Brenham Police Department

10/23/2026

A Message from Chief Boshears

Brenham Police Department | ALPR Audit and Investigation Process Follow Up

The Brenham Police Department recognizes the importance of keeping our community informed about department operations, policies, and procedures. I would like to share some additional information about our Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) audit process and the timeline of the recent internal investigation.

As part of our regular oversight procedures, department policy requires quarterly audits of searches conducted through our ALPR systems. These audits involve reviewing records to ensure compliance with department policy and identifying any activity that may require further review. These comprehensive reviews take time, and potential concerns may be identified at any point as the audit progresses. This process is one of several measures in place to support responsible use of department technology.

During a regularly scheduled audit, department personnel identified activity on Friday, September 4, that warranted additional review. The information was promptly reported through the chain of command to my attention. That same day, I initiated an internal administrative investigation and requested a separate investigation by the Texas Rangers. The officer involved was also placed on administrative leave, according to department and city policy. The department's internal investigation began September 4 and concluded October 14, 2026. This administrative review was conducted independently of the outside investigation requested through the Texas Rangers.

Internal investigations involve a careful review of the available facts and circumstances. Depending on the nature of the matter, this process may include reviewing records, examining digital information, conducting interviews, and documenting findings. These steps help ensure that decisions are based on a complete and accurate review of the information available. The officer remained on administrative leave throughout the investigation.

Our department has established policies and procedures to guide the conduct of our personnel and provide appropriate oversight of department operations. When concerns arise, it is important that they are reviewed carefully, consistently, and in accordance with those procedures. We value the trust our community places in the Brenham Police Department and recognize the responsibility that comes with serving the public. We will continue working to maintain that trust through professionalism, accountability, and open communication.

10/23/2026

10/22/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Blue Bell Creameries for recognizing and honoring the Brenham Police Department!

We are deeply humbled by your kindness and grateful for your continued support.

We value our partnership and look forward to continuing to work together to serve our wonderful community.

Thank you again for making our department feel so appreciated!

10/21/2026

The Brenham Police Department was happy to be invited to join the UnPlug and Play event hosted by the Blue Bell Aquatic Center at Jackson St. Park this morning!

We had a wonderful time connecting with our community over coffee and conversation—and learning how to play pickleball!

Thank you to the Blue Bell Aquatic Center for including us in such a fun morning!

10/20/2026

On October 17, 2026, the Brenham Police Department was happy to join the Brenham Fire Department at the Lowe’s Kids Workshop!

Thank you to Lowe’s for inviting us to spend time with local children and families.

We always enjoy opportunities to connect with our community!

10/20/2026

On October 17, 2026, the Brenham Police Department was happy to join Germania Insurance for their 5K run!

It was great to see so many motivated runners and connect with familiar faces and friends throughout our community.

Brenham PD, local constables, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office worked together to assist with traffic control and help keep participants safe.

Thank you to Germania Insurance for having us!

10/16/2026

PRESS RELEASE OCTOBER 16, 2026

Brenham Police Department Completes Investigation

As part of its ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and keeping the community informed, the Brenham Police Department is providing an update on its use of automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology and the actions taken following a routine audit that identified potential misuse by an officer.

The department has used ALPR technology through Vigilant, a Motorola Solutions system, for several years. This technology has served as a valuable investigative tool, helping officers solve property crimes, violent offenses, and other criminal cases. Department policy has consistently required that ALPR searches be conducted only for legitimate law enforcement purposes. To balance effective law enforcement tools with responsible oversight, the department recently strengthened its ALPR policy by adding safeguards and accountability measures. These improvements include enhanced documentation requirements, specific restrictions on certain searches, updated retention periods for routine data, annual public reporting, and mandatory quarterly audits to identify potential misuse.

During an audit conducted under the updated policy, a department employee identified unusual search activity involving an officer that raised concerns about possible policy violations. The employee promptly reported the findings through the chain of command to Chief of Police Gary Boshears. Upon receiving this information, the department immediately placed the officer on administrative leave and revoked access to all department information systems. Chief Boshears also initiated an internal affairs investigation and directed a comprehensive review of all ALPR searches the department conducted during the previous year.

The internal affairs investigation concluded on October 14, 2026. After reviewing the findings, Chief Boshears determined that the officer had committed multiple violations of department policy. The officer, Gabriel Duran, remained on administrative leave throughout the investigation and was terminated from employment with the City of Brenham on October 16, 2026.

To ensure an independent examination of potential criminal conduct, the department also asked the Texas Rangers to conduct a separate criminal investigation into the officer's actions.

Chief of Police Gary Boshears stated, “This incident underscores why meaningful oversight matters. Our audit identified suspected misuse, our team promptly reported concerns, and we took immediate action to investigate and hold the officer accountable. The safeguards we put in place worked as intended by bringing this conduct to light and ensuring it was addressed.” Chief Boshears continued, “That does not lessen the seriousness of what occurred. Misusing law enforcement information systems is unacceptable and violates the trust our community places in us. As chief, I take that responsibility seriously. Our community deserves effective policing, responsible technology use, and accountability when our standards are violated. We must earn the public’s trust through our actions, including how we respond when a member of our own department fails to meet those standards.”

For questions, please contact Chief Boshears at 979-337-7337.

10/16/2026

What a wonderful morning spent with our raffle ticket winners!

We enjoyed donuts, great conversation, a tour, and even a ride to school in a Brenham Police Department vehicle!

It was such a pleasure meeting this wonderful family and getting to share a little behind-the-scenes look at our department.

Thank you for spending part of your morning with us! We love building connections with our community, one smile at a time!