McLean Police Department

The purpose of the McLean Police Department is to uphold the law fairly and firmly; to prevent crime; to pursue and bring to justice those who break the law; to keep the peace; and to protect, help, and reassure the people of McLean. We strive to be seen doing all of this with integrity, common sense, and sound judgment.

We must be compassionate, courteous, and patient, acting without fear, favor, or prejudice to the rights of others. We must be professional, calm, and restrained in the face of violence and apply only the force that is necessary to accomplish our lawful responsibility.

We strive to reduce the fears of the public and, so far as we can, to reflect their priorities in the actions we take. We respond to well-founded criticism with a willingness to change.

We envision a McLean where every resident feels safe in their home, every child can walk to school without worry, every business can operate with confidence, and every traveler on Interstate 40 and Route 66 leaves with a good impression of our town.

We will achieve this vision by being visible in the neighborhoods, accessible to the people we serve, proactive in preventing crime, and accountable for our actions. In a town our size, an officer is never a stranger — and we intend to keep it that way.

• Integrity — We are honest in word and deed. We do the right thing even when no one is watching.
• Respect — We treat every person with dignity, regardless of background, circumstance, or the reason for our contact.
• Service — We put the needs of the community ahead of our own and take pride in helping others.
• Accountability — We accept responsibility for our decisions and welcome review of our conduct.
• Professionalism — We train continuously and hold ourselves to the standards set by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
• Courage — We face danger and difficult decisions with steady resolve to protect others.

Every officer of the McLean Police Department is bound by the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics. As officers, our fundamental duty is to serve the community; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of all to liberty, equality, and justice.

We will keep our private lives unsullied as an example to all, maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn, or ridicule, and develop self-restraint. We will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs, aspirations, animosities, or friendships to influence our decisions.

Patrol is the backbone of the department. Uniformed officers patrol every street in McLean, respond to calls for service, conduct traffic enforcement, investigate crashes, check on businesses after hours, and make themselves available to residents who flag them down.

Patrol responsibilities include:

• Responding to emergency and non-emergency calls for service 24 hours a day
• Proactive patrol of residential neighborhoods, school zones, and the downtown business district
• Business checks of doors and windows during overnight hours
• Vacation house watch checks for residents who are away
• Assisting motorists who are stranded on Route 66, SH 273, and the I-40 frontage roads
• Welfare checks on elderly or vulnerable residents at the request of family members

McLean sits directly on Interstate 40, one of the busiest east–west corridors in the United States. Thousands of vehicles exit into McLean every week for fuel, food, and Route 66 sightseeing. Our traffic safety efforts focus on reducing crashes, protecting pedestrians downtown, and keeping school zones safe.

• Speed enforcement in residential areas and school zones
• Commercial vehicle parking enforcement on city streets
• DWI and impaired driving enforcement, including holiday initiatives
• Seat belt and child safety seat education
• Crash investigation and report preparation
• Traffic control for parades, funerals, school events, and festivals

Officers conduct follow-up investigations of property crimes, crimes against persons, fraud, and narcotics offenses. Investigations may involve interviewing victims and witnesses, collecting and processing evidence, reviewing surveillance video, preparing search and arrest warrants, and presenting cases to the Gray County Attorney or 31st Judicial District Attorney for prosecution.

When a case requires specialized resources, we partner with the Gray County Sheriff's Office, Texas Rangers, the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division, and federal agencies.

In a town of fewer than 700 people, community policing is not a program — it is simply how we work. Our officers attend school events, visit with business owners, participate in National Night Out, and make themselves available to speak with church groups, civic clubs, and seniors.

• School visits and safety presentations at McLean ISD
• Senior citizen scam awareness presentations
• Business security surveys on request
• Neighborhood watch support
• Holiday safety campaigns

The safety of McLean's children is a top priority. Officers work with McLean ISD administration on emergency planning, conduct regular patrols around campus during arrival and dismissal, enforce school zone speed limits, and respond immediately to any threat made against a school.

Any threat made against a school — whether in person, in writing, or on social media — is taken seriously and investigated. Parents who learn of a potential threat should call 9-1-1 or the non-emergency line right away. Do not wait to see if the threat is real.

Members of the department represent the City of McLean at funerals of fallen officers and first responders, Veterans Day and Memorial Day observances, parades, and other ceremonies. Officers also provide funeral escorts for local families upon request.

Because rural law enforcement resources are spread across long distances, mutual aid is vital. The McLean Police Department regularly assists and receives assistance from:

• Gray County Sheriff's Office
• Texas Department of Public Safety (Highway Patrol and Criminal Investigations)
• Texas Rangers
• Wheeler County and Donley County Sheriff's Offices
• Pampa Police Department
• McLean Volunteer Fire Department and area EMS services
• Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens

The McLean Police Department strictly prohibits racial profiling. Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2.131 defines racial profiling as a law enforcement-initiated action based on an individual's race, ethnicity, or national origin rather than on the individual's behavior or on information identifying the individual as having engaged in criminal activity.

In accordance with state law, the department collects data on every motor vehicle stop and submits an annual racial profiling report to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and the City Council. Copies of the annual report are available at the police department.

We want to know when our officers do a good job, and we want to know when we fall short. Compliments may be submitted by letter, email, or phone to the Chief of Police.

Complaints against an officer must be submitted in writing and signed by the person making the complaint, as required by Texas Government Code Chapter 614. Complaint forms are available at the police department and at City Hall. Every complaint is reviewed by the Chief of Police, and the complainant will be notified of the outcome. Retaliation against anyone who files a complaint is prohibited.

All McLean police officers are licensed peace officers through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Officers complete state-mandated continuing education every training cycle, including de-escalation, crisis intervention, use of force, cultural diversity, civil rights and racial sensitivity, and mental health response.

Officers also maintain proficiency in firearms, emergency vehicle operation, first aid, CPR, and the use of automated external defibrillators.

Officers record interactions with the public using body-worn cameras in accordance with Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1701, Subchapter N, and department policy. Recordings help document evidence, resolve complaints, and ensure transparency. Requests for body-worn camera footage must be submitted in writing and are handled under the Texas Public Information Act and the specific provisions of state law governing these recordings.