The Keller Police Department is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies in two areas: Advanced Law Enforcement and Public Safety Communications. The department is also state accredited as a Texas Police Chiefs Association Best Practices organization.

National Accreditation

Founded in 1984, CALEA’s accreditation program is considered the gold standard in public safety credentialing, focused on strengthening crime prevention and control capabilities; formalizing management procedures; establishing fair and nondiscriminatory personnel practices; improving service delivery; solidifying interagency cooperation and coordination; and increasing community and staff confidence in their public safety department.

Keller PD first earned its Advanced Law Enforcement accreditation from the commission in 2006. The department is spot-checked by CALEA every year, and re-evaluated for overall compliance against more than 450 standards every fourth year to determine re-accreditation. We were most recently reassessed in 2018, and hold an "Accreditation with Excellence" designation.

In 2018, the Northeast Tarrant Communications Center (NETCOM 911) became only the sixth Texas dispatch department to earn CALEA's National Public Safety Communications Accreditation and the first regional organization to do so.

The overall intent of the accreditation process is to provide our agency with information to support continuous improvement and foster the pursuit of professional excellence. Anyone wishing to provide comments regarding our agency's compliance with CALEA standards, in the form of commendations or concerns, may provide them through the public comment portal by clicking here.

Please note that CALEA is not an investigatory body, so the public comment portal should not be used to submit information for such purposes. There will be no response to submitted comments by CALEA other than acknowledgement that they were received, but information provided will be considered and we thank you for your feedback.

State Accreditation

While similar in nature to the national accreditation program, the The Texas Police Chiefs Association Best Practices Law Enforcement Accreditation Program is designed specifically for Texas law enforcement. Standards included in the state evaluation focus on protecting individual rights, efficient and effective service delivery, and risk reduction.

Keller PD first earned state accreditation in 2013, and we receive an onsite evaluation at least every four years to earn re-accreditation.

Keller PD's commitment to success begins with recruiting and hiring individuals who share our passion for community engagement and modern policing.

Applicants submit to written testing and physical assessments, complete an extensive personal history statement, and advance through several rounds of interviews and evaluations. These include a preliminary interview and personal history statement review; an oral board with other members of the department; and an interview with the Chief of Police.

Our pre-employment process also includes a detailed background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, fit-for-duty physical, ergonomic physical and drug screening.

Keller recruits may not have any felony convictions; any Class B or higher misdemeanor convictions within the past five years; or any DWI/DUI convictions within the past 10 years. Additionally, they may not have any assault convictions against a family member or be the subject of a court-issued protective order. 

• Learn More About Careers with Keller PD
• Download Keller PD's Organizational Chart

The Keller Police Department invests heavily in training, exceeding the minimum requirements of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement to ensure our policies and practices remain consistent with contemporary best practices.

De-Escalation Training

Keller officers receive regular training in de-escalation tactics, civilian interactions, response to resistance/use of force, and crisis intervention to ensure they are prepared for a variety of situations and circumstances. 

Anti-Bias Training

Keller officers receive annual anti-bias training, implicit bias training, and training on the department's Biased Policing or Enforcement Policy.

State-Mandated Training

Ongoing Texas Commission on Law Enforcement training and certification requirements include regular training in the following areas:

Department-Mandated Training

In addition to TCOLE requirements, Keller Police officers receive training in the following areas required by our agency.

City-Mandated Training

As City of Keller employees, our officers also complete regular training required of all Keller staff. These include programs focused on Ethics; Diversity in the Workplace; Sexual Harassment in the Workplace; Violence in the Workplace; and Drug & Alcohol Awareness. 

Transparency and accountability are critical in all levels of government. We believe they are foundational to our department's relationship with the residents and businesses we serve, and to Keller PD's focus on service, justice and fairness.  

Keller PD tracks a number of crime and department statistics available to the public, and produces annual reports focused on issues like Bias-Based Policing, Response to Resistance (Use of Force) and Internal Affairs.

Keller Crime Statistics & Reports

• 2024 Annual Report
• 2024 Bias Based Policing Report (includes Keller and Westlake)
• 2024 Pursuit & Attempt to Stop Analysis
• 2024 Internal Affairs and Complaints Report 
• 2024 Assault on Sworn Officer Review
• 2024 Response to Resistance Analysis

Westlake Service Statistics

• 2024 Annual Report
• 2024 Bias Based Policing Report (includes Westlake and Keller) 

Keller residents interested in learning more about our department, supporting our operations as volunteers, or providing guidance and oversight are invited to get involved.

Crime Control and Prevention District Board

• With meetings held on an as-needed basis, the CCPD administers expenditures of the city’s 1/4-cent sales tax revenue dedicated to police equipment, technology, accreditation and capital projects
• Members are appointed by the Keller City Council and serve for two-year terms

Learn More About the Crime Control & Prevention District Board

Chief’s Advisory Council

• Created in March 2019, the Chief's Advisory Council exists to advise and assist the Keller Chief of Police on matters of community unity and the provision of professional police services to all who live, visit and conduct business in the City of Keller and Town of Westlake
• With permission from the chief, the council reviews all reports of police complaints and uses of force
• The council also advises the chief on matters related to policy, training and development as requested
• Original members were selected by council founders Pastor Kason Branch and then-Police Chief Michael Wilson; their initial two-year terms will expire in August 2021

Learn More About the Chief's Advisory Council

Citizens Police Academy

• Offered each year, typically starting in January, the Citizens Police Academy is a 14-week course in which anyone who lives or works in the Keller or Westlake communities can learn more about Keller PD and the role of law enforcement
• The CPA serves as a pre-requisite for the Volunteers in Police Service organization
  
  

Volunteers in Police Service

• Once an individual has graduated from the CPA, they are eligible to join our Volunteers in Police Service 
• Known as VIPS, these volunteers receive training on Keller Police Departmental policies, radio etiquette, motor assists, police records, traffic control and pedestrian control
• Volunteers also assist with community patrols, special events and educational programming, and provide support to officers in the field

While interactions with the public can evolve rapidly, Keller officers are trained and expected to treat everyone with whom they interact with dignity and respect. The amount and degree of force which may be employed by any officer is determined by the totality of the circumstances, including but not limited to:

• The nature of the offense;
• The behavior of the subject against whom force is to be used (verbal dialogue, physical resistance, aggressive acts, etc.);
• Age and physical conditions of the subject and employee;
• Physical and environmental conditions at the scene; and
• Feasibility or availability of alternative actions

De-Escalation

Keller officers receive regular training in de-escalation tactics, use of force, civilian interactions, response to resistance, and crisis intervention to ensure they are prepared for a variety of situations and circumstances. 

Deadly Force

Per Chapter 9 of the Texas Penal Code, deadly force may only be employed by Keller Police officers in circumstances when the officer reasonably believes that such force is necessary to defend the officer or a third person from the use of, or the imminent use of, deadly physical force.

Warning Prior to Deadly Force

Whenever feasible, Keller Police officers are required to give verbal warning to subjects of their intent to use deadly force. Because of the danger to innocent bystanders, officers are prohibited from firing warning shots.

Respiratory Neck & Vascular Restraints

Commonly referred to as "chokeholds," these maneuvers are considered deadly force per Keller policy. As such, they are prohibited unless deadly force is authorized and reasonable.

Shooting At/From Moving Vehicles

Shooting at or from a moving vehicle is prohibited unless deadly force is authorized and reasonable. Officers are also prohibited from placing themselves in the direct path of an oncoming vehicle in order to justify the use of deadly force.

Duty to Intervene

Any Keller PD employee observing another using unnecessary force, excessive force or engaging in any other misconduct is expected to intervene and promptly report the incident to a supervisor.

Duty to Render Aid

If at any time a Keller PD employee injures a subject, or the subject reports injury after a use of force incident, department policy requires the employee to render first aid and obtain medical assistance as soon as possible.

Investigation and Analysis

A report and investigation is conducted for every employee Response to Resistance (Use of Force) incident. Each incident is investigated by a supervisor and reviewed by a Defensive Tactics Instructor and/or Firearms Instructor, Division Commander and the Chief of Police.

The investigation may include but is not limited to statements, video review, radio recordings, photographs and interviews. A Response to Resistance Analysis is produced annually and available below and along with other annual reports on the Crime & Statistics page.

• 2024 Response to Resistance Analysis

Full Policy (View/Download)

Keller Police Department Response to Resistance Policy

The Keller Police Department has embraced technology to ensure interactions with the public are accurately documented for evidence and review, as well as to protect employees from frivolous or fabricated misconduct complaints.

Vehicle Cameras

Keller patrol vehicles and motorcycles regularly used to make traffic and pedestrian stops have been equipped with in-car video camera systems since the early 1990s. Our current system may be manually switched on, and will also activate automatically when the vehicle's emergency lights  - or the officer's body camera - are turned on. 

Body Cameras

The Keller Police Department deployed body cameras in 2018.

Police officers, Detention officers and Animal Control officers are required to wear their assigned body cameras whenever one of their primary functions involves enforcement activity, with the exception of working undercover. The requirement extends to officers working at special events and providing off-duty security.

Officers must evaluate their equipment prior to each shift to ensure their technology is working correctly, and their cameras must be recording at all times when in contact with a person the employee suspects has committed an offense or is about to commit an offense. This includes but is not limited to:

• All traffic stops, pursuits, code responses, enforcement actions, prisoner transports, field contacts, motorist assists, courtesy escorts and pedestrian stops
• Actions of suspects during interviews, when undergoing sobriety testing, when placed in custody, or in any circumstance where the recording could prove useful in later judicial proceedings
• Circumstances at crime and accident scenes or other events, such as the confiscation and documentation of evidence or contraband.
• Recording of victim, suspect or witness statements and demeanor upon initial response to incidents

Full Policy (View/Download)

Keller Police Department Mobile Digital Recording Systems Policy

The Keller Police Department is eager to hear about police officers or civilian employees who have offered exemplary service. Commendations, like complaints, help the agency gauge overall customer satisfaction with our performance. 

We encourage you to call us at 817-743-4502 or email police@cityofkeller.com.

The Keller Police Department is dedicated to providing exceptional service to its employees and citizens through a problem-solving approach, emphasizing a commitment to excellence through teamwork. Police employees are carefully selected, held to the highest standards, and provided with the best training available.

The purpose of any Internal Affairs system is the diligent pursuit of the truth. If it becomes necessary for you to make a complaint, you can be assured that it will be given a fair and thorough investigation.

Please Note: A disagreement over the validity of a traffic citation or arrest is not considered a complaint for the purposes of the process below. Such disagreements should be directed to the court with jurisdiction on the matter.

How to File a Complaint

Any person who believes that they have been subject to biased policing or enforcement by any Keller Police officer or employee should immediately file a complaint so that it can be investigated. 

Complaints may be filed in person, over the phone or online. We may be reached at police@cityofkeller.com or 817-743-4500. After business hours or on weekends, please call the non-emergency dispatch line at 817-743-4522 and ask to speak to an On-Duty Supervisor.

The Texas Government Code Section 614.022 provides that a complaint regarding a peace officer's conduct must be in writing and signed by the complainant in order to be considered by the Chief of Police. A copy of the complaint will also be provided to the officer or employee before disciplinary action is taken, if the investigation will not be compromised.

What Happens When a Complaint is Substantiated?

When the investigation of a complaint reveals the charges are true and should be sustained against the police employee, the department may take one of the following actions, depending on the nature of the violation:

• Documented Coaching and Counseling
• Written Reprimand
• Suspension 
• Termination

What Happens if a Complaint is Not Substantiated?

If there is not sufficient evidence to support the allegation, the investigation is closed with no further action taken.

What Happens if You Are Not Satisfied with The Disposition of Your Complaint?

If you are not satisfied with the investigation or action taken relating to your complaint, you may seek additional action from:

• The City Manager's Office
• The Tarrant County District Attorney; or
• Personal Legal Counsel

In compliance with the Texas Public Information Act, the Keller Police Department will provide a copy of all information deemed public record, for a fee. Requested records will be provided - or the issue referred to the Texas Attorney General's Office for determination - within 10 working days of the request's receipt.

Records commonly considered to be public record include:

• Traffic Accident Reports
• Incident Reports
• Call-for-Service
• Offense Reports (summary sheet only)
• Jail Arrest Log
• General Orders
• Policies and Procedures
• Statistical Information 
• Finance Records

All other requests may require the opinion of the Attorney General before release. 

Records may be requested:

• Via email: Send an email request to policerecords@cityofkeller.com
• Via fax: Send a written request to 817-743-4591
• In Person: Visit the Keller Police station located at 330 Rufe Snow Drive, Keller, TX 76248

Download Keller Police Department Record Request Form

When filing a open records request, please remember to provide as much information as possible to assist the records technicians in locating the correct record. For more information, call the Police Records Department at 817-743-4510.