CITY OF OAK RIDGE POLICE DEPARTMENT
                  

The City of Oak Ridge Police Department was founded in July of 2017 and began active patrol in November of 2017. The police department, with the continued assistance of the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office and the Texas DPS, are responsible for patrol and investigative functions within the City of Oak Ridge.

We extend a big thanks to the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office, Kaufman Police Department and Terrell Police Department for all they have done and continue to do in order to assist

  • The mission of the Oak Ridge Police Department is to reduce and prevent future crime through effective community policing.

    The purpose of modern law enforcement is to serve and protect the community in which it serves, but also to educate, communicate with and work together with all stakeholders of the City of Oak Ridge. The reduction and prevention of crime come through cooperation with citizens and the proper training of the police which ensures the City of Oak Ridge is a save place to live, work and visit.

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  • The Oak Ridge Police Department's vision is to provide effective and efficient police services to our citizens, in the most professional and courteous manner possible by tailoring our manifold operations to meet the needs and expectations of our community.

    OUR VALUES

    • We will maintain the highest level of integrity.
    • We will engage in open honest communication.
    • We will treat all persons with compassion, respect and dignity.
    • We will be self-critical and accountable for our commitments and results.
    • We will always seek to provide the highest quality of service.
    • We will preserve and safeguard individual rights and liberties.

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Chief of Police:
Bill Weatherly

Assistant Chief: 
Michael Loesch

Captain:
Clell Murray

 

Lieutenant:
Charles Matthews

Officers:
Corporal Jon Mark
Office Kendal Marshal
Officer Clifford Thrasher

CITY OF OAK RIDGE POLICE DEPARTMENT

Office:  (972) 551-0345

After hours non-emergency call the Kaufman County Sheriff Office:      972-932-4337 (After hours are 5pm - 6am 7 Days a week)

EMERGENCIES AND CALL FOR SERVICE:  DIAL-911

EMAIL: orpd@ci-or-tx.org

From the Chief's Office:

Citizen questions:

  • Why does it seem like the Oak Ridge Officers are always writing tickets?
  • What are they doing, trying to make money for the City of Oak Ridge?

The Purpose of Traffic Stops and Citations

 

The simple answer to why police officers issue traffic citations is to enforce state and local laws. However, there's a lot more to it than just that. Traffic stops are a critical tool for law enforcement, and they serve several important purposes:

  • Enforcing Laws and Improving Safety: Traffic citations, particularly for speeding, are a primary way to deter dangerous driving. Since 2017, the Oak Ridge Police Department has responded to numerous fatal accidents where excessive speed was a major factor. The department's increased focus on issuing citations has led to a decrease in excessive speeding, a reduction in the total number of accidents, and, most importantly, a decrease in fatal accidents. While many drivers say they "weren't paying attention" or were "in a hurry," officers typically allow for a grace period before issuing a citation, which means a driver has already exceeded the speed limit by a significant amount before being stopped.

  • Preventing and Solving Major Crimes: Traffic stops are also an effective way to identify and apprehend criminals. It may surprise you to know that approximately 50% of major offenders, including murderers, robbers, and rapists, are arrested during traffic stops. These stops give officers an opportunity to make contact with people in the city and identify individuals who may be involved in criminal activity. Officers also use traffic stops and high-visibility patrols to deter criminal elements from entering the city in the first place.

  • Addressing the "Cash Cow" Question: It's understandable that people may wonder if the city is trying to make money by writing a lot of tickets. The truth is, a large portion of every citation fine is paid to the state. The small amount of money the city retains from each citation goes toward covering the costs of the court, including salaries for the court clerk, judge, prosecutor, and bailiff.

Ultimately, the reason police officers issue tickets is to achieve compliance with state and city laws, to maintain a visible presence to deter crime, and to save lives.

If you have questions you would like the police to respond to, you can drop them off at City Hall or email ORPD@ci-or-tx.org.

Employment

Personal History Statement:  Contact the Oak Ridge Police Deptartment 

Background Waiver Letter:  Contact the Oak Ridge Police Departmen

Local Agencies