Changing the Culture in the DRPD is a Huge Undertaking
In 2012, the City of Del Rio hired Public Sector Solutions to conduct a full investigation and audit into the procedures and mishandling of evidence in the Del Rio Police Department’s Evidence Room. Through this investigation underlying organizational problems were revealed due to a lack of officer accountability and training.
The City of Del Rio hired Police Chief, James Von Debrow III, in December 2012. Chief Von Debrow’s first order of business was to structurally reform the Del Rio Police Department (DRPD) and its image. This process has been a challenge due to an organizational culture that has been resistant to change.
Since May 2012 the DRPD force has lost 32 officers. Of these thirty two officers, six had already resigned and one had already been placed on indefinite suspension prior to Chief Von Debrow’s employment. During Chief Von Debrow’s tenure 3 officers have been placed on indefinite suspension, with some officers even being charged criminally. Additionally, 7 officers have retired, 13 officers have resigned, and 1 officer passed away due to medical complications. Many Internal Affair investigations have been opened, closed and completed during this time as well.
Just within the past month, one police officer was arrested and placed on administrative leave after he was accused of interfering with a 9-1-1 call made to the Police Department Communications Center by his wife, and another officer was placed on indefinite suspension following an Internal Affairs investigation finding him guilty of improperly touching a female victim of abuse. Another officer was arrested for theft, accused of stealing from a benevolent fund.
“We will not look the other way on any misconduct by any of our officers. It will not be tolerated,” stated City Manager Robert A. Eads. “High standards of ethical conduct must be a perpetual aspiration for all police officers. Our citizens and community deserve well respected and well trained police officers protecting their families and businesses. Police officers are held to a high standard and must be held accountable for their actions, acting in a manner consistent with the high trust our citizens vest in their vocation.”
Now, Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, CLEAT has sought the removal of Police Chief Von Debrow due to these changes in the culture where accountability is expected and moral soundness is a benchmark. The time to effect this change is now, not after the next major scandal. It is Chief Von Debrow’s responsibility to ensure misconduct is handled in an ethical manner and handled swiftly for the safety of our citizens.
Chief Von Debrow stated “During my time as your Chief of Police I have worked hard to improve the department by implementing ethical changes in the disciplinary process. This approach improves public service by ensuring a healthy work environment. Correcting years of underlying organizational problems take time and dedication.”
During his tenure as Police Chief, Chief Debrow has provided the officers 9,660 man hours of training. This renewed focus on officer training and accountability was implemented to uphold police integrity and to restore and enhance public confidence in policing. Current DRPD officers have a strong unyielding adherence to a code of moral uprightness, and are held accountable for their actions. The current DRPD leadership supports a culture of accountability too. “We will continue to blow the whistle on any and all complaints made against any of our officers” stated City Manager Eads.
More information about the reduction in DRPD can be requested through an Open Records Request by contacting our City Secretary’s Office at (830) 774-8680 or at www.cityofdelrio.com/openrecords.
