TMPA- Texas Minute

• TMPA Takes Law Enforcement’s Voice to the Texas Capitol — TMPA Legislative Liaison John Wilkerson testified during a heated House committee hearing examining prosecutorial integrity and accountability. Travis County District Attorney José Garza’s office faced pointed questioning from lawmakers about its policies and outside influences. For Texas officers, the issue is straightforward: cops can make the arrest and build the case, but what happens after that arrest matters. TMPA will continue making sure Texas law enforcement has a voice at the Capitol.

• Harris County Deputy Shot — Suspect Captured After Overnight Manhunt — A Harris County deputy was shot while responding to a disturbance, triggering a massive overnight search for the suspected gunman. Deputies stayed on it through the night, and by Thursday morning the suspect was in custody. The wounded deputy is expected to recover. Another reminder that when one of our own is attacked, Texas law enforcement does not quit until the job is finished.

• DPS and FBI Disrupt Alleged Plot to Attack Texas State Capitol — Texas DPS says authorities received credible information about an alleged plan to carry out a violent attack on the State Capitol on October 1. DPS investigators, SWAT, the FBI, and local law enforcement worked through the night before arresting a 40-year-old Converse man on a felony terroristic-threat charge. Details of the alleged plot remain under investigation, but the case highlights the intelligence work and coordinated police response happening behind the scenes to protect Texans.

• Cash Flies During Pearland Police Chase — A police pursuit tied to an ATM fraud investigation took an unusual turn when cash began flying from the suspects’ vehicle. Pearland Police ultimately made arrests, proving once again that throwing evidence out the window is not exactly a winning legal strategy.

• Austin ICE Shooting Sparks Political Reaction Before Investigation Is Complete — After an ICE officer shot and wounded a Venezuelan man in Austin, political criticism came quickly while key facts were still being investigated. Austin Police did not fire the shots, but local law enforcement was left dealing with the fallout. TMPA’s message is simple: release the evidence, investigate the facts, and hold people accountable when warranted — but stop putting officers in the middle of political rhetoric before the investigation is finished.

• Man Claiming to Be Police Officer Opens Fire on Harris County Deputies — Newly released body-camera footage shows a man who reportedly claimed to be a police officer pull a handgun and open fire on deputies after they asked for identification. Deputies returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect. The incident is another reminder that even the most routine-looking call can turn deadly in seconds.

• San Marcos Council Member Arrested in Austin — San Marcos City Council Member Lorenzo Gonzalez is facing an assault-on-a-public-servant charge following an arrest in Austin. Gonzalez has been viewed by some as less supportive of law enforcement, though his individual record is not entirely clear. What is clear is that San Marcos City Council has had a rocky relationship with police-related issues. TMPA believes San Marcos officers deserve city leaders who give them the tools, resources, and support necessary to do their jobs.

• TMPA Push Leads to Policy Change in Montgomery County — After TMPA raised concerns last week over how the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office communicated with one of our members following an officer-involved shooting, District Attorney Mike Holley reached out directly to TMPA. Holley advised that his office has changed its policy moving forward and has also agreed to join the Blue Grit Podcast next month to discuss what happened, what changed and how communication between prosecutors and law enforcement can improve.

• Blue Grit Episode 140: Follow the Money — CPA Wade Steen joins the latest episode of Blue Grit to explain how law enforcement associations can dig into government financials, reserves, fund transfers and audited reports during contract negotiations. When cities claim there is no money for competitive police pay, Wade breaks down how association leaders can challenge that argument with facts, numbers and a better understanding of where public dollars are actually going.

• Montgomery County Plea Deal Raises Serious Concerns — A suspect accused of leading law enforcement on a lengthy high-speed pursuit and then pointing a firearm at a Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office deputy received a 15-year plea deal. According to information provided to TMPA, nobody from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office — including the deputy directly involved — was contacted until after the agreement had already been finalized. TMPA believes law enforcement officers who are victims of violent crimes deserve to have their voices heard before a plea agreement is finalized.

• Hays County Commissioners Question Axon AI — Hays County Commissioners recently raised concerns over artificial intelligence, data ownership and accountability while considering a long-term contract with Axon. The Hays County Sheriff’s Office agreed that additional AI features would not be activated without Commissioners Court approval, including Axon’s Draft One AI report-writing technology. As AI becomes more common in law enforcement, TMPA believes strong policies, transparency and safeguards must keep pace with the technology.

• Texas A&M Police X Feed Delivers Again — If you’re not following Texas A&M University Police on X during football season, you’re missing out. While the Aggies handled business on the field, TAMU Police documented a busy night in the stands involving intoxication arrests, questionable decisions and some unforgettable interactions with officers. The department managed to keep more than 100,000 fans safe while also producing some of the best law enforcement content on social media. College football is officially back.

• Tropical Storm Edouard — Texas Prepared for the Worst — Southeast Texas avoided the worst-case scenario from Tropical Storm Edouard, but heavy rain, flooding concerns and power outages still created dangerous conditions across the region. TMPA highlighted the reality that law enforcement must remain operational through severe weather, responding to calls and protecting communities while facing the same storm impacts as everyone else. For more, listen to Blue Grit Podcast #139, “TROPICAL STORM EDOUARD: TEXAS PREPARED FOR THE WORST,” featuring TMPA Field Representatives Robby Campbell and Leighton Guarnere.

• Why Flock Cameras Matter to Law Enforcement — Automated license plate readers, including Flock cameras, continue to face criticism over privacy concerns, but they remain an important investigative tool for law enforcement. These systems can help identify suspect vehicles, locate stolen vehicles, connect crimes across jurisdictions and provide investigators with critical leads. TMPA’s position is that strong safeguards and accountability should guide the use of this technology — not eliminating tools that can help officers solve crimes and locate dangerous suspects.

• Collin County Deputy Pay Concerns — TMPA is monitoring a developing compensation issue involving the Collin County Sheriff’s Office, where proposed changes to the county’s pay-comparison methodology could reduce top-out earning potential for deputies. With Collin County continuing to grow and North Texas agencies competing for experienced officers, TMPA believes deputy compensation should reflect the actual regional market. Competitive pay is essential to recruiting, retaining and supporting experienced law enforcement officers.

• Helmets with Heroes in Wimberley — Wimberley Head Coach Wes Lambert put a law enforcement-focused twist on the traditional “Decals with Dads” event by inviting Wimberley Fire Rescue and the Hays County Sheriff’s Office to help place decals on players’ helmets ahead of the 2026 season. TMPA thanks Coach Lambert, Hays County Sheriff Anthony Hipolito, and the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office for investing in the community and showing young athletes the importance of service, sacrifice and standing behind those who protect others.

• TMPA Calls on Balcones Heights Mayor to Resign — Balcones Heights Mayor Johnny Rodriguez was arrested Wednesday on a misdemeanor assault warrant stemming from an incident following Monday night’s City Council meeting. TMPA says the arrest is only the latest example of ongoing dysfunction, instability and failed leadership at City Hall. With repeated controversy continuing to overshadow city business, TMPA is calling on Rodriguez to resign and allow Balcones Heights to move forward with new leadership.

• Cleburne Officer Shot During Johnson County Critical Incident — TMPA Regional Attorney Robert Rogers responded Tuesday to assist members of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office following an officer-involved shooting. TMPA later learned that a Cleburne Police Officer was shot in the leg during the incident. Thankfully, the officer is recovering, and TMPA is asking everyone to keep the officer, his family, and all involved in their thoughts.

• Blue Grit Podcast #138 — Blinded by the Line of Duty — Former Fayette County Deputy Calvin “C.J.” Lehmann joins his Academy classmate and longtime friend, Williamson County Deputy Shawn Feldmann, to share the story of the line-of-duty shooting that left C.J. blind and ultimately ended his law enforcement career. C.J. opens up about the fight for his life, the challenges that followed, and how TMPA stood beside him and his family through one of the darkest moments of their lives.

• Lubbock County Pay Disparity — Lubbock County deputies continue to face significant pay disparities compared to neighboring law enforcement agencies, while county leaders have yet to provide the raises needed to close the gap. TMPA is working alongside the local association to advocate for competitive pay, stronger recruiting and retention, improved morale, and the deputies who continue serving the community.

• Missing Texas Child Safely Recovered — A missing Texas child is safe following a multi-state investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Officers utilized Flock license plate reader technology to help locate the suspect vehicle, leading to an arrest and the safe recovery of the child. The case highlights what effective law enforcement collaboration looks like — moving quickly, sharing information, using available technology, and refusing to stop until a child is brought home.

• TMPA Sip & Smoke at TCOLE — More than 400 law enforcement professionals packed TMPA’s Sip & Smoke during the 2026 TCOLE Conference in Waco. The event brought together officers, agency leaders, TMPA Board members, Field Representatives, Legislative staff, and Training personnel for a night of networking, fellowship, and relationship-building across Texas law enforcement.

• Orange County Bargaining Fight — The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is operating with approximately 20 vacancies, nearly 20% of its workforce, while wages average about 14% below market. TMPA and the Orange County Sheriff’s Employees Association came ready to bargain, but county officials now say they will not continue negotiations while awaiting an appellate ruling involving Jefferson County. After TMPA pushed back publicly, several commissioners responded on social media before comments were ultimately turned off. TMPA will continue using every available process under the current CBA to fight for these employees.

• A Family in Blue at Fort Worth PD — Fort Worth Police Sgt. Dana Stevenson now has both of his sons serving alongside him at the department. Three badges, one family, and one shared commitment to serving Fort Worth. TMPA is proud to recognize the Stevenson family and the generations of Texas law enforcement families who continue answering the call to serve.

• Dallas Police Contract Negotiations — Dallas officers continue waiting for a long-term agreement that provides competitive pay, stability, and stronger retention. With officers working short and surrounding agencies competing for experienced personnel, TMPA believes city leaders must move beyond temporary agreements and deliver a serious contract that reflects the demands placed on Dallas police officers.

• Flock Technology and the Anti-Police Backlash — TMPA highlighted the rescue of a kidnapped mother and her son after law enforcement used Flock license-plate-reader technology to help locate them. Despite the successful outcome, the post drew angry responses from critics more focused on the technology than the victims. TMPA stands firmly behind lawful tools that give officers leads, support investigations, and help bring victims home safely.

• Remembering Robin Thomas — TMPA joined the Denton County Sheriff’s Office in mourning the passing of Communications Manager Robin Thomas following her battle with leukemia. Telecommunicators are often overlooked, but they are a critical part of every law enforcement response. Robin’s leadership and service supported officers, dispatchers, and agencies throughout Denton County, and her loss is being felt across the entire local law-enforcement community.

• TMPA/Texas FOP Joint Conference — Law enforcement officers, association leaders, attorneys, trainers, and supporters gathered in Dallas for the 2026 TMPA/Texas FOP Joint Conference. The weekend featured training, networking, officer recognition, the swearing-in of TMPA’s new Board of Directors, and a surprise visit from Tom Homan. TMPA also thanked outgoing President Zach Hicks for his leadership and welcomed new President Bill Nelson of the Baytown Police Department.

• Fort Bend County Police Academy Review — The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office voluntarily suspended its Basic Peace Officer Course while the Gus George Law Enforcement Academy works with TCOLE to address reported compliance concerns involving attendance records, documentation, quality-control procedures, and an ineligible cadet. TMPA supports high professional standards, but cadets who followed the process in good faith also deserve a fair opportunity to complete their training and move forward.

• North Texas Pursuit and Critical Incident — Richardson officers attempted to stop an armed robbery suspect who fled into Dallas during a multi-agency pursuit. Investigators say the suspect fired at officers, who returned fire, disabled the vehicle, and took the suspect into custody. Thankfully, no law enforcement officers were injured. TMPA Regional Attorney Shawn Roten responded to assist our involved members, reinforcing the importance of immediate and experienced legal representation after a critical incident.