South Texas Police Chiefs Association

06/11/2026

Please join us in congratulating San Juan Police Chief Leandro Sifuentes on his appointment as the new Region 12 Director for the Texas Police Chiefs Association (TPCA).

Chief Sifuentes was appointed by TPCA President Chief Carrie Ellis and will now serve in this important leadership role representing law enforcement leaders across our region.

Prior to this appointment, Chief Sifuentes proudly served as Treasurer for the South Texas Police Chiefs Association, where he dedicated his leadership and commitment to the advancement of our organization and the law enforcement profession.

We sincerely thank Chief Sifuentes for all of his hard work in building relationships throughout the Rio Grande Valley during his time with the South Texas Police Chiefs Association. We are confident he will continue to serve Region 12 with integrity.

Congratulations, Chief Sifuentes, on this well deserved appointment! We wish you continued success in your new role.

05/27/2026

Our collaboration across South Texas continues to strengthen public safety efforts throughout our region. Thank you to all participating agencies and leaders for your dedication to our communities.

South Texas law enforcement leaders came together to strengthen regional partnerships, share resources, and enhance public safety strategies.
The South Texas Police Chiefs Association was recently featured by Telemundo 40 following its regional meeting at South Texas College in Rio Grande City. Leaders from agencies spanning Laredo to Brownsville discussed collaboration, emergency coordination, and interagency support while highlighting their connection with TPCA.
Special thanks to STPCA President, Chief Jose Trevino from Palmview PD and all participating agencies for their commitment to keeping South Texas communities safe.
Full video can be seen here: https://www.telemundo40.com/video/news/local-news/jefes-de-policia-del-sur-de-texas-fortalecen-estrategias-de-seguridad/2521485/

04/13/2026

Every call you answer could be someone’s worst moment, yet you handle each one with urgency. Telecommunicators are the first to receive critical information and the vital link that ensures our officers, firefighters, and EMS can respond quickly and safely. A special shoutout to all telecommunicators across the Rio Grande Valley! Thank you for your commitment to keeping our communities safe.

We appreciate you today and every day. 💙📞🚔

04/10/2026

Autism Awareness reminds us that understanding, patience, and acceptance can make a lasting difference in the lives of others. Thank you to all agencies across the Rio Grande Valley for standing with the autism community and helping spread awareness throughout South Texas 💙

04/02/2026

This week, the South Texas Police Chiefs Association proudly represented the Rio Grande Valley in Corpus Christi at the annual Texas Police Chiefs Association conference.

We are proud of the work being accomplished through strong partnerships and continued collaboration among chiefs from across multiple counties. These relationships are essential in strengthening public safety and sharing best practices that benefit all of our communities.

We would also like to recognize our Past President, Jaime Ayala, Chief of Police for Edinburg, for receiving the prestigious Mike Gentry Executive Leadership Award! This honor reflects his outstanding leadership and commitment to the profession.

Well deserved Chief and congratulations on this incredible achievement!

02/20/2026

The South Texas Police Chiefs Association hosted its quarterly meeting at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, bringing together police chiefs and executive leaders from across the Rio Grande Valley to strengthen collaboration and regional partnerships.

We were privileged to welcome Gene Ellis, Executive Director of the Texas Police Chiefs Association, along with Assistant Director Scott Rubin. Also joining us was Gregory Stevens, Director of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), who provided important updates and addressed key agency topics impacting departments across our state. A special thanks goes also goes out to DHR personnel for sharing information of thier services when it comes to critical situations.

Chiefs and executive leaders throughout the Rio Grande Valley remain committed to working together and strengthening communication to better serve our communities.

We also proudly recognized the newest appointed
Chiefs of Police in our region:
*Chief Charlie Banda-Los Fresnos PoliceDepartment
* Chief Nikki Daniell-Palm Valley Police Department
* Chief Julian Rodriguez-Rio Hondo Police Department

Congratulations to each of these leaders as they begin their service in guiding their respective departments forward. The South Texas Police Chiefs Association looks forward to continued collaboration and progress across the Valley.

02/05/2026

Congratulations to Chief Saul Solis and the Alamo Police Department on the groundbreaking of their new Public Safety Building. A huge milestone for the City of Alamo and its commitment to public safety. This building will be named and dedicated in memory of Retired Chief Arturo Espinoza, whose service, leadership, and legacy continue to live on.

It was an honor for the South Texas Police Chiefs Association to be present and witness this historic moment. In attendance were:
• President Chief Joe Trevino (Palmview PD)
• Vice President Chief Mark Perez (Alton PD)
• Secretary Chief Frank Sanchez (Mercedes PD)
• Treasurer Leandro Sifuentes (San Juan PD)
• Sergeant-at-Arms Chief Fred Alvear (Harlingen
PD)

Congratulations again to the Alamo Police Department on this well-deserved achievement and on honoring a legacy that helped shape the future of law enforcement in our renion.

08/21/2025

Yesterday, STPCA held its Quarterly Meeting, graciously hosted by South Texas ISD. Police chiefs, county sheriffs, and district attorneys from across South Texas came together to network and share ideas on how we can better serve our communities.

We extend our congratulations to Palmview Police Department Chief Jose Trevino, who has assumed the role of STPCA President following the transition of Edinburg Police Department Chief Jaime Ayala to Regional Director for Region 12 of the TPCA - Texas Police Chiefs Association.

We also thank our lunch sponsors, Skydio and South Texas Communications, for their generous support in providing meals for the event.

Finally, we are deeply grateful to our community for its continued support. At STPCA, we remain committed to collaboration and service because trust, safety, and public service know no jurisdiction. Together, we are a dedicated team serving you.

08/07/2025

Congratulations to STPCA member Chief Steven Cortez!
We proudly recognize Chief Cortez for his outstanding achievement in leading the newly established South Texas ISD Police Department. As the first ever Chief of Police, he has officially sworn in his new team of officers who will serve and protect the students and staff of South Texas ISD.
Chief Cortez is not only making history , he’s laying the foundation for a lasting legacy of safety, trust, and leadership within the school community. We look forward to the positive impact he and his officers will bring to the district.

07/03/2025

🚨 4th of July DWI Enforcement Reminder 🚨
From the South Texas Police Chiefs Association

As we celebrate Independence Day, we want to remind everyone that this 4th of July weekend is a No Refusal Weekend across Hidalgo County.

That means if you’re suspected of DWI and refuse to take a breath or blood test, law enforcement will seek a warrant to obtain one.

🎆 Let’s all do our part to keep our roads safe.
🚔 Police departments across Hidalgo County will have increased DWI patrols.
🍻 You cannot afford a DWI — financially, legally, or emotionally.

✅ Plan ahead.
✅ Stay home and drink responsibly.
✅ Use a designated driver or ride service.

From all of us with the South Texas Police Chiefs Association, we wish you a safe and happy 4th of July weekend! 🇺🇸