Galveston Police Department Bureaus

Chief of Police: This Office determines departmental policies and ensures the complete discharge of all duties imposed by Texas State Law or City Ordinance. The Office is responsible for the control, management and direction of all officers and employees, as well as the Department’s administration and operation.

Operations Bureau: The Operations Bureau is responsible for law enforcement, public safety and community policing functions within the City limits. The division is structured on a geographic “beat” basis, with individual officers being responsible for an area of the City, sergeants being responsible for the areas under their officers’ care, lieutenants responsible for their sergeants’ areas, and on up to the Captain of the operations Bureau who reports to the Chief of Police. The Special Weapons and Tactics Team, K-9 Unit, Dive Team, and Crisis Negotiations and a task force established to proactively address general concerns and traffic issues, are also assigned to this bureau.

Administrative Services Division: This division provides the Department with technical and administrative support services related to communications, police records, evidence and property, training and recruiting, public affairs, accreditation, and facilities management. The division is responsible for radio operations – ensuring that 24-hour, two-way radio communications are conducted in compliance with federal rules and regulations. This unit is responsible for receiving and screening emergency and other citizen requests for police and fire service, dispatching police/fire units as required or referring citizens to an appropriate service or agency. Finally, the division administers the Citizens Police Academy.

Investigative Bureau: This Bureau is responsible for the administration of a variety of police services, including the Major Crimes Unit, and Detectives. The Major Crimes Unit investigates crimes against persons, high-technology-related crimes, and narcotics-related crimes as well as handling the Department’s criminalistic and victim services functions.