Lubbock Police Use of Force Policy Guide

Public Safety Texas 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Texas

In Lubbock, Texas, understanding police use-of-force policy helps residents know when force is allowed, how incidents are reviewed, and where to file complaints. This guide summarizes the municipal and departmental sources that govern Lubbock Police Department actions, explains enforcement and penalties, and provides concrete steps to report, appeal, or request records. It draws from official City of Lubbock and Lubbock Police Department policy publications and the municipal code so you can find primary sources and forms.

Overview of Policy and Authority

The Lubbock Police Department issues policies that define authorized force, reporting, and supervisory review. The City of Lubbock municipal code and departmental general orders are the controlling local instruments; state law may also apply where cited by the city. For official policy text and code sections, consult the department policy pages and the city code. policies[1] and municipal code[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of use-of-force rules is handled primarily by the Lubbock Police Department internal affairs or professional standards unit, with oversight from the City Manager, City Attorney, and, where applicable, the municipal court or county/state prosecutors. The municipal code and department policies set reporting, investigation, and disciplinary procedures.

  • Enforcer: Lubbock Police Department Professional Standards/Internal Affairs and City of Lubbock oversight offices.
  • Investigations: supervisory review, internal administrative investigations, and possible criminal investigation by independent prosecutors (as applicable).
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: discipline ranges (counseling to termination) or prosecution are case-dependent; specific ranges not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: administrative reprimands, suspension, loss of duty assignment, termination, and referral for criminal charges where warranted.
Internal reviews and criminal referrals are separate processes and may run on different timeframes.

Applications & Forms

The city and department publish complaint forms and records request procedures. If a specific form number or fee is required, it appears on the department complaint or public records pages; if not shown, it is not specified on the cited page.

  • Complaint form: use the Lubbock Police Department complaint submission or email to Professional Standards (see Resources below).
  • Public records request: submit under Texas Public Information Act via City of Lubbock records portal; fees and timelines follow state law or city guidance.

How investigations work

When use-of-force is reported or recorded, the department typically secures evidence, interviews witnesses, and conducts an administrative review. Criminal investigations are coordinated with the appropriate prosecutor when potential offenses occur. Victims and witnesses may request status updates and records under public information rules.

Preserve evidence and record witness information promptly to aid review and investigations.

Action Steps

  • To report: contact Lubbock Police Department non-emergency or Professional Standards using the official complaint link in Resources below.
  • To request records: file a Texas Public Information Act request through the City of Lubbock records portal.
  • To appeal administrative discipline: follow city personnel appeal procedures or union contract processes where applicable; time limits and routes are governed by the cited policies or not specified on the cited page.

FAQ

What counts as permissible force?
Permissible force is defined in department policy with standards on proportionality, de-escalation, and deadly force thresholds; consult the Lubbock Police policy documents for exact language. policies[1]
How do I file a complaint about an officer?
Submit a complaint to Lubbock Police Professional Standards by the department complaint form or by contacting the department directly; see Resources for links and contact details.
Are there fines for misuse of force?
Monetary penalties for officers are not specified on the cited municipal or policy pages; disciplinary and criminal outcomes depend on investigation findings.

How-To

  1. Collect details: note date, time, location, officer badge numbers, and witness contacts.
  2. Report to Lubbock Police Professional Standards via the official complaint process or non-emergency line.
  3. Submit a public records request for incident reports or body-worn camera footage if needed.
  4. Pursue appeals or civil remedies through the City’s review process or the court system as advised by counsel.

Key Takeaways

  • Primary sources: Lubbock Police policies and the City of Lubbock municipal code define local rules.
  • If force is used, report promptly and preserve evidence to support review.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Lubbock Police Department policies and general orders
  2. [2] City of Lubbock Code of Ordinances

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data