At a special
meeting of the City Council held on September 25, 2007, Rande Benjamin was appointed to
serve as the Police Chief for the City of Watauga. Mr. Benjamin has
worked for the department for more than 18 years. He began his career
in 1986 as a volunteer fireman, and became an officer in 1989. He has
worked as a Warrant Officer, as well as being assigned to the Criminal
Investigations Division. He was promoted to Patrol Sergeant in 1993,
became the Training Sergeant in 1995, and was promoted to Lieutenant in
2006. Chief Benjamin has over 2,000 hours of police training, is an
instructor, and carries a Master Peace Officer License.
Crime Control
and Prevention District
The City of Watauga is proud of its low crime rate and quick response time to emergency calls.
Determined to maintain this community strength, Watauga
citizens created a Crime Control and Prevention District.
This district
insures a long-term commitment to providing a safe environment for Watauga families.
Funds generated by the Crime Control and Prevention District will
provide for additional officers and equipment and an upgrade in the technology available
to the officers.
Like other cities across the United States, the Watauga
Police Department is addressing the issue of juvenile crime. In cooperation with
area cities, Watauga has established a
Teen Court which offers juvenile offenders an alternative to the criminal justice system
while requiring them to accept responsibility for their behavior.
Watauga
citizens are encouraged to take an active role in preventing crime in
their neighborhoods by forming Crime Watch Neighborhoods. The
Citizens Police Academy has also been created to form a partnership with
the community and educate them in the responsibilities of the
department.
Departmental Values
Professionalism:
We understand that our profession is a calling which requires specialized
knowledge and extensive training. We will approach each call for service
with a professional attitude.
Diligence: We
will persevere to insure that our enforcement of the law is fair, impartial,
legal and with the attention to detail that is expected in a court of law.
Courage: We
will have the moral courage to do what is right; and the personal courage to
face danger and difficulty with firmness of mind and physical resilience.
Pride: Pride
in our department, our community and our profession.
Commitment:
An obligation to never leave our community or fellow Fire, Police or EMS
officer unprotected.
At a special
meeting of the City Council held on September 25, 2007, Rande Benjamin was appointed to
serve as the Police Chief for the City of Watauga. Mr. Benjamin has
worked for the department for more than 18 years. He began his career
in 1986 as a volunteer fireman, and became an officer in 1989. He has
worked as a Warrant Officer, as well as being assigned to the Criminal
Investigations Division. He was promoted to Patrol Sergeant in 1993,
became the Training Sergeant in 1995, and was promoted to Lieutenant in
2006. Chief Benjamin has over 2,000 hours of police training, is an
instructor, and carries a Master Peace Officer License.