The 5 Critical Updates On The Denison TX Police Dept: Chief's Vision, New Officers, And 2025 Crime Data
The Denison, TX Police Department (DPD) continues its proactive approach to law enforcement, focusing heavily on community engagement and transparency as of December 2025. Under the leadership of Chief Mike Gudgel, the department has recently welcomed new officers to its ranks and continues to navigate high-profile incidents, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing public safety across Grayson County. The DPD's strategy is built on a foundation of strong relationships with residents and local organizations, ensuring that the department remains a trusted partner in the community.
The latest updates from the DPD, including news releases from early 2025, highlight a dynamic and busy period for the department. From significant traffic investigations on major corridors like Highway 75 to the successful continuation of popular community outreach programs, the Denison Police Department is actively working to reduce crime and improve the overall quality of life for its citizens. This article provides a deep dive into the department’s current leadership, organizational structure, recent operational highlights, and the most up-to-date crime statistics.
Chief of Police Mike Gudgel: Biography and Leadership Profile
The Denison Police Department is currently led by Chief of Police Mike Gudgel, a seasoned law enforcement professional whose career spans over three decades. His leadership is central to the department’s modern, community-focused policing model.
- Full Name: Mike Gudgel
- Current Role: Chief of Police, Denison Police Department
- Appointment Date: July 2019
- Career Start: 1992
- Previous Experience: Chief Gudgel began his law enforcement career with the Grand Prairie Police Department. During his tenure there, he gained extensive experience, serving in roles such as a Patrol Officer and various other positions within the department.
- Commitment: Chief Gudgel is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of law enforcement and is committed to serving the residents of Denison, TX.
- Personal Life: He and his wife are proud parents of twin daughters.
Chief Gudgel’s philosophy centers on building trust and working collaboratively with the public, a strategy that is reflected in the DPD's robust community engagement initiatives.
Denison Police Department: Organizational Structure and Key Divisions
The DPD's structure is designed to ensure efficient operations, clear lines of command, and specialized focus areas to address the diverse needs of the Denison community. The administrative leadership is comprehensive and supports the officers on the street.
Administrative Command
The leadership team under Chief Gudgel is comprised of experienced personnel responsible for the day-to-day operations and strategic planning of the department. This structure ensures accountability and effective resource management.
- Chief of Police (Mike Gudgel)
- Two Assistant Chiefs of Police
- Police Administrative Coordinator
Key Divisions and Support Services
The DPD operates several critical divisions that are vital for maintaining public safety and supporting the community:
- Patrol Division: The backbone of the department, responsible for 24/7 emergency response, traffic enforcement, and proactive patrol across the city.
- Criminal Investigations Division (CID): Handles follow-up investigations for major crimes, including property crimes and violent crimes, working closely with the Grayson County District Attorney’s Office.
- Records Division: Manages the retention, storage, and retrieval of electronic and manual police records, ensuring transparency and accessibility for official purposes.
- Communications/Dispatch: The first point of contact for emergency calls (911) and non-emergency services, coordinating officer response across Denison.
The department is committed to maintaining a fully staffed force, as evidenced by the recent welcoming of new personnel, including Officer Austen Scott and Officer Randy Roberson, who joined the ranks to further bolster the DPD's presence.
Recent Operational Highlights and 2025 News Updates
The Denison Police Department has been actively involved in several significant events and operational activities in late 2024 and throughout 2025, underscoring the dynamic nature of law enforcement in the area.
High-Profile Incident Responses
The DPD has been at the forefront of responding to and investigating several major incidents, often requiring coordinated efforts with specialized units:
- Fatal Crash Investigations: The DPD’s investigative teams were heavily engaged in a fatal crash investigation, with an update released in August 2025, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to traffic safety and thorough accident reconstruction.
- Major Vehicle Accidents: In February 2025, the DPD responded to a major vehicle accident on Highway 75 near Crawford, a significant event that required substantial resources to manage the scene and traffic flow.
- SWAT Team Deployment: Officers and SWAT team members were involved in a recent incident where they responded to a reported assault, leading to the arrest of a suspect. This highlights the DPD’s capability to handle volatile situations requiring specialized tactical response.
Commitment to Officer Accountability
In a historical context, the Denison Police Department was one of several jurisdictions reviewed as part of the Plain View Project, which examined officers' social media activity for potentially problematic content. The DPD responded to the findings, indicating a commitment to addressing issues of officer conduct and maintaining professional standards, a crucial component of modern policing and community trust.
Community Safety Initiatives for 2025
Beyond daily patrol, the DPD actively promotes safety through targeted seasonal campaigns, such as the New Year's Eve Safety awareness for 2025, where officers increase their presence to ensure the safety of citizens celebrating the holiday season.
Denison, TX Crime Statistics and Public Safety Outlook
Understanding the local crime landscape is essential for both the police department and the community. The DPD utilizes data, including FBI UCR data, to inform its strategies and resource allocation.
2024 Crime Rate Overview
The most recent available data provides a snapshot of the crime environment in Denison, TX:
- Total Violent Crimes (2024): 47 reported violent crimes.
- Violent Crime Rate: Approximately 283 per 100,000 individuals.
- National Comparison: Denison's violent crime rate is generally lower than the national average by approximately 23.6%, suggesting a relatively safer environment compared to many other US cities.
- Specific Crime Types: While the overall rate is lower, the city, like many others, still faces challenges with specific violent and property crime categories, including assault, rape, robbery, and burglaries.
The DPD's ongoing efforts, including targeted patrols and community engagement, are aimed at continually reducing these figures and improving public safety outcomes.
Building Trust: Denison Police Department Community Engagement Programs
A core tenet of Chief Gudgel's leadership is the importance of a strong partnership with the public. The DPD has several well-established and successful community outreach programs designed to foster positive interactions and mutual understanding.
1. Citizens Police Academy (CPA)
The Citizens Police Academy is a crucial program that offers residents an in-depth, hands-on look at the daily operations of the DPD. Graduates often join the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (DCPAAA), which actively works alongside the DPD to help keep the community safe and supports officers at local events.
2. Coffee with a Cop
This initiative provides an informal, neutral setting for officers and community members to meet, discuss local issues, and build personal relationships over a cup of coffee. The program is vital for breaking down barriers and encouraging open dialogue between the police and the citizens they serve.
3. Donut Delight School Program
The Donut Delight program is a special community engagement event where DPD officers visit local schools to hand out donuts to children. This simple, positive interaction helps establish a friendly and approachable image of law enforcement for young students, promoting early trust and positive relationships with the police.
These initiatives, along with the DPD's active social media presence, are integral to the department's mission of serving and protecting while partnering with the community to enhance public safety and the overall quality of life in Denison, Texas.
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