A message from Chief Howell..... I would like to extend my best wishes to all the citizens of Denton, and hope that everyone experiences a peaceful holiday break and has a chance to spend time with your family and loved ones. I also wish to thank everyone in our community for the high level of support you have shown to our Department and our personnel throughout the year. Events of 2014 have brought some extraordinary circumstances to our nation, and our city. However, I would remind everyone that this is not Ferguson, New York, or Los Angeles, this is Denton, and I am proud to be part of the Denton Police Department – an agency held in high regard by a great majority of our citizens. We have worked for years to lay the ground work to build and maintain the public trust, and prove that we treat people fairly, justly, and with respect, don’t condone or tolerate abuse of citizens, quickly and decisively police ourselves when we need to, and are out there every day trying to do our best to deliver excellent service. In trying times, the employees of the Denton Police Department have stepped up and responded with professionalism, dedication, and excellence, and I continue to be extremely proud to be associated with the finest group of people in law enforcement anywhere. I am also humbled by the continuous encouragement and expression of confidence we receive from members of our community. As an illustration of the level of community trust and everyone’s desire to grow it stronger, a group of about 60 people made up of law enforcement officials, city and county government, and citizens from diverse segments of the community, recently came together and pledged both better communication and a commitment to an effort that has great potential to bridge gaps in public confidence of the police for years to come. It is significant to note that the meeting was hosted by members of the NAACP and LULAC, and representatives of those organizations had very positive things to say about policing in Denton, and want to help their communities reduce fear and misunderstanding that may have been produced over the last few months. In the near future, we will continue constructive dialogue and education initiatives with community members throughout the city. We are blessed to be in a city of people who value the quality of life and will take the responsibility and initiative to make it better. Once again, thank you, and I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Lee Howell Chief of Police
Posted on: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 21:24:41 +0000