New Kiowa PD Chief Houston modernizing department

 

October 3, 2018

Yvonne Miller

Kiowa's new police chief is Nate Houston, a native of Harper, Kansas.

Kiowa's new police chief, Nate Houston, said he plans to have a "public oriented department." In an attempt to modernize the KPD, he wants dash and body cams for all officers.

Chief Houston is a native of Harper, Kansas, and graduated from Chaparral High School. He attended KU one year before returning to the area in 2006 and joining the Anthony Police Department and working part-time with the Harper County Sheriff's Office. In 2012 he joined the Harper Police Department where he's been sergeant (second in command) the past three years. He's undergone supervisory and administrative school and continues his education. Before any of the above-mentioned jobs, Houston said he worked at a correctional facility in El Dorado, Kansas.

Officially on the job just over one week, Houston said he's temporarily setting up the KPD in the Terwort building, which is located next door to the city office. The city purchased the Terwort building in the spring with the intent of remodeling the buildings to expand city hall and house the police department. However, at this point no construction has begun on the remodel project. The Kiowa PD was formerly in a building on the east side of Kiowa, across from the Plum Thickett restaurant.

In his modernization efforts, Houston wants electronic report management systems. He's also looking into electronic citations, he said.

The new chief said the city is advertising for another officer. "I have a few ideas," he said of some of his former co-workers. In the meantime he looks to the Barber County Sheriff's Office for help on some calls. Houston's police truck had no decals yet as of Monday. He said they seek a second vehicle with at least half of a cage for officer safety.

Houston and City Administrator Lou Leone have already visited the schools K-12, speaking to students, handing out police badges and suckers. The chief plans to implement a DARE program and bicycle safety program. He and the new officer will take necessary training.

The KPD plans a Halloween Costume Contest for grades K-8 with prizes.

"I am looking to move here as soon as possible," Houston said. Single, he said his daughter Greinley, age 7, will remain in Harper with her mother where the girl attends school. Houston primarily sees his daughter on the weekends.

When asked how he plans to run his department, Chief Houston said, "fair and with equality."

 

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