White Settlement’s hometown top cop has circled his last day on the calendar. Police Chief Christopher Cook says he will retire as the city’s director of public safety on August 31, describing the move as the closing of a hometown chapter after several years leading the small suburban department.
Cook's background
Cook returned to his hometown to take over the White Settlement Police Department after a long career in nearby North Texas agencies, and he was sworn in as chief in April 2022. Before that, he served in Arlington and in other regional posts, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Crime fell during his term
The department’s 2025 annual report credits the agency with roughly a 31.7% reduction in overall crime since 2021 and an 11.6% drop from 2024 to 2025, along with faster response times and strong clearance rates, according to the City of White Settlement. The report also highlights sizable increases in traffic enforcement, citations and arrests as part of the broader strategy to boost public safety.
Announcement and transition plans
In his post, Cook said his retirement will be effective August 31, and that he plans to work closely with the city manager’s office to ensure what he called a smooth, orderly handoff of responsibilities. He added that he intends to remain a resident of White Settlement, per Christopher Cook.
City leaders' response
City leaders have pointed to the department’s recent reaccreditation, its partnerships with NAS JRB Fort Worth and a slate of community programs as signs of progress during Cook’s tenure. City Manager Jeffrey J. James and Mayor Faron Young have publicly praised the department and its direction in recent news releases, according to the City of White Settlement.
Local context and what comes next
Cook’s time as chief has included high-profile arrests, joint task-force work and a series of community initiatives that helped reshape the department’s profile in western Tarrant County. For more context on the department’s evolution and accreditation history, see earlier Hoodline coverage that the agency attained elite status with its fourth consecutive re-accreditation, as well as reporting by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
