The Administration team consists of the Chief of Police and a Lieutenant. This leadership team guides departmental policies, procedures, and daily operations while maintaining the highest standards of public safety. 

Together, they bring decades of law enforcement experience to guide our officers in providing professional, responsive, and compassionate police services to the City of Snyder.

The Criminal Investigation Division (CID), strives to insure a thorough, timely and proper conclusion of each investigation, exonerate innocent parties, and ensure the best possible outcome for justice against offenders.

Qualifications for CID Detective

Detectives must be able to efficiently conduct preliminary and follow up investigations, interview subjects, interrogate suspects, collect and process physical evidence, conduct photo lineup identifications, prepare cases to be presented to the District Attorney's office or other appropriate authority, prepare and execute search warrants, with guidance of departmental policy, and follow all state and federal laws.

 Detectives also require more experience and knowledge. While a large amount of knowledge is learned through years of experience on the job, further training and education in investigative techniques are required. The assignment into CID is based on application of interest and approval from Snyder Police Department supervisors, to ensure the quality and efficiency of detectives assigned. Other factors include previous job performance, investigative abilities, and ability to maintain and prioritize case load.

Latent Print Photography taken by SPD Detective Lea Tarter

CID Detective Job Description

Detectives investigate criminal acts, but not limited to:

• Homicides
• Sexual Assaults
• Robberies
• Property Crimes
• Assaults
• Burglaries
• Forgeries
• Thefts

 Criminal Investigative Division detectives, unlike patrol officers, typically wear a "plain clothes" uniform consisting of a collared shirt and slacks and drive unmarked patrol units. Detectives spend much of their time compiling information and evidence for cases they are assigned to investigate.

Detectives commonly work alongside numerous partnering agencies such as TXDPS, ATF, FBI, CPS, etc. to investigate major crimes which occur within the City of Snyder. Detectives must be able to disseminate information to the proper agencies and within the department. 

Detectives take "on-call" rotations where they are available for call out for major crime scene investigations. Detectives are called out to major incidents and deaths which occur within the City of Snyder. On major crime scenes, control of the scene goes to the Criminal Investigations Division, unless designated otherwise or a higher ranking superior or agency takes over. CID Detectives are responsible for processing and collecting evidence on designated crime scenes.

Detectives within the Snyder Police Department investigate thousands of cases and incidents each year.

The assignment for Canine Units are highly competitive. Officers must be able to and have the means to provide and care for their canine and ensure their health and safety at all times. Officers must have previous experience in law enforcement and is based on job performance, drive, and ability to conduct their duties without much supervision. 

Canine officers have specialized training before, during, and after assignment. Once assigned canine officers continually train with their canine counterparts to ensure they can provide the best possible services the community needs.

K9 Asko

Narcotics K-9 Duties:

• To detect illegal narcotics such as heroin, methamphetamines, cocaine, MDMA and other narcotics.
• Search vehicles, homes, yards, schools, and businesses for the presence of illegal drugs.
• To assist in making our community safer by seizing illegal narcotics from our local area.

About Asko

Asko became an official member of the Snyder Police Department in April 2021. Asko is a "dual-certified" canine who searches for narcotics and is also trained in the ability to track persons.
 
The Narcotics K-9 Unit has the ability to set different scheduling hours as needed to effectively maintain an unpredictable and undisclosed schedule to the public. The Narcotics K-9 Unit is also available for call outs to assist the Snyder Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Scurry County Sheriff's Department when assistance is needed for a reasonable suspicion open air sniff or to search areas of probable cause.

Retired SPD Canines

Snyder Police Department’s Narcotics K-9, “Lucas”, is a Belgian Malinois.

About Lucas

Lucas was previously utilized in Muleshoe, Texas as a narcotics K-9 prior to being purchased by the City of Snyder, to implement a Narcotics K-9 Unit for the first time since the mid 90s.

Lucas became an official member of the Snyder Police Department on March 3, 2016 and retired after approximately 5  years of service with the Snyder Police Department.

Sgt. J. Wilson patrolling night shift.

Patrol Officer Job Description

The Snyder Police Department Patrol Unit consists of 3 Patrol Sargents, 12 Patrol Officers, 1 Narcotics K-9 Unit, and 1 rotating CID position for patrol officers, when fully staffed.

Snyder Police Department patrol officers are responsible for protection of life and property, prevention of crimes, apprehension of criminals and the general enforcement of laws and ordinances. Duties normally consist of routine patrol, preliminary investigation, and traffic regulation. To provide a safe environment for citizens and visitors and to answer calls for service ranging from friendly assists to highly stressful and dangerous incidents.

Patrol Officers responsibilities are as follows, but not limited to:

• Preventative patrol aimed towards the reduction of crimes and accidents.
• Activities intended to help prevent the commission of crimes.
• Response to calls for service from the community.
• Preliminary investigation of crimes, incident, or other conditions that may include arrests of offenders.
• Maintenance of public order.
• Response to emergencies on demand.
• Development of positive relationships between citizens and the Department.
• Traffic direction and control as required.
• View heinous crime scenes and accidents, and identify/preserve physical evidence of a crime.
• Reporting information to other Divisions within the Department.
• Enforcement of a wide variety of state and federal laws, as well as city ordinances.
• Service arrest and/or search warrants.
• Ability to render First Aid.
• Arrest, Transport, or Search subjects.
• Complete paperwork and documentation in a timely manner.
• Clean and fire a variety of police weapons, including pistols, rifles, and shotguns both in the field and to meet department and State standards of proficiency.
• Ability to conduct field investigations, as well as DWI detection and apprehension
• Utilize department equipment issued and permitted personal equipment for duty carry as well as within the patrol unit.
• Be able to efficiently respond to locations within the City of Snyder by knowing Geography of the City.
• Any other duty assignments.

Patrol officers will be required to maintain TCOLE training hours and attend State Mandated courses. Patrol officers will be additionally encouraged to seek advanced training as well as to complete requirements to obtain TCOLE Peace Officer Certifications.

Patrol Officers typically work during holidays and other important events. Also they area assigned to specific shifts by Patrol Supervisors and may be moved or transferred to fit the needs of the department as determined by the Patrol Supervisors.


Ofc. M. Rojas, Ofc. T. Kelley, and Ofc. R. Webb during an Active Shooter training.


Ofc. S. Roach during a Felony traffic stop after a pursuit.

Bike Patrol

The Bike Patrol Unit is comprised of a variety of Snyder Police Officers who wish to become a part of the specialized unit, to assist in enforcement and connect with the community on specific events and on authorized days.

Bike patrol officers are required to conduct the majority of the same duties as a street patrol officer, the only difference is the method of transportation. Our bike patrol unit is utilized for patrol enhancement, community outings and special events within the city, which a lighter means of transport is vital. 
 
Our Bike Patrol Unit traverse congested roads, pursue fleeing suspects through a variety of environments, and quietly monitor or follow suspects. Bike patrol officers arrest and detain criminals until a transport patrol unit is able to respond.  All bike patrol officers are required to take a specific training on patrol bicycle operations to ensure their ability to safely and efficiently maneuver their patrol bikes on a variety of terrain as well as operate the emergency equipment installed on the bikes. 
 
The Bike Patrol Unit is very versatile, providing greater visibility and accessibility in crowded areas or events to respond more efficiently as well as to allow a stealthy option of enforcement when attempting to catch criminals in the act. Bike Patrol officers often to work at night as well to assist in deterring burglaries in high crime areas on special enforcement occasions.
 

Left to Right: Ofc. M. Tipton, Sgt. J. Wilson, Ofc. N. Rackley, Sgt. M. Rojas
 

Ofc. J. Giittinger

The City of Snyder Police Department provides law enforcement officers assigned to work within the Snyder Independent School District (SISD) through a mutual Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) contract, establishing the School Resource Officer program.

SRO Natalya Rackley (left) and SRO Bailey Latham (right)

The Snyder Police Department (SPD) and the Snyder Independent School District (SISD) desire to provide law  enforcement services to the public schools of Snyder, Texas, which endeavor to maintain a safer school environment. Both SPD and SISD both recognize the benefits of a School Resource Officer Program. The SRO program is aimed to assist in the combat of juvenile delinquency, to personally assist students with various problem involving potential involvement with law enforcement, to develop and maintain positive relations between students and City police officers and to assist the school district in maintaining a safe, orderly, and secure environment for learning. The school district and City intent to provide law enforcement education and related services to the public schools of the school district in the City of Snyder.

The Chief of Police assigns two, regularly employed police officers as SROs. SROs are employees of the City of Snyder Police Department. One SRO is stationed at the Snyder High School and the other at the Snyder Junior High School. Although the SROs are assigned to the schools listed above, SROs still serve as a resource to all six SISD campuses within the City of Snyder.

Qualifications for SROs

 To be selected for this program:

• The SROs must have the ability to deal effectively with students. The ages, socioeconomic, cultural and racial composition of the students of the particular school should be considered in making this evaluation.
• The SROs must present a positive image and be an appropriate symbol of the entire police department. A goal of the SRO program is to foster a positive image of police officers among young people. Therefore, the personality, grooming, and communication skills of the SROs should be of such a nature that a positive image of the police department is reflected.
• The SROs must have the ability to provide good quality information and educational services in the area of law enforcement.
• The SROs must have the desire and ability to work cooperatively with the School District staff, principals, the administrative staff and school officials.
• The SROs must be State Certified Law Enforcement Officers.
• The SROs must meet any other criteria the Chief deems appropriate.

Duties of School Resource Officers 

 While on duty, SROs shall perform the following duties:

• Speak to classes on the law, including search and seizure, criminal law, motor vehicle laws, and other topics.
• Act as a resource person in the area of law enforcement education.
• Conduct or assist in criminal investigations of violations of law on school property.
• Provide a law enforcement resource when necessary to maintain the peace on School District property.
• Make arrests and referrals of criminal law violators using his/her discretion.
• Provide information or assistance to students at the request of the school staff, at the request of a student or parent or when the SRO feels it is in the best interest of the student. In the event the request relates to such things as depression, addiction, family counseling matters or other non-police related matters, the student should be referred to the School Counselor.
• Make appropriate referrals to social services agencies.
• Wear an official police uniform which shall be a Snyder Police Department uniform; however, secondary special event attire may be worn on some occasions with prior approval by the Chief.
• Perform other duties mutually agreed upon by the Superintendent and the Chief, provided the performance of such duties is legitimately and reasonably related to the SRO Program and such duties are consistent with state and federal law and the policies and procedures of the School District and the City.
• Any off-campus activity requiring the services of the SROs shall be contingent on the approval of the Chief or his designee.
• Follow and conform to all School District policies and procedures that do not conflict with the policies or procedures of the City and abide by all rules, regulations and procedures as authorized by state or federal laws.
• Coordinate with school administrators, staff, other law enforcement agencies and courts to promote order on school campuses.
• Make presentations to civic groups.
• Participate, upon request and with approval of the Chief or his designee, with school/student committees.
• Any other duties as directed by the Chief.

Duty Hours of School Resource Officers

SROs perform his or her duties during regular school days and regular school hours, not including official school holidays, department callouts, presentations or during required training. When not performing such duties, the Chief of Police schedules and arranges duties for the SROs.

Support Services Provided by the City

The City, acting through its Police Department, continue to provide regular patrol police services to the School District with the positions of the SROs as an enhancement including the utilization of the Therapy Canine Program. The Therapy  Canine Program is utilized cost free to SISD.

SRO Natalya Rackley

Retired SRO Robert Clark and SRO Bailey Latham