Texas Law Requires Police to Keep Special Files on Officers

Texas is creating a new requirement for police departments across the state. Starting with this law, every police department must keep a separate file on each officer they employ. This file is called a "department file." The department file tracks important documents about officers, including any letters, memos, or reports about their work. It also includes records of misconduct complaints where the police agency investigated but decided there was not enough evidence to prove wrongdoing. This matters because it creates a clear record that other police departments can access when they hire an officer from another agency. When a police officer applies for a job at a new department, that new department can now review all the files from the officer's previous employers. This helps new departments make informed hiring decisions. Police departments can also share these files with a statewide commission during investigations about an officer's conduct. The law includes important privacy protections. Police departments cannot share the department files with the public or other agencies without a legal reason. The files are confidential. Only the agency head or their designee can decide when to release information. This protects officers' privacy while keeping records available for hiring purposes and official investigations. This law takes effect 91 days after the Texas Legislature finishes its session. It represents a step toward better accountability and transparency in law enforcement hiring and record-keeping across Texas.