chief, Crime Drop, and 2025 Community Initiatives
city of amarillo police
city of amarillo police

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