Message from Chief Bill Weems
Introduction
Thank you for visiting our website and giving me a chance to tell you a little bit about myself. I was born and raised in Indiana where I lived until I joined the US Army as a military police officer in 1989. I served in the country of Panama for three years where I met my wife who was a citizen of Panama at the time. We have been married for 31 years and have two children, a 26 year old son and a 20 year old daughter. My son moved to south Austin in 2019, so my wife and I decided to relocate to Texas to be close to him. My daughter decided to relocate as well and lives with my wife and me.
Philosophy on Policing
First and foremost I believe that our job as police officers is to enforce law, protect life, and preserve property. We accomplish this through:
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Training our officers in knowledge and application of law, how to communicate and deescalate effectively, proactive community policing, and reasonable use of force.
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Community outreach programs that provide information about awareness, prevention, and correct response regarding criminal activity.
Experience
I served in the US Army Military Police Corps from 1989 to 1992 where I participated in operation “Just Cause”. After the invasion I worked with the Panamanian National Police as an observer and trainer. I also served as a protective service agent for the United States Army South Operation commander and other visiting dignitaries.
After leaving the military I was employed by a security company contracted to the Federal Protective Services in Indianapolis federal building as an armed uniformed security officer from 1993 to 1997. I worked my way up to the Contract Manager position where I was responsible for over 100 uniformed officers posted at General Services Administration buildings throughout the State of Indiana.
In 1997 I was hired as one of the first police officers for the newly incorporated Town of Avon. While at Avon Police Department I served in many roles such as a patrol officer, corporal, sergeant, lieutenant and as an Assistant Chief. While in those roles I also was a field training officer, field training supervisor, field training coordinator, and an Indiana Law Enforcement Academy certified instructor. In 2006 I was appointed as the Assistant Chief of Police. While in that role I prepared preliminary budgets, developed community outreach programs such as a Citizen Police Academy, Child ID, and a Women’s Self Defense class. I also applied and won grants with an approximate total of $300,000 that paid for equipment and programs such as hot spots policing and equipment for Project Lifesaver.
Education and Training
Southwest University B.S. degree Criminal Justice 1997
Indiana Law Enforcement Academy Basic Police Officer Course 1997
FBI National Academy Graduate 2007 Class 229
TCOLE Master Peace Officer
TCOLE Certified Instructor
Over 4,000 hours of Specialized Training