Wichita Falls Police to Undergo Policy Review for Mental Health Arrests

The Wichita Falls Police Department will be reviewing their policies and procedures after a recent arrest has gotten a lot of attention.

In case you missed it this week, several people let their voices be heard at the Wichita Falls City Council meeting this week on their interactions throughout the years with the Wichita Falls Police Department. Basically saying that the incident with Victoria Lang is not an isolated incident in Wichita Falls.

Comments from the Public at the 14 Minute Mark in the Video Below

In case you're unaware of the Victoria Lang arrest, you can read our previous story on it here. The video has still not been released to the public from her arrest, but police chief Manuel Borrego has apologized for what Mrs. Lang experienced during her arrest.

Wichita Falls Mayor Tim Short on Wichita Falls Police Department

“The City recognizes that our community wants both transparency and accountability in how we move forward. This policy review reflects our responsibility to examine our systems carefully, listen thoughtfully,and make improvements where they are needed,” said Mayor Tim Short. “Public trust is built through consistency and follow-through, and this work is part of that commitment.”

Wichita Falls Police Reviewing Arrest Procedure on Mental Health Response

Beginning today, the Police Department will conduct a structured review of its policies and procedures,starting with mental health response policies, examining how officers are trained, how responses are coordinated, and how existing partnerships are enhanced during calls for service involving people experiencing mental health crises.
To support this process, the City has invited Helen Farabee Centers to serve as subject-matter experts during the mental health policy review. Their role will be to provide professional insight and guidance as policies are examined and evaluated.

Helen Farabee Center on Helping Wichita Falls Police Department

Andrew Martin, of Helen Farabee Centers said, “Effective mental health response depends on thorough training, clear policy, coordinated roles, and strong collaboration between law enforcement and mental health professionals. We appreciate the opportunity to serve in an advisory capacity during this review and to provide professional insight as the City evaluates its mental health response policies.”

Wichita Falls Police to Be More Transparent with the Public

In addition, the City will launch a dashboard that allows community members to transparently view the policies under review and see where each policy is in the review process. The dashboard will also have a link for community members to provide comments and suggestions on draft policies before they are implemented. Details on the dashboard will be made available on the City’s website in the coming days.

Wichita Falls Police Chief on More Public Transparency and Policy Review

“This review is focused on strengthening how the department responds in complex situations, particularly those involving mental health concerns,” said Chief Manuel Borrego. “This process will allow us to carefully and deliberately improve our policies while focusing on the community we serve.”

You can read the full statement from the City of Wichita Falls here.