Four months as Levelland Police Chief, Erica O’Bryon continues to implement and build upon her vision she has for the Levelland Police Department (LPD).
Coming into the department, O’Bryon was impressed by the work ethic of those within the police department.
“Everybody is extremely hard working and coming in you never know how staff will respond,” said O’Bryon. “I always try to be the first one here in the morning, but someone always beats me. Even when I am packing up to leave eight, 10 or sometimes 12 hours later, there are people here still working.”
From top down, O’Bryon complimented the work dispatch, the officers, school resource office and staff personnel have done.
“The whole group, they do not complain, and they are eager to learn and move forward,” said O’Bryon. “It has been refreshing to come in and have such a great group within the department already.”
With 20 years of experience in law enforcement, O’Bryon never thought her end goal would be assuming the title of “Chief”.
“The role of chief was never a part of my career aspirations, and I never thought I was going to throw my name in the hat for a chief’s position.” explained O’Bryon. “Prior to doing so, I did lots of research and talked to a couple of chiefs that are great mentors of mine. I was able to get some advice from them and I still reach out to them regularly.”
Calling the role different but good, O’bryon explained there are adjustments and learning curves.
“I think the hardest part for me is not doing it myself and understanding that everybody here is completely capable and willing to do that,” said O’Bryon. “I have a vision and letting them run with that vision is hard for me because I just want to do it myself.”
Recalling a conversation with her husband, O’Bryon spoke about the adjustments of having meetings, creating a vision for others to go and execute said vision.
“I think for me that was the most humbling part of coming in and going forward,” said O’Bryon. I can’t be the one that does it, I need to trust others to do that and that’s hard.”
Right now, a majority of her time has been going through policies and making sure they are updated and abide by the Texas Best Practices Program. The LPD is a Texas Best Practice Accredited by the Texas Police Chief’s Association.
“I am making sure that if it’s in policy, I’m willing to enforce that,” said O’Bryon.
In regard to short-term changes, O’bryon has adjusted the uniform policy in regard to footwear for officers. Instead of polished leather boots at all times, she has updated policy to allow for officers to downgrade their boots to a more comfortable option as long as they are clean and presentable.
Additionally, O’Bryon is looking to adjust the uniform policy to allow officers to utilize outer carriers for relief in the warmer months.
O’Bryon highlighted the hard work her captains had done prior to her hiring and arrival. She explained that Captain Mateo Lopez and Captain Tammie McDonald put in extensive work to produce a pay study analysis. With the analysis, discussions with the Levelland City Manager James Fisher allowed for the implementation of a pay scale adjustment at the LPD and a subsequent raise across the board for the staff.
The captain’s hard work also allowed the department to switch to Axon body cameras which have become the go-to body camera company and system across law enforcement agencies in Texas.
O’Bryon has also made the effort to convey what her goals are to her staff.
“I have sat down with every single one of the officers here and I have told them all that my goal is quality over quantity and community relations,” said O’Bryon. “I want good, solid police work and I want to be in the community.”
O’Bryon has been working to put together a series of events called “Cops and Communities” which will consist of small (three to four blocks) gatherings.
The chief plans to hold several gatherings throughout all areas of Levelland.
The goal is to have more intimate interactions with community members and allow for time to talk about any concerns or questions community members have. This will also allow for more interaction with officers and possibly enjoy games and activities.
“I would encourage anybody that is interested in hosting a Cops and Communities to simply contact their neighbors first.” said O’Bryon. “If I have somebody that’s willing to let us go in front of their house, we’ll block the road off and do an event.”
O’Bryon has even reached out to local nursing homes to possibly have lunch and talk to the elderly about questions or concerns.
“We can come in and inform them about scams and fraud that are seen with the elderly,” said O’Bryon. “It could be as simple as having lunch with them.”
O’Bryon explained that the desire to be a part of the community on a human level aside from when individuals call 9-1-1 or the police department. to be out there not just when you call 911 or call the Police Department.
Typically, when the department interacts with the community it is during a crisis or their worst day. O’Bryon feels interaction is beneficial for both the officers and community when there isn’t an emergency.
“In the short-term, my goal is to get more quality work and more community involvement with the police department,” said O’Bryon.
Looking long-term, O’Bryon is excited to develop a vision for the department.
“I think being able to develop a vision for the agency, develop a strategic plan for progress into the future is exciting,” said O’Bryon. “When I had applied here, I came looking for a strategic plan. I want to know where the road map is of where we’re going. It did not exist specifically for the police department.”
O’Bryon is eager to utilize the knowledge and the experience she has accumulated along with the time spent working with other agencies.
“I am looking forward to putting together a strategic plan and a road map for the future of this department knowing that I’m going to have a positive influence in the direction of where this agency is going,” said O’bryon.
In the short time O’Bryon has been in Levelland, becoming acquainted with the community has been positive for herself and her family.
“Coming from a small town, Levelland has been great,” said O’Bryon. “Everyone has been extremely welcoming; I am very grateful, and I am excited to be part of this community.”
O’Bryon is hopeful to create working relationships with the community and with all entities within Levelland.
“I think it is important to build those relationships with everyone to know what we can do for them,” explained O’Bryon. “I truly believe that the only way the police department can be successful is by knowing what the community needs and wants are.”