In a step reflecting its rapid evolution as a company town, Starbase in South Texas is moving ahead with plans to establish its own municipal police department.
The proposal, linked to Elon Musk’s SpaceX, was approved by the city’s commission during a special meeting held on Tuesday. The decision, however, still requires clearance from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) before the department can officially begin operations.
Under the plan, the new police department will be headed by a chief of police elected by the city’s commission. It is expected to recruit 8 officers, according to a local news outlet. Starbase city administrator Kent Myers highlighted the need for stronger security, stating, “there is a lot of assets here with the operations of SpaceX” and that “those assets need to be protected.”
Starbase serves as a key site for SpaceX, housing manufacturing and testing facilities for the company’s prototype Starship rocket. The town has only a few hundred residents, most of whom are SpaceX employees or their family members. Its remote location adds to its distinct nature, with the nearest town, Brownsville, located about 16.09 km away and requiring more than 45 minutes of travel time.
Since being incorporated as a city last year, Starbase has steadily expanded its public services. In October, SpaceX employees living in the area launched a volunteer fire department. Around the same period, the city created the role of fire marshal and assumed responsibility for building inspections and permitting.
Before proposing its own police force, Starbase had attempted to manage law enforcement by contracting with the Cameron County sheriff’s office. The city entered into a $3.5 million, 5-year agreement that provided for 2 deputies on patrol at a time, with 8 deputies assigned overall.
However, the arrangement faced challenges. Officials cited difficulties in sourcing deputies through the county and the absence of civil service protections in the contract, leading the city to seek a dedicated local police department instead.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
