Roanoke City Council reviewed three police department-related items at its Sept. 22 meeting, including a possible contract with the town of Westlake to provide police resources.
The gist
A discussion about a partnership with Westlake was held in a closed-session meeting with council and the city’s attorney. No action was taken when council returned to the chamber.
The city of Roanoke issued a news release Sept. 23 that said the two entities are working together on a potential partnership with Roanoke Police Department officers and staff providing police services to Westlake.
According to previous reporting, Westlake Town Council voted Sept. 15 not to renew its contract with Keller Police Department when it expires Sept. 30, 2028. Keller has provided law enforcement for Westlake since 2002.
Westlake reviewed options for future police service from both Keller and Roanoke starting in September 2025, according to the Roanoke news release.
Roanoke proposed providing comprehensive law enforcement and emergency management services including dedicated patrol coverage, emergency communications and dispatch, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, community-based programs and specialized services. The proposal also includes a school resource officer assigned to Westlake Academy.
“This potential partnership reflects the strong relationship between our neighboring communities and our shared commitment to public safety,” Roanoke Mayor Carl E. “Scooter” Gierisch said in a news release. “Mayor [Kim] Greaves and I have built a collaborative, trusting partnership over time and that foundation makes opportunities like this possible. We are incredibly proud of the men and women of the Roanoke Police Department and the level of service they provide every day. We appreciate the confidence Westlake has placed in Roanoke as we continue working together to determine what this partnership will look like for both communities.”
Terms, operational details, service commitments and the transition of police services still need to be clarified and no agreement has been reached, Roanoke Public Engagement Manager Sandra Pettigrew said.
An email from the town of Westlake stated a subcommittee met in July and interviewed representatives from the Keller and Roanoke police departments. It stated Keller requires two years’ notice not to renew with a deadline of Oct. 1.
“We are excited about the possibilities that this new partnership could bring,” Greaves said in the email. “Roanoke has been a valued partner in public safety and we look forward to building on that relationship while exploring opportunities to continue providing the high level of service our residents expect.”
The Westlake email stated the Keller Police Department will still provide services "unless both parties agree to end the contract sooner."
What else?
An interlocal agreement for school resource officers between the city and Northwest ISD was approved for one year, running from Aug. 1 to July 31, 2027.
The city of Roanoke has provided an SRO at Byron Nelson High School in Trophy Club since 2018. In 2023, an SRO was added at James M. Steele Early College High School in Roanoke.
Northwest ISD will pay 70% of the costs, or $210,757, according to city documents.
Also of note
A 10-year contract, worth $3.14 million, was approved between the city and Axon Enterprise, Inc. for upgraded software, services, equipment and warranties for the police department.
The contract for 2026 is $208,719.20 and will rise annually for nine years, up to $403,490.83 in 2034.
Axon, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, will provide interview room camera systems, in-car cameras, body-worn cameras, real-time crime center software, tasers, virtual reality training systems, storage and AI tools, according to city documents.
