Rusk Residents Raise Concerns Over Rusk Police Chief Selection

RUSK, Texas (TXAN 24) — Questions continue to surround the City of Rusk’s search for its next Chief of Police as residents raise concerns about the transparency of the hiring process and the selection process that led to the appointment.

According to information shared with TXAN 24 News, Interim City Manager Victoria Minton, who was previously associated with the Lion Organization, reportedly notified unsuccessful applicants they were no longer being considered before the organization’s public presentation of the finalist. The circumstances have prompted some residents to question how the selection process was handled.

The City of Rusk invested more than $50,000 in the Lion Organization to assist with the search for a new police chief. Some citizens are now questioning whether the search process remained independent and whether taxpayer dollars were well spent.

Residents were previously invited to attend a public meeting where candidates introduced themselves and answered questions from the community. Several attendees told TXAN 24 News they believed other applicants possessed more extensive law enforcement and leadership experience than the candidate ultimately selected.

TXAN 24 News has also learned the city’s newly selected police chief began serving in the role already. During the public hiring process, residents were told a background investigation would be conducted before the hiring process was finalized. Questions have since been raised by community members regarding the status of that background investigation.

Additional concerns have been raised over the transparency of the search. Residents allege the Chief of Police position was never publicly advertised, limiting opportunities for other qualified candidates to apply. According to the City of Rusk Charter, the authority to appoint the Chief of Police rests with the City Manager.

TXAN 24 News is working to independently verify the status of the background investigation and has not confirmed whether it was completed before the new chief assumed his duties.

TXAN 24 News will be reaching out to Interim City Manager Victoria Minton, representatives of the Lion Organization, and other city officials for comment. This story will be updated as additional information becomes available.