Lucas, Texas is preparing to establish its first police department, with operations anticipated in Fall 2026. As of September 24, 2026, law enforcement services continued to be provided by the Collin County Sheriff's Office under contract. Doug Kowalski was designated Director of Public Safety, with the intent that he become chief upon the department's official establishment; the department was still described as coming soon.
The Collin County Sheriff's Office has said it serves alongside Lucas.
Kowalski brings nearly five decades of law enforcement experience to the role, according to the City of Lucas, including stints with the New York City Police Department and the Dallas Police Department, where he rose to deputy chief. He also previously served as police chief in the North Texas cities of McKinney and Prosper.
Planning for Launch
The city designated Kowalski Director of Public Safety, with the intent that he become Lucas's first police chief upon the department's official establishment. The city anticipates operations in Fall 2026.
Behind the scenes, the city also had regulatory boxes to check. Lucas is in the process of applying to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement to establish the department in accordance with state licensing standards, according to the City of Lucas. Lucas receives law enforcement services from the Collin County Sheriff's Office under contract.
Residents Got a Preview Months Ago
City officials introduced Kowalski to the public at a Town Hall held April 7 at the Lovejoy High School Auditorium, where residents could ask questions about the upcoming department, according to the city's calendar records.
Lucas's Population Growth
Lucas has grown in population in recent years. The city's population was 7,674 in the 2020 census and is now estimated at 9,193 as of this year, a growth rate of 19.79% since 2020, according to World Population Review. The site also notes Lucas is an affluent community with a median household income of $221,364 and a poverty rate of just 1.29%.
