Office of the Chief

Responsibilities

The office of Chief of Police directs, plans, coordinates, and evaluates all activities of the Department, as well as oversees all command-level functions for the agency. This includes, but is not limited to; all police operations in the City, budgeting, policies and procedures, research studies, and methodology for deploying police assets in the most effective way as we work to address quality of life issues in our community. 

The Office of the Chief of Police is comprised of the Chief of Police, the Assistant Chief of Police, and the Office of Professional Standards.

stantonJoe Stanton

Chief of Police

Email: jstanton@texascitytx.gov

Phone: (409) 643-5750


For as long as he can remember, Chief Stanton wanted to be a police officer. Growing up in Texas City, he had a close friend whose brother was an officer for the Houston Police Department. His interest only grew from there, and after graduating from Texas City High School in 1983, he pursued his lifelong goal.  

Chief Stanton began his law enforcement career with the Texas City Police Department in 1995. In 2017, he became the Department’s first Assistant Chief of Police and was promoted to Chief of Police in 2018. As a 23-year veteran of the department, he has been able to experience a wide variety of assignments. 

Chief Stanton is married to his wife Traci and has two beautiful children. He likes to relax at home with his family when he isn't at work. Outside interests include golf and cardio kickboxing.

Education and Certifications

Chief Stanton holds a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Sciences from Concordia Lutheran University and a master’s degree in Criminology from the University of Houston Clear Lake. In 1994, he attended the Police Academy at the University of Houston Downtown and was awarded his Basic Police Officer certification in 1995. Chief Stanton is a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy class #243, the Texas Chiefs of Police Association Developing Leaders for Texas Law Enforcement Program and the F.B.I. Law Enforcement Development Association (LEEDA) “Trilogy Leadership Program.” 

Assignments and Awards

During his 23-year career with the Texas City Police Department, Chief Stanton has served in a variety of responsibilities and roles. He was promoted to Corporal in 2004 and advanced quickly to his promotion as Sergeant in 2006. 

After being promoted to Captain in 2011, he was assigned over Patrol, Dispatch, K-9, Code Enforcement, the Criminal Investigations Division (CID), Crime Scene Investigations (CSI), the Crime Suppression Unit (CSU), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), the Hostage Negotiations Team (HNT) and served as the Public Information Officer. He became the first person in the Department’s history to serve as Assistant Chief of Police and was soon promoted to Chief of Police. 

Chief Stanton has taught in the Texas City Police Department Training Academy, serves on the College of the Mainland Training Academy Advisory Board, the Mainland Communities Crime Stoppers Board, and is a Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) Executive Board Member.

cravens proLandis J. Cravens

Assistant Chief of Police

Email: cravens@texascitytx.gov

Phone: (409) 643-5750


Landis J. Cravens is a son of our community, born and raised in what is affectionately known as West Texas City. His parents before him graduated from Lincoln High School (father/1966) and La Marque High School (mother/1969). Landis is a 1989 graduate of La Marque High School and continues to make his home here in Texas City.

Assistant Chief Cravens started his career with the Texas City Police Department in 1995 as a Patrolman. He is currently assigned as the Assistant Chief of Police, the sixth classification that he has held in the Department. During his tenure, he has worked through several critical incidents, including major hurricanes (Rita, Ike, and Harvey), major refinery explosion (2005), major ice storm (Uri, 2021), and many other incidents requiring command-level supervision and monitoring. 

Education and Certifications

Assistant Chief Cravens holds a Master Peace Officer license through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. He has an Associates of Arts degree in Criminal Justice (Magna Cum Laude honors) from Alvin Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Service Leadership from the University of Houston – Clear Lake, and is currently enrolled and working towards an Executive Master's of Public Service and Administration through the Bush School at Texas A&M University. He received a graduate certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia and is a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy, Session 274 (2018). He is a graduate of the Texas Chiefs of Police Association's “Developing Leaders for Texas Law Enforcement” program (2013) and the F.B.I. Law Enforcement Development Association (LEEDA) “Trilogy Leadership Program” (2015).  

Assignments and Awards

Assistant Chief Cravens has had numerous assignments, transfers, and tasks within the Department over the years, including Mounted Patrol, Field Training Officer, Galveston County Auto Crimes Task Force (2001 to 2003), Criminal Investigations Division, S.W.A.T. Operator, Advanced Accident Investigator, Field Investigations Team Supervisor, F.T.O. Supervisor, S.W.A.T. Supervisor, and Agency Coordinator for Operation Washout Galveston County (2021). Assistant Chief Cravens was awarded “Region 6 Officer of the Year” in 2011 by the Combined Law Enforcement Association of Texas, “Supervisor of the Year” in 2011 by the Texas City Municipal Police Association, and received “The Chief’s Commendation Award” in 2017.

Assistant Chief Cravens believes in the Department's Mission Statement of achieving “a safer community by providing excellent service and involving our community as partners.” He said, “In this fast-paced and ever-changing society that we are living in, building and maintaining working relationships is essential as we work to address quality of life issues in our community.”