^{Source: Texas City Municipal Police Association}

TEXAS CITY — James Patterson was officially sworn in Thursday as interim chief of the Texas City Police Department during a ceremony led by Mayor Abel Garza Jr.

Patterson is a longtime member of the department, having begun his law enforcement career with Texas City Police Department shortly after graduating from Texas City High School. He has served with the department for nearly 20 years.

According to the City of Texas City, Patterson has completed more than 3,700 hours of continuing law enforcement education and holds a Master Peace Officer license from the State of Texas. He is also a graduate of the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy program and holds certifications as a basic instructor, accident reconstructionist, and firearms instructor.

Patterson is expected to graduate this summer from East Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Law Enforcement Leadership.

During his career with the department, Patterson has served in a variety of roles, including patrol officer, duty corporal, SWAT operator, field training officer, crime scene investigator, patrol sergeant, administrative sergeant, patrol lieutenant, and administrative captain.

Patterson’s appointment comes after the recent resignation of Chief Landis Cravens.