Terrell Police Chief Arlie Senson briefed the council Tuesday on Fiscal Year 2023–24 activities, training and crime-data trends. Chief Senson reported 3,641 training hours in FY 2023–24 and noted the department’s work to meet a new state legislative requirement for advanced rapid‑response (Alert‑1) training.

The chief said many officers already hold the training and that the department is partnering with Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office to deliver the 16‑hour mandated course; 17 staff have completed the course in the current compliance window and additional sessions are scheduled. Senson said the department expects to meet the state deadline (August 2025) and praised the county partnership as a cost-effective approach.

On calls for service and investigations, Senson reported a modest decrease in total calls for service year over year but an increase in cases filed with the district attorney (up 12%) and a 27% increase in CID caseload. He noted average response time has increased (chief cited staffing and geographic coverage as drivers) and said patrol staffing remains the department’s immediate constraint. Animal-control impounds rose, he said, and the department is tracking several categories of Part I crimes; the chief cautioned that small absolute numbers can produce large percentage changes in homicide or other rare-event statistics.

Council members questioned response-time trends and staffing. Senson said he expects improvements as hiring continues and reminded the council about city growth and longer travel distances within the service area. The chief said recruitment and training remain departmental priorities.

Quotes in this item are taken verbatim from the meeting transcript.