Law Enforcement

The Matagorda County Sheriff's Department employs more than 40 people to patrol the county, run the jail and investigate major crimes.

Sheriff James Mitchell, the first Republican sheriff in county history, was elected in 1996. Mitchell is credited with forging a stronger relationship with other area police agencies, thus improving law enforcement efforts for all concerned.

Mitchell's right hand man is Chief Deputy Wayne Frieda, a former Bay City Police Officer who moved to the sheriff's department when Mitchell was elected.

Captain Richard Rooth oversees the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) consisting of six detectives. Captain Mike Brown heads the patrol division, and Captain Robert Dearing runs the jail staff.

The sheriff's department is located at 2323 Avenue E. The main telephone number is 979-245-5526.

Bay City Police Department

Chief Mike Baker runs the department, with help from Patrol Lt. Robert Garcia and Detective Lt. Jim Jumonville, department spokesman.

The BCPD has developed a Special Weapons and Tactics Team, which works with a SWAT squad from the sheriff's department to handle drug raids and other serious situations that require multiple personnel. A motorcycle division provides traffic control and enforces traffic law. A canine handler assists in drug interdiction.

The BCPD is located at 2201 Avenue H. The main number is 979-245-8500.

Palacios