12 Hidden Divisions And 5 Shocking Facts About The Marshall Police Department In Texas

Contents

The Marshall Police Department (MPD) in Texas is more than just the uniformed officers you see on patrol; it is a complex, multi-faceted organization that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to ensure public safety in the City of Marshall. As of late 2025, the department continues its commitment to community-focused policing, led by a veteran Chief and supported by a diverse array of specialized divisions and cutting-edge technology.

This deep-dive into the MPD reveals the essential divisions and key facts that underpin law enforcement in Harrison County, providing the most current information available, including recent 2024-2025 developments in crime prevention and community engagement efforts.

The Leadership and Operational Core of MPD

The Marshall Police Department is structured into several major components, each overseen by Captains who report directly to the Chief of Police. This organizational design ensures efficient management of resources across patrol, investigations, and administrative services.

Biography and Profile: Chief of Police Cliff Carruth

  • Name: Cliff Carruth
  • Current Position: Chief of Police, Marshall Police Department
  • Sworn In: October 30, 2017
  • Experience: Over 26 years of total law enforcement experience
  • Previous Role: Retired from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • Mission Focus: Committed to serving the citizens of Marshall, Texas
  • Department Structure: Leads the department, which is supported by two Captains, each responsible for major components

The 5 Pillars of MPD’s Operational Structure

The core function of the department is divided into major divisions, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all law enforcement needs for the city.

  1. Patrol Division: This is the largest and most visible component of the MPD. It is the frontline of the department, operating around the clock to respond to all calls for service, conduct traffic enforcement, and provide initial crime scene security. The Patrol Division is the backbone of Marshall’s emergency response system.
  2. Criminal Investigation Division (CID): Responsible for investigating all major crimes that occur within the city limits of Marshall. The CID takes over cases from the Patrol Division, employing specialized techniques to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and prepare cases for prosecution.
  3. Administrative Unit: Handles the essential internal functions of the department, including budgeting, human resources, policy development, and managing internal affairs.
  4. Information Services - Records: This unit is vital for maintaining the integrity and accessibility of all police reports, records, and data, supporting both internal investigations and public information requests.
  5. Community Policing Unit: Dedicated to proactive engagement with neighborhoods. This unit focuses on building trust, solving quality-of-life issues, and implementing crime prevention strategies in collaboration with the community.

12 Specialized Units and Hidden Divisions of the Marshall PD

To tackle complex and specific criminal activities, the Marshall Police Department fields a number of highly trained, specialized units. These divisions give the department a high level of topical authority in various fields of law enforcement, from high-stakes tactical operations to forensic analysis.

The department’s specialized capabilities are key to its effectiveness in a modern city environment. They include:

  • Crime Scene Investigation (CSI): A critical component of the CID, the CSI unit is responsible for the meticulous collection and preservation of physical evidence at crime scenes, ensuring forensic integrity for court proceedings.
  • Drone Program (Unmanned Aerial Systems - UAS): Utilizing advanced drone technology for aerial surveillance, search and rescue operations, and documenting large or complex crime and accident scenes. This program enhances situational awareness and officer safety.
  • K-9 Unit: Highly trained police service dogs and their handlers assist in various operations, including tracking suspects, searching for narcotics, and locating missing persons.
  • Motorcycle Patrol: Provides a highly mobile and visible presence, often utilized for traffic enforcement, escorts, and operating in congested areas where traditional patrol cars are less effective.
  • Narcotics Unit: Dedicated to the investigation and dismantling of illegal drug operations within Marshall, working to reduce the supply and demand of illicit substances.
  • Special Response Team (S.R.T.): The MPD’s tactical unit, trained for high-risk situations such as hostage rescue, barricaded suspects, and serving high-risk warrants.
  • Crisis Intervention Unit: Specialized officers trained to respond to incidents involving individuals experiencing mental health crises, focusing on de-escalation and connecting individuals with appropriate resources.
  • Traffic Unit: Focuses on specialized traffic enforcement, accident investigation, and addressing specific traffic-related complaints in high-risk areas.
  • Internal Affairs: Though often part of the Administrative Unit, this function is critical for maintaining public trust by investigating complaints of officer misconduct and ensuring adherence to departmental policy.
  • Warrant Division: Responsible for tracking and apprehending individuals with outstanding warrants issued by the Municipal Court and other jurisdictions.
  • School Resource Officer (SRO) Program: Officers assigned to Marshall ISD campuses to ensure school safety, mentor students, and serve as liaisons between the police and the school community.
  • Training Unit: Ensures all officers receive continuous, up-to-date training on legal changes, tactical skills, and community interaction best practices.

5 Shocking Facts and Current Updates for Marshall, Texas Residents

The MPD consistently works to keep the public informed, and recent data and events highlight the department's ongoing challenges and community successes, providing crucial information for anyone living or working in the area.

  1. The 2024 Citizen Police Academy (CPA) is an Annual Success. The MPD actively engages citizens through its Citizen Police Academy, which provides residents over 18 with a hands-on understanding of police operations, from tours of the facility to demonstrations of equipment and techniques. The 2024 CPA demonstrated the department's commitment to transparency and partnership.
  2. Marshall’s Violent Crime Rate is a Key Focus Area. According to recent statistics, the violent crime rate in Marshall hovers around 5.933 per 1,000 residents in a typical year, making crime reduction a central priority for the Patrol and Criminal Investigation Divisions. The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Marshall is approximately 1 in 217.
  3. MPD is a Partner in Major Regional Law Enforcement Events. The department is a major participant in regional law enforcement events, such as the annual Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial, which was held in May 2024, in collaboration with the Harrison County Sheriff's Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
  4. The Officer-to-Civilian Ratio is Below the National Average. Marshall employs approximately 2.86 police officers per 1,000 residents, which is slightly below the national average of 3.25 per 1,000. This fact underscores the importance of the department's specialized units and community partnerships to maximize resource efficiency.
  5. Recent High-Profile Incidents Demonstrate Rapid Response. Recent news reports from 2024 and 2025 highlight the MPD’s rapid response to critical situations, including arrests following early morning police chases and the swift apprehension of a person accused of shooting at police, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Patrol Division and CID.

How to Connect with the Marshall Police Department

The Marshall Police Department emphasizes that no law enforcement agency can solve crime or quality-of-life issues alone, actively inviting community involvement. Citizens are encouraged to get involved through programs like the Citizen Police Academy or by using the non-emergency contact information provided below.

Key Contact Information and Resources

  • Main Address: 2101 East End Blvd North, Marshall, TX 75670
  • Non-Emergency Phone: 903-935-4575
  • Compliment/Complaint Email: compliment-complaint@marshallpd.com
  • Community Programs: The Community Policing Unit and the Citizen Police Academy are primary avenues for citizen engagement.

By understanding the full scope of the Marshall Police Department, from its leadership under Chief Carruth to its specialized units like the S.R.T. and Drone Program, residents gain a deeper appreciation for the complex work required to maintain safety in the City of Marshall, Texas.

12 Hidden Divisions and 5 Shocking Facts About the Marshall Police Department in Texas
marshall police department texas
marshall police department texas

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