Citizen Involvement
We take pride in involving citizens in the day-to-day operations of the police department. We hold annually academies for youth and adults, and offer opportunities to stay involved for graduates who wish to stay connected. Look for Badge the Police Dog at events around town, and if you can pass a background check and haven't attended an academy, we invite you to talk to an officer about it.
Badge the Police Dog
- Official mascot of the Belton Police Department since 2010
- Funded through a grant in conjunction with Belton ISD
- Most popular member of the Belton Police Department with children
- Named by Mrs. Holmes' 2nd grade class at Pirtle Elementary
- Upon request, available for guest appearances on limited basis
Clergy-Police Partnership
The Belton Clergy-Police Partnership (BCPP) is a team of local clergy that serve as liaisons between the police department and the community. BCPP members minister to officers and victims of crime; pray for the police department and the community; communicate community concerns directly to the Chief of Police, and provide calm during a crisis. Belton PD Police Chaplain, Alton McCallum, leads the BCPP team.
CHIPS
The Belton Citizens Helping in Police Service (CHIPS) program was formed in late 2011 as a way to expand police resources through volunteers. A benefit of the program is that it deters crime through visible presence. CHIPS volunteers supplement department resources by being extra eyes and ears while patrolling parks, shopping centers, and other areas where large groups may gather. Additionally, volunteers help with administrative tasks inside the police building and at community outreach functions. CHIPS members are graduates of our Citizens Police Academy Program and attend some additional training specific to the CHIPS program. Contact the Belton Police Department, if you are interested in joining our CHIPS program.Citizen Police Academy
The Belton Citizens Police Academy is an annual program that meets on Thursday nights from January through March with a goal of enhancing police and community partnerships. Our mission “Promoting Understanding Through Education” introduces community members to various facets of law enforcement. This is done through classroom presentations, hands-on demonstrations, role playing, and tours of public safety facilities.
An application is available online for those interested in being part of this exciting program.
Law Enforcement Explorers is an educational training program for youths interested in law enforcement. The program provides career orientation experiences, leadership opportunities, and community service activities. Explorers:
- Learn important leadership skills.
- Gain respect for police officers.
- Develop interpersonal skills.
- Improve marksmanship.
- Learn law enforcement protocols.
- Participate in hands-on projects that introduce participants to real-life law enforcement work.
- Network with professionals who use the latest technology and are aware of emerging trends.
- Learn about educational requirements for a career in law enforcement.
- Receive advice on steps to prepare for a law enforcement career.
About the Program
Explorers helps young adults make informed decisions about future careers. A young adult in the explorer program:
- Gets involved, learns about a career, and decides to pursue it.
- Learns enough about the career to determine it’s not the right fit, which is a better alternative than after spending lots of money on an education only to THEN discover it's not a fit.
Popular Explorer Careers
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Police Officers
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Sheriffs
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Federal Agents
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State Police/Highway Patrol
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Probation Officers
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Military Police
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Correction Officers
The Youth Police Academy (YPA) a one-week program, held each summer, is modeled after the Belton Citizens Police Academy. It provides allows youth to experience first-hand the role of a police officer, and it fosters rapport between youth and police. Belton police tutor participants are tutored in a safe learning environment. The program is designed for motivated middle- or high-school-age youth who live in Belton or are enrolled in Belton ISD.
Activities for the week include:
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Police Department & Squad Car Tours
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Presentation on Law Enforcement Agencies
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Mock Building Searches
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Mock Traffic Stops
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Criminal Investigations / Mock Crime Scene
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Fingerprinting
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K-9 and Search & Rescue Operations
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SWAT Operations
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Defensive Tactics
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Bell County Jail/Communications Tour
Applications are available at the front desk of the Police Department.
UNIDOS
UNIDOS is a Hispanic community outreach program designed to provide assistance to Spanish-speaking residents in Belton. UNIDOS meetings are conducted in Spanish and are hosted by the Belton Police Department. The intent of the program is to act as a resource center for Spanish-speaking residents and present information and provide assistance in areas of importance to the Hispanic community
The Reserve Program is comprised of men and women who aspire to be police officers. They must meet the same qualifications of an entry-level officer and have either a reserve license or regular license from the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement Standards and Education. While on duty, reserve officers are fully commissioned with the same authority of a police officer. They are required to work 16 hours per month, attend training and maintain proficiency in firearms, defensive tactics and patrol procedures. They work by assignment with regular officers and are frequently used as patrol officers, supplementing shift shortages.