The Pflugerville Police Department is increasingly relying on technology, regional partnerships and community engagement to keep pace with the city’s growth, according to a presentation delivered to City Council.
Police Chief Willie Richards, appointed in October, along with department staff presented updated data, key initiatives and future priorities, pointing to increased activity and evolving policing tools.
The big picture
Pflugerville police are balancing increased service demand with a shift toward technology-assisted policing and expanded community programs.
“We’re trying to do the best we can with the technology that you’ve entrusted us with to make sure that we’re protecting the liberties and the constitutional privileges of the people that live and work here,” Richards said.
By the numbers
The department handled more than 45,000 calls for service in 2025, including over 26,000 emergency 911 calls.
The department also reported that 98.67% of 911 calls were answered within 10 seconds in 2025, an increase from 97.96% the previous year.
Something to know
Officials pointed to a growing reliance on technology to improve response times and case outcomes.
Detectives credited tools such as artificial intelligence-assisted facial recognition for helping identify suspects more quickly and solve cases faster.
“The technology that we have nowadays surpasses what I had to do,” Sgt. Joseph Towns said. “What is new today is old tomorrow.”
Towns noted AI tools have helped solve some cases “within minutes,” including a recent robbery investigation.
City leaders said those tools, combined with staffing, contributed to a noticeable increase in arrests compared to previous years.
The division reported a 37% clearance rate in 2025, meaning more than one-third of cases were solved or resulted in an identified suspect.
Police said improved technology is helping accelerate investigations and support neighboring agencies.
“You would be really dumb to come [to Pflugerville] and commit a crime,” Towns said, referencing the department’s investigative tools.
Another detail
One of the department’s most emphasized areas was its work on crimes against children.
In 2025, detectives:
- Identified 10 victims
- Made 23 arrests
- Analyzed 46 digital devices
- 10 reactive investigations
Detective Janie Campana said identifying victims is the most meaningful outcome.
“The biggest number on this slide that means the most to me ... is that we identified 10 new victims,” she said.
The department also highlighted a specialized electronic-detection K9 named Flash, trained to locate hidden digital devices, such as phones and storage drives.
Flash is the only dog of its kind in Central Texas and supports investigations involving digital evidence.
What they’re saying
Council members raised questions about privacy and oversight tied to the department’s use of technology.
Mayor Doug Weiss asked how the city ensures tools are used responsibly.
Richards said the department conducts regular audits and requires a clear criminal connection for any data searches.
“If there’s no nexus, it is deleted after 30 days,” Richards said.
The chief also confirmed the city owns its data and does not share it outside approved law enforcement partners.
Looking ahead
Police leadership outlined several priorities moving forward:
- Expanding technology-assisted policing strategies
- Evaluating a potential real-time crime center
- Continuing recruitment and retention efforts
- Maintaining statewide accreditation standards
Richards said the department’s goal is to adapt to growth while maintaining transparency and public trust.
“Our goal is to protect and work with our community ... and find ways to adapt to the change and the growth that we have,” Richards said.
