Trinidad

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement has ordered the police department in Trinidad, a city of about 860 people southeast of Dallas, to close effective Sept. 18 after an investigation found it provided no public benefit to the community and failed to meet minimum standards. Law enforcement duties will shift to the Henderson County Sheriff's Office pending a permanent solution.

The order follows the arrest of Jennifer Combs, who was jailed after a Facebook post alleging residents were hospitalized due to bacteria in discolored tap water. Charges were later dropped and a grand jury declined to indict her, but the case triggered scrutiny of the department, which lacked basic resources like bulletproof vests and an evidence room. The police chief resigned in June, followed by the city manager, city clerk and municipal judge in July.

A separate state investigation into Trinidad's water found equipment issues and inadequate testing. Mayor Dennis Haws said the closure was expected and that the city council will discuss next steps, including a possible appeal.