Westlake Decides Against Extending Keller Police Contract

After months of back‑and‑forth, the Westlake City Council finally gave its verdict: the town will not renew its policing contract with the Keller Police Department. The decision, taken at the regular council meeting on Tuesday, took many by surprise – not because the issue was new, but because the conversation had been simmering for weeks.

Westlake has relied on Keller officers for more than a decade, paying roughly $1.2 million a year for patrols, investigations and emergency response. Yet, as the current contract winds down in December, council members said the town needs to rethink how it allocates limited resources. "We’re not saying we don’t value the service Keller provides," said Councilmember Maria Alvarez, "but we have to ask ourselves whether that model still fits our growth, our budget, and the expectations of our residents."

Those expectations have been shifting. Over the past year, several homeowners voiced concerns about response times and the perceived lack of a dedicated Westlake presence. Some felt that a regional force, while efficient on paper, couldn’t fully grasp the nuances of a small, affluent community tucked between Dallas and Richardson.

Mayor Tom Reynolds emphasized that the decision is not a critique of Keller PD’s professionalism. "They’ve done a solid job, no doubt," he remarked, "but we owe it to our citizens to explore alternatives that might give us more direct control, whether that’s a dedicated town police department, a different inter‑agency partnership, or even a hybrid model."

To that end, the council commissioned a feasibility study, allocating $75,000 for a consultant to examine the costs and logistics of establishing an independent Westlake police force. The study is slated for completion by early next year, and its findings will shape the next steps.

Meanwhile, Keller Police Chief Dave Henson expressed disappointment but also understanding. "We’ve built relationships here for a long time, and we’ll continue to support Westlake residents during the transition," he said. He added that the department remains committed to ensuring a seamless handoff should the town decide to go another route.

Public reaction has been mixed. Some residents, like longtime Westlake inhabitant Sandra Lee, welcomed the move, hoping for a police presence that knows the neighborhood “inside and out.” Others worry about the costs and potential gaps in coverage during the transition period.

As Westlake charts its next chapter in public safety, the council promised regular updates and open forums for community input. "We’re not making this decision in a vacuum," Councilmember Alvarez assured. "Your voice matters, and we’ll keep the conversation going until we find the best path forward for Westlake."