Thomas Hover was sworn in Friday, Feb. 6, as Amarillo’s new police chief, formally taking over leadership of the Amarillo Police Department with a focus on transparency, professionalism and a victim-centered approach to policing.
Hover took the oath of office before city leaders, officers and community members, pledging to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and the state of Texas.” Afterward, he emphasized that the moment carried significance beyond ceremony, describing the oath as “the open contract between the position and the public” and a clear set of expectations for accountability and openness.
Hover brings more than 25 years of law enforcement experience to Amarillo. Most recently, he served in a senior leadership role with the Irving Police Department in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, where his background included patrol operations, supervision, budget management, labor relations and the use of technology-driven policing strategies within a large metropolitan department. City officials said that mix of operational and administrative experience was a key factor in his selection.
In remarks following the ceremony, Hover outlined a guiding philosophy he summarized as “protect the vulnerable from harm.” He described this victim-centered mindset as the foundation for a range of police activities, from overnight patrols to traffic enforcement and the pursuit of violent offenders. “It’s why we police at night while you sleep,” Hover said. “It’s why we make traffic stops. It’s why we relentlessly pursue violent criminals.”
At the same time, Hover acknowledged limits to enforcement-focused approaches. “We can’t arrest our way out of everything,” he said, stressing that long-term public safety requires community involvement and cooperation. Citing an African proverb — “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together” — Hover said trust between residents and officers is essential for sustainable progress.
Professionalism, he added, must remain constant in all situations. “We must treat everyone with dignity and respect, whether the cameras are on us or not,” he said, underscoring expectations for conduct both in public view and behind the scenes.
Hover also took time to recognize the role of families in policing, describing them as “the glue that holds everything together.” He noted that law enforcement families often share in the emotional weight of the job, absorbing stress and sacrifice as officers miss holidays, milestones and daily routines. “They see and hear the things we do,” Hover said, adding that their support enables officers to continue doing difficult work.
In conversations with reporters after the swearing-in, Hover said his initial focus will be on listening and learning. He plans to spend his first six months meeting individually with department employees to better understand internal perspectives before setting long-term priorities. “I’m taking the opportunity to meet every single person,” he said. “That gives me a real understanding of the organization and helps shape what we focus on.”
Part of that evaluation includes assessing what officers need to perform effectively and maintain wellness, from equipment to support services. “I want to make sure they have the tools to do the job and the support to sustain them,” Hover said.
Amarillo Mayor Cole Stanley said the city approached the search process deliberately, ultimately choosing Hover for his ability to lead a growing department while maintaining internal trust. Stanley acknowledged the inherent challenges of hiring from outside the organization but said early feedback has been positive. “From the people I’ve talked to inside the department, the transition has been smooth,” he said.
Stanley also pointed to Hover’s willingness to be visible and engaged from the start. “He jumped in a patrol car right away,” Stanley said. “He’s approachable. He’s listening, and he’s learning.”
Hover said his experience in the Dallas–Fort Worth region has shaped his approach, particularly through professional relationships built over time. While noting Amarillo’s unique character, he said those connections allow him to seek insight from peers facing similar challenges.
Transparency and communication, Hover said, will remain central themes of his leadership. “You’re going to hear and see a lot more of me around the city,” he said, adding that being present in the community is essential to the role.
