The White Settlement Police Department (WSPD) recently marked a milestone in law enforcement excellence by securing its fourth consecutive re-accreditation from the Texas Police Chiefs Association. On July 28, the department once again demonstrated its commitment to upholding over 170 Texas Law Enforcement Best Practices, positioning itself among the elite top 10% of agencies statewide that have grasped this distinction, per the White Settlement Police Department.
This recognition was commemorated at the September 2 City Council meeting, with Richland Hills Police Chief Kim Sylvester representing the Texas Police Chiefs Association to present the award. A testament to their concerted efforts, less than 10% of departments across Texas share in this accomplishment, making White Settlement one of only 220 of the 3,000 statewide agencies to have proved they are aligned with superior standards of law enforcement. "As the gold standard for demonstrating our adherence to best practices and policy alignment, we are thankful for this designation and honor," Chief of Police Christopher Cook said, as cited by the White Settlement Police Department.
Not just a nod to the present, this successive achievement weaves a narrative of sustained discipline and unfolds like a chronicle of fortified leadership over the years. The department first achieved accreditation in 2013 under retired Police Chief Jack Ely. This baton of excellence was passed through consecutive re-accreditations in 2017 and 2021 with retired Police Chief J.P. Bevering, and again in 2025 under current leadership. "Our entire community should be proud of the professionalism and achievement by Chief Cook and his team," said Mayor Faron Young, per the White Settlement Police Department.
