Item 4I
ITEM 4I
M E M O R A N D U M
May 27, 2015
TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Shana K. Yelverton, City Manager
SUBJECT:Confirm the City Manager’s Appointment of James BrandonasChief of
Police
Action
Requested:
City Council confirmation of the City Manager’s appointment of James
Brandon as Chief of Policefor the City of Southlake.
Background
Information:
Chapter 4 of the Southlake Charter requires that “The head of each
department shall be a chief, director, or superintendent who shall be
appointed by the City Manager subject to the approval of the Council
and such chief, director or superintendent shall have supervisory
authority and financial control over his/her department.”
James Brandonhas served in Southlake as Interim Police Chiefsince
April 6, 2015and was originally hired by the City as AssistantPolice
Chiefin February, 2013.Beloware a few of his career highlights:
Experience.
Mr. Brandon has 19 years of total law
enforcement experienceincluding:
Two yearswith City of Southlake asAssistant Police Chief.
-
14 years with the Corpus Christi Police Departmentwhere
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he quickly moved through the ranks holding the positions
of Officer, Senior Officer, Lieutenant and Captain. He
worked in a number of different assignmentsand divisions
including: Uniform Division, Organized Crime Unit, Bomb
Squad, SWAT, and the Office of Accountability.
Three years with the Illinois Department of Corrections as
-
a Correctional Officer.
Education and Training.
Mr. Brandon has an impressive
education and training background including:
Bachelor’s Degree of Applied Arts & Sciences, Midwestern
-
State University.
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City CouncilITEM 4I
May 27, 2015
Page 2
Master of Business Administration Candidate, American
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Military University, Expected Graduation April 2016.
Graduate of the SeniorManagement Institute for Police,
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Police Executive Research Forum.
Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Master Peace
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Officer and Instructor.
Various technical training courses & certifications.
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Awards & Recognition.
Mr. Brandon has received a
numerous awards and recognition including:
Certificate of Merit, SWAT Team Management (2010).
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Texas Tactical Police Officer’s Association Excellence
-
Award (2009).
Lifesaving Award (2001).
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Numerous letters of commendation and recognition from
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supervisors.
As the Police Chief, Mr. Brandonwill assume full management
responsibility for the Police Department. He will manage and
supervise all activities related to the administration of the department
includingmanaging and directing the operations of patrol, criminal
investigation, professional standards, traffic functions, and public
safety related community services. The Chiefmanages the
development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives,
policies and priorities in alignment with the City’s Strategic
Management System.The department consists of 68full-time and
threepart-time employeesand has a Fiscal Year 2015General Fund
budget of $5,860,540 and a Crime Control Prevention District Fund
budget of $724,040.
Mr. Brandon’sappointment brings provenlaw enforcementexperience
and expertise that will provide effective leadership to the department.
His appointment also provides for management continuity and stability
for the organization and provides no negative budgetary impact.
With your approval, Mr. Brandon’sappointment will be effective June
3, 2015
Financial
Considerations:
An offer of employmenthas been extended to Mr.Brandonwith a
monthly salary of $10,681.10plus the standard executive benefit
package.
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City CouncilITEM 4I
May 27, 2015
Page 3
Strategic Link:
Performance Management and Service Delivery: attract, develop and
retain a skilled workforce.
Citizen Input/
Board Review:
N/A
Legal Review:
N/A
Alternatives:
N/A
Supporting
Documents:
Mr. Brandon’sResume
Staff
Recommendation:
City Councilconfirmthe City Manager’s appointment of James
Brandon as Chief of Police.
James Brandon
913 Creekhollow Court
Keller, Tx 76248
817-908-5307
Professional Experience
Southlake Police Department (February 2013-present)
February 2013-present Assistant Chief of Police
Assist in development and management of $6 million dollar budget.
Manage all operational and investigative aspects of the department.
Provide leadership to 73 sworn officers and civilians.
Assist in development of long range strategic plans in support of departmental and city goals.
Provide administrative support to the Office of the Chief of Police.
Act as a liaison between the police department and city staff/city council.
Serve in an acting capacity as the Chief of Police in his absence.
On scene commander for all crises and serious incidents.
Major Accomplishments
Reduction in auto burglaries by 33%, residential burglaries by 39%, and accidents by 13%.
Design and implementation of an innovative, expanded school resource officer program that has
received national attention.
93% approval rating of police department performance via citizen survey.
Implementation of employee engagement measures, including coaching and mentoring
program for employee career development.
Development and expansion of employee recognition program.
Expansion of active shooter training for officers and school district personnel.
Work closely with businesses to ensure the highest levels of security and safety through active
shooter training and safety consultation.
Development and implementation of patrol rifle program.
Enhanced the
facilitate long term investigations.
Corpus Christi Police Department (1999-Feb 2013)
January 2011 February 2013 Captain, Organized Crime Unit
Manage a $1 million dollar budget.
Manage all operational, investigative and intelligence aspects of the Organized Crime Unit.
Provide leadership and direction to 13 sworn investigators and civilian employees.
Direct PD supervision of the Safestreets and Joint Terrorism Task Forces.
Direct supervision of the Organized Crime Unit, Computer Crimes Unit, and Internet Crimes
Against Children Task Force.
Plan and conduct VIP and executive protection details, often in conjunction with the Secret
Service.
Work in cooperation with federal and area local agencies on long term major investigations that
impact Corpus Christi.
Provide accurate and timely intelligence to the Office of the Chief of Police and City Manager.
Conduct public integrity investigations on behalf of City Manager and Chief of Police.
Attend weekly Compstat meetings.
Major Accomplishments
Recipient of $500,000 Department of Justice Sexual Predator grant which funds two sworn
investigators and one civilian forensic examiner.
Successful investigation and prosecution of numerous child pornography and sexual predator
cases.
and other area agencies. The
Organized Crime Unit has become a hub for area agencies seeking assistance on serious
investigations.
Successful prosecutions of VICAR (Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering) and RICO (Racketeer
Influenced Corrupt Organization) cases with federal partners, resulting in substantial prison
sentences for local gang members.
November 2001 February 2013 Officer, Lieutenant, and Captain of SWAT
Began as officer and promoted through ranks as a member of SWAT.
Directly responsible for the training, equipping, and management of CCPD SWAT.
determine responses for all manner of critical situations.
Guide the during all SWAT operations in the coastal bend region.
Identify training needs, and provide avenues and accountability so that they may be addressed.
Conduct training sessions with private industry and city government on how to appropriately
handle critical situations, such as an active shooter.
Major Accomplishments
Instituted a strategic plan for SWAT, resulting in wide ranging improvements within the team.
CCPD SWAT now has an excellent reputation within the state and industry and is capable of
successfully resolving all manner of critical situations.
Great improvement in team morale, despite less than ideal working conditions.
Worked with media to create several stories and demonstrations of swat tactics and equipment
in order to promote an understanding of what the team does and why.
Procured body armor and many other pieces of necessary equipment through federal grants.
Positioned team as the host of many SWAT schools and classes, bringing other teams to us for
training.
Worked with the SWAT teams from smaller area agencies so that they may use CCPD SWAT as a
resource.
Worked with the Fire Department to institute a SWAT Medic program that is now capable of top
tier medical treatment on scene.
Successful resolution of all major incidents with no serious injuries to officers.
November 2005 February 2013 Lieutenant and Captain of Bomb Squad
Give direction, leadership, and oversight to Bomb Squad during its operations and training.
.
Liaison with other agencies during Bomb Squad operations in order to successfully assist them
with rendering hazardous devices safe.
Major Accomplishments
Procurement of well over $1 million worth of equipment through Homeland Security grants.
Expansion of Squad from 2 bomb technicians to 4 and doubling training hours.
Successful resolutions of all incidents with no injuries.
Successfully involved ATF in bomb squad operations in order to secure reimbursement monies.
November 2009 January 2011 Captain, Office of Accountability
Administer departmental reorganization, research and implementation.
Conduct divisional staff inspections as directed by the Chief of Police.
Conduct spot, follow-
Track line inspection documents.
CALEA (Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement
Agencies) administrative reporting program.
Administer the random drug screening program.
Chair the General Rules Manual committee.
Oversee the creation and implementation of department forms.
Assist the Chief of Police with updating the multi-year plan.
Assist the accreditation manager with CALEA recertification efforts.
Major Accomplishments
Implementation of 23 reorganization and efficiency teams, resulting in significant changes in
department operation and culture.
Direct input on the creation of many policies.
Conduct
performance.
Direct input into wide ranging changes within the department.
October 2008-November 2009 Captain, Uniform Division
Direct supervision of 7 field supervisors and up to 63 officers.
Responsible for all events and calls for police service in Delta and Adam District.
Direct input into disciplinary issues and all training needs identified for Delta & Adam District
Officers.
Often the highest ranking officer on duty, and as a result, responsible for all significant police
events in the city.
On scene commander of all major crime scenes during my tour of duty. This included officer
involved shootings, homicides, aggravated assaults, robberies, fatality accidents, and other
complicated scenes.
Major Accomplishments
Efficient handling of major field incidents.
Attended all available community meetings
with the public.
Addressed crime trends within district.
August 2004 October 2008 Lieutenant, Uniform Division
Direct supervisor for between 8-13 officers.
Supervision of all patrol activities for the duration of a given shift.
First line supervision of all critical incidents and major crime scenes throughout the city.
Set priorities for patrol officers.
Major Accomplishments
Successful resolution of all major incidents.
January 1999-August 2004 Officer and Senior Officer, Uniform Division
Patrol officer in highest crime areas of Corpus Christi.
First responder to all manner of violent crimes and critical incidents.
Major Accomplishments
Recipient of numerous commendations and letters of recognition.
Intentionally worked in the busiest areas of city during night hours.
Illinois Department of Corrections (May 1996-January 1999)
May 1996-January 1999 Correctional Officer, Menard Correctional Center
Performed all duties of a correctional officer in maximum security segregation and death row
unit.
Major Accomplishments
Recipient of Superior Performance Increase award.
Education, Training, and Memberships
Currently enrolled in Master of Business Administration program (American Military
University/April 2016 graduation)
th
Graduate of the 58 session of the Senior Management Institute for Police (Police Executive
Research Forum)
certification
Less Lethal Instructor
Certified Negotiator
Texas Commission on Law Enforcement SWAT certification
Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Master Peace Officer and Instructor
Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Supervisor certification
Police Executive Research Forum
Texas Tactical Police Officers Association
Awards & Recognition
Certificate of Merit for management of SWAT team (2010)
Lifesaving Award (2001)
Numerous letters of commendation & recognition from various supervisors