RRISD police investigation reveals “toxic” environment

ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — An internal investigation into the Round Rock Independent School District Police Department describes the department as “toxic” and “very divided.”

The report, completed in October 2023, also raises concerns about the county’s Radio and Dispatch Department: “…There is concern that the new dispatch system will not be able to quickly address serious safety issues,” county officials told KXAN in response : “The radios are in progress.”

District officials said Round Rock ISD paid third-party investigator Patricia Lineras $15,000 to conduct two formal investigations into a complaint filed against RRISD Police Chief Dennis Weiner and the department’s culture and climate.

KXAN initially asked the district in October 2023 whether it was investigating its police department. The district then denied that any investigations were underway, but the investigative report obtained by KXAN through an open records request shows both were already underway.

“I am sorry that you received incorrect information regarding the internal investigation. The investigation involved human resources and was conducted by an outside investigator,” an RRISD official told KXAN in an email.

According to the report, investigators conducted interviews with 37 current police department social workers, police officers, sergeants, the deputy chief and support staff. According to the report, both investigations were completed by October 24.

Investigators said they observed “a lack of professional communication on the part of the chief,” favoritism and a failure to follow district regulations.

KXAN asked whether any county officials, including Weiner, would face reprimand or firing following the release of the report. The district said it does not discuss personnel matters.

Round Rock ISD school board members Mary Bone and Danielle Weston have both commented on the matter on their Facebook pages, including posting a letter that Weiner reportedly sent to the entire school board.

Trustee Weston said the letter prompted her to report its contents to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

“The truth is that we do not know whether the police chief’s claims are true or not,” said Weston in her Facebook post on May 18. “That is not our decision.” Our duty consists of loyalty and commitment to the security and protection of children who entrust us to parents in our schools. “