CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Former Nueces County Criminal Interdiction Unit head Mike Tamez was officially sworn in as Robstown Police Department Chief on Thursday.
Robstown city leaders approved the nomination during a meeting Wednesday.
Tamez was actively campaigning for Nueces County sheriff as a democratic candidate, but will now be pulling out of the race.
Tamez spoke with 3NEWS about his goals for the department under his leadership.
"Move the agency into more of a community policing oriented agency to build a direct to patrol program like Corpus does where they allow officers to get into the community and actually work with local businesses and with local citizens to tackle crime," Tamez said.
He plans to reach these goals in part by bringing back the drug task force, which was disbanded back in October.
"It's a great force multiplier for the city, it's a great project for law enforcement to work as a community not just individual agencies to tackle crime to go after drug dealers, to go after smugglers, to go after folks that are poisoning our local cities," he said.
The new police chief is also looking at replacing the police department building.
Tamez was sure to thank former chief Rex Ramon for his years of service to the police department and the community of Robstown, adding that working under him was a great experience.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- Volunteers lend a gloved hand at Saturday's Wreaths Across America pick-up event
- It's time for a 3NEWS Roundup! Take a look at all the fun we had the NCJLS Friday
- Alice enters Stage 2 drought restrictions
- Permit for proposed Enbridge Ingleside plant denied in Tuesday's special city council meeting
- Beach permits for 2024 are now available for purchase
- Local baseball instructor William Roland dies
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for your daily news and exclusive extended interviews.
Do you have a news tip? Tell 3!
Email tell3@kiiitv.com so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.