Law & Order: Georgetown

by Ann Marie Kennon

• There are 16 police departments in Williamson County, serving a population of 643,026 across 1,119 square miles.

• That equals 1 police department per 40,189 people, and 1 police department per 69 square miles.

• Williamson County ranks 36th of 254 counties in police departments per square mile.

Across Williamson County, law and order are upheld by a diverse array of law enforcement agencies, each with unique roles and responsibilities. With 16 municipal police departments, four constable offices, and a highly respected sheriff's department, the county boasts a comprehensive network of public safety providers. It is important to keep in mind that specific responsibilities and jurisdictions may change over time.

It is important to note that in any emergency, you don’t have to know which department to call. Just call 9-1-1, operators are highly trained and prepared to dispatch the closest and/or most appropriate responders.

POLICE

Municipal police departments in Williamson County serve specific cities and towns. The Georgetown police department is responsible for:

• maintaining public safety

• preventing and investigating crimes

• enforcing laws within our city limits

• patrolling neighborhoods

• responding to emergencies

• conducting investigations, and making arrests.

There are 89 sworn police officers, or 1.02 officers for every 1,000 residents. That ratio is slightly lower than the national average due to the rapid growth of our citizenry, but Georgetown is the 16th safest of the 1,200-plus cities in Texas.

Chief Cory Tchida has been leading the department since June 2021. Beyond traditional law enforcement duties, he has introduced and enhanced numerous initiatives that foster community involvement. Among these is the "Lock it Down" campaign, which educates the public on preventing vehicle theft, and a summer Junior Police Academy, offering children a hands-on experience to understand and connect with local law enforcement activities.

CONSTABLES

Constables are elected law enforcement officials who serve specific precincts within a county. Georgetown is in Precinct 3 and is served by Constable Matt Lindemann, who was appointed in 2021 and elected in 2022. Constables:

• have law enforcement authority

• serve civil and criminal process papers issued by the courts

• serve and execute civil citations, precepts, subpoenas, summons, writs, and other orders issued by justice, county, and district courts

• conduct evictions and provide security for the Justice of the Peace 3 court

• may assist other law enforcement agencies within their precincts, and

• accept payment for warrant fines.

SHERIFF

Williamson County Sheriff Mike Gleason was elected in 2020. As chief law enforcement officer in the county, he:

• has authority to make arrests, investigate crimes, and maintain public order

• handles criminal investigations

• operates and manages the county jail

• serves arrest warrants, and

• provides security for the county judge and courthouse.

The sheriff's office also collaborates with other law enforcement agencies within the county and beyond for traffic enforcement, search and rescue, and emergency response.