The New Era Of Policing: 5 Major Updates From The Aransas Pass Police Department Under Chief David Perkins

The Aransas Pass Police Department (APPD) is currently navigating a significant period of transition and modernization, marked by a recent change in leadership and the launch of innovative community-focused programs. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the department has solidified its commitment to proactive community policing, moving beyond traditional law enforcement models to address the needs of its most vulnerable residents and its youth.

This shift is most notably visible under the new leadership and through programs that leverage data and strong community partnerships. The focus is clearly on enhancing public safety through transparency, specialized care for at-risk individuals, and early intervention for young people, defining a new chapter for the department that serves the City of Aransas Pass.

Aransas Pass Police Department: Leadership and Organizational Profile

The Aransas Pass Police Department (APPD) operates within the City of Aransas Pass, Texas, serving a community that spans both Aransas County and San Patricio County. The department has a long history of service and is currently led by a new Chief who brings fresh perspective to the coastal community.

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• Department Founded: 1946
• First City Marshall: E. E. Mullins (after Aransas Pass was incorporated in 1910)
• Current Chief of Police: Chief David Perkins
• Previous Chief of Police: Eric Blanchard (resigned in late 2024 to become Chief of Sinton PD)
• Assistant Chief of Police: Aaron Jones
• Approximate Employees: 40 personnel
• Headquarters: 600 Cleveland Avenue, Aransas Pass, TX 78336

The recent change in leadership is a major development. Chief David Perkins, a Port Aransas native, was sworn in to lead the APPD, taking over the role vacated by Eric Blanchard. Perkins previously served with the George West Police Department and brings his experience back to the Coastal Bend area, promising a continued focus on community engagement and professionalism.

Update 1: The Critical CARE Program for Vulnerable Residents

One of the most significant and specialized initiatives currently championed by the APPD is the CARE Program, which stands for Critical Assistance Response and Exchange. This program is a direct response to the need for better-informed public safety responses for the city's at-risk and vulnerable individuals.

How the CARE Program Works

The CARE Program allows residents or their loved ones to voluntarily register an individual who has specific vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities can include cognitive impairments, medical conditions, or other factors that could complicate an interaction with law enforcement or first responders.

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The information provided—such as known medical conditions, communication difficulties, or specific de-escalation techniques—is entered into a secure database. This critical care information is then shared among APPD officers and other public safety officials.

The goal is simple yet life-saving: when an officer responds to a call involving a registered individual, they immediately have access to the necessary background to provide a more compassionate, informed, and appropriate response. This reduces the potential for misunderstandings or escalation during a crisis. Officer Stephanie Diaz is a key contact for the program, helping residents with enrollment and questions.

Update 2: New Focus on Youth Diversion and Early Intervention

In a proactive move to address juvenile crime and truancy, the Aransas Pass Police Department has created a new, specialized role: the Youth Diversion and Court Security Officer. This position underscores the department's commitment to steering young people away from the criminal justice system and toward positive outcomes.

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The officer in this role serves a dual purpose. Their primary focus is on youth diversion, working closely with the Aransas Pass Municipal Court and the Aransas Pass Independent School District (APISD) to implement early intervention strategies.

This initiative aims to manage minor offenses outside of formal court proceedings where possible, providing resources and guidance to young offenders and their families. The officer also assists APPD officers with calls for service and general police-related responsibilities as needed, ensuring a holistic approach to community safety.

Update 3: Community Engagement Through Innovative Programs

Beyond the formal CARE and Youth Diversion programs, the APPD continues to find creative ways to build trust and positive relationships with the community, particularly with children.

The Pig-E-Mon Initiative

One unique initiative is the Pig-E-Mon program. This game is designed to help Aransas Pass police officers connect with local kids on a fun, non-enforcement level. The name is a playful take on popular culture, and the program helps break down potential barriers between law enforcement and the younger generation.

Joint-Entity Exercises

The department also regularly participates in joint-entity exercises with the Aransas Pass ISD and other area first responders. These exercises are crucial for preparedness, ensuring that the police, fire, and school districts can coordinate effectively during any emergency situation, reinforcing the overall security of the city.

Update 4: Maintaining Transparency Through the Police Blotter

The APPD maintains a high level of transparency by regularly publishing its Police Blotter Archives and daily activity reports. This ensures the public is kept up-to-date on recent law enforcement activities, major incidents, and ongoing investigations.

Recent blotter entries from early 2024 highlight the department's active role in handling serious cases, including a significant murder investigation that required a detailed public information release. The department’s commitment to releasing timely and accurate information is a cornerstone of its community policing strategy.

Update 5: Ongoing Recruitment and Department Growth

To support its expanding roles and new programs, the Aransas Pass Police Department is actively engaged in recruitment. The search for a dedicated Youth Diversion and Court Security Officer is part of this growth, but the department consistently seeks qualified personnel to fill patrol and specialized roles.

With approximately 40 employees, the APPD is a relatively small but highly dedicated force committed to safeguarding life and property, preserving the peace, and enforcing the law across its jurisdiction. The department’s continuous efforts to recruit and train officers who are dedicated to community partnership ensure the high level of service that Aransas Pass residents expect.

From the implementation of the CARE Program to the strategic focus on youth, the Aransas Pass Police Department under Chief David Perkins is defining a modern, compassionate, and proactive approach to public safety in the Coastal Bend region. The department’s dedication to transparency and community-focused initiatives makes it a model for small-city law enforcement.