Check out the brochure and application directions at this link!
Open until filled. First review: October 30, 2026.
A Small City With a Bigger Policing Mission
Shenandoah, Texas is seeking its next Chief of Police, and the opportunity extends well beyond the city’s size.
In Episode #91 of The Clear Voice, Mayor John Escoto and current Chief Troye Dunlap join James Groom for a PositionCast™ conversation about the department, the community, and what the next chief will inherit as Dunlap prepares to retire.
The central message is clear: Shenandoah wants a leader who understands proactive policing, values professional standards, and can build on the relationships already in place.
For candidates, that means looking past a small resident population and understanding the demands of a busy regional destination.
More Than a Residential Community
Located along Interstate 45 near The Woodlands, Shenandoah draws people into the city for shopping, dining, hotels, and medical care.
Mayor Escoto describes a community with two populations: the people who live there and the much larger number who come through during the day.
That activity shapes the department’s work. Interstate traffic, crash response, visitors, businesses, and regional law enforcement partnerships all contribute to a policing environment that is more complex than the city’s footprint might suggest.
Chief Dunlap emphasizes the importance of quick response times and officers who understand how to work proactively between calls. The next chief will need to recognize those demands while maintaining the community connections that support the department.
A Department With Capabilities and Partnerships
The Shenandoah Police Department includes 29 sworn officers and one civilian professional. Its work encompasses patrol, criminal investigations, K-9 operations, community outreach, and other specialized responsibilities.
During the conversation, Dunlap also describes the department’s drone capabilities and its working relationships with neighboring agencies.
Those partnerships are an important part of the operating model. Shenandoah uses Montgomery County’s dispatch and jail services, and the chief also serves as the City’s Emergency Management Coordinator.
For a prospective chief, the conversation provides a practical look at what the department handles directly and where regional cooperation supports the mission.
Professional Standards Start Before Patrol
One of the clearest examples of the department’s culture is its patrol readiness program.
Dunlap explains that newly hired officers complete structured preparation before beginning field training. The program covers practical skills, departmental expectations, and the way Shenandoah expects officers to work.
It applies to experienced hires as well as newer officers. Previous service does not replace the need to understand the department’s policies and standards.
Mayor Escoto supports that approach, describing it as an important part of helping incoming officers become successful members of the team. The goal is consistency: officers should understand both the mission and how to carry it out professionally.
What Shenandoah Wants in Its Next Chief
When asked what the department needs from its next leader, Mayor Escoto returns to consistency and professionalism.
Dunlap describes officers who are proud of the agency and want to continue its direction. He also emphasizes the support he has received from the Mayor, City Council, City Administrator, and fellow department leaders.
The next chief will report to the City Administrator and will be responsible for strategic leadership, operations, personnel, training, technology, budgeting, and long-range planning.
Success will require more than managing daily calls. It will mean supporting employees, maintaining clear expectations, working productively with City leadership and partner agencies, and staying connected to the people the department serves.
Life in the Shenandoah Area
The conversation also looks beyond the position itself.
Mayor Escoto highlights the area’s medical services, shopping, restaurants, schools, and entertainment. Shenandoah’s location near The Woodlands and Houston gives candidates and their families access to a broad range of regional amenities while retaining a smaller community setting.
For someone considering relocation, that combination is part of the opportunity: a close-knit organization within a much larger metropolitan area.
Learn More About the Opportunity
The Chief of Police position offers a salary range of $152,000 to $165,000, depending on qualifications and experience.
The position is open until filled, with the first review of applications on October 30, 2026.
Candidates can review the full qualifications, benefits, recruitment brochure, and application instructions through Clear Career Professionals. Brian Beasley is the recruitment contact.
Apply and learn more:
https://clearcareerpro.com/clear-news/chief-of-police-city-of-shenandoah-texas-posting
Watch or listen to Episode #91 of The Clear Voice to hear directly from Mayor John Escoto and Chief Troye Dunlap about the department, the community, and the next chapter of police leadership in Shenandoah.
Watch on YouTube · Listen on Apple Podcasts · Listen on Spotify
About The Clear Voice Podcast
The Clear Voice is a dedicated platform for transparency and expert led dialogue within the professional and public sectors. The show serves as a vital resource for leaders who want to move past surface level discussions and dive into the real world mechanics of governance, management, and organizational growth. James Groom is the host of the program.
About Clear Career Professionals
Clear Career Professionals is a specialized recruitment and strategic consulting firm focused on the public sector. We believe that the strength of any municipality or school district lies in the quality of its leadership and the cohesion of its teams. Our team is comprised of former practitioners and retired executives who understand the nuances of public service. We provide organizations with more than just a list of candidates; we provide the strategic oversight and expertise necessary to navigate transitions, maximize taxpayer funds, and implement long term solutions.
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