TEXAS CITY — A former Texas City police captain who spent nearly two decades with the department has been selected to return as the city’s next police chief, pending confirmation by the Texas City Commission.

Clayton Pope, who currently serves as an administrative captain with the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, was selected following a search that included six candidates and input from city officials, law enforcement and community members, the City of Texas City announced.

If confirmed by commissioners, Pope is expected to take over the department next month.

“Texas City is more than a community I served; it’s home,” Pope said in a statement. “It’s the department where I spent the majority of my law enforcement career, developed as a leader, and built relationships with officers, employees, city leaders and the community.”

Pope brings more than 24 years of law enforcement experience, including more than 18 years with the Texas City Police Department. During his previous tenure with the department, Pope served as a captain, patrol commander and SWAT commander.

He later joined the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, where the city said he currently oversees a $67 million departmental budget, approximately 40 sworn and civilian employees and a fleet of roughly 180 law enforcement and support vehicles.

According to the city, Pope also helped the Sheriff’s Office secure more than $2 million in federal and state grant funding and has been involved in recruitment, workforce development, succession planning, homeland security and emergency preparedness efforts.

Pope holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a leadership emphasis from Texas A&M University-Commerce and an associate degree in criminal justice from College of the Mainland. He holds a TCOLE Master Peace Officer Certificate and has been accepted to the FBI National Academy, according to the city.

His selection followed a multi-stage search for Texas City’s next police chief.

Six candidates were initially interviewed by a panel that included city leaders and staff, law enforcement representatives, members of the business and faith communities and a former Texas City police chief.

Three finalists advanced to interviews with city commissioners and a community meet-and-greet, where each presented their vision, priorities and plans for the police department. Attendees were given an opportunity to provide feedback before Mayor Abel Garza conducted final one-on-one interviews with the candidates.

“Selecting a police chief is one of the most important decisions a community can make,” Garza said. “It affects every part of our community. That’s why we wanted to include the community every step of the way.”

Garza said Pope’s experience, leadership and vision stood out throughout the selection process.

“I am proud to welcome Clayton Pope back to the Texas City Police Department,” Garza said.

Pope’s appointment remains subject to confirmation by the City Commission. If approved, he is expected to begin serving as police chief in October.