City of Odessa Police Department - Odessa, Texas

Tenth Chief of Police James H. Jenkins Our 10th Chief was James H. Jenkins. He came to the Odessa Police Department on September 9, 1991 from Daytona Beach, Florida Police Department where he served for twenty-four (24) years and retired as a Deputy Chief. Chief Jenkins had 4 college degree’s - Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Master of Science in Management, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and an Associate in Science in Law Enforcement. He also retired after 10 years of service. Chief Jenkins brought with him many innovated police programs including the philosophy of Community Policing, bringing law enforcement and the community together for the common good of the City. Joining forces in a unique solidarity to fight crime and problem solving. The Community Relations Division was formed under the direction of Chief Jenkins in December 1991. The Division was charged with all Community Policing Projects at that time, such as Neighborhood Watch, McGruff, Police Athletic League, Explorers and the Teddy Bear Program. Within 18 months of it’s inception the various programs administered by this unit expanded to a total of 26 different programs. In July, 1994, due to this Division’s rapid growth and public acceptance, the entire Division was transferred to the newly City acquired Municipal Plaza Building located at 4 th Street and North Lee Street. Chief of Police Christopher C. Pipes Christopher C. Pipes was appointed as the department's 11th Chief of Police by City Manager Richard Morton in January of 2002. He began with the department as a cadet in March of 1983 and promoted through the ranks. He holds an Associate in Applied Science in Law Enforcement Degree from Odessa College, a Baccalaureate Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, and a Master's Degree in Biology, also from UTPB. During Chief Pipes’s tenure, each Patrol Unit has been equipped with a moving radar and a mobile data computer. The "PDSTAT" program has also been instituted. The "PDSTAT" program provides computerized crime data to Department personnel and provides a means to target individuals and locations that are the source of criminal activity.