Stillwater Police Department to Focus on Community Presence and Partnerships

Chris Hassig officially introduced himself as Stillwater's new police chief during a Frontier Rotary Club presentation, bringing 18 years of Houston Police Department experience to his leadership role that began April 28.

City Manager Brady Moore announced that Hassig emerged as the top candidate through a comprehensive selection process that included department surveys, community stakeholder input, and presentations to police personnel. Moore said one reference described hiring Hassig as "winning the lottery."

"We knew we needed a new leader, someone that could really kind of boost the morale in the department," Moore said during the introduction.

Hassig served as captain of Houston Police Department's Homicide Division, overseeing investigations of approximately 350 murders annually along with 10,000 missing persons cases. His division also handled officer-involved shootings and criminal allegations against law enforcement officials.

"Coming to Stillwater has been a welcome relief in that aspect. A breath of fresh air," Hassig said. "The community has just been fantastic."

The new chief outlines his leadership philosophy around three core principles he calls the "three Ps": presence, professionalism, and partnerships.

"As cops, obviously, plain and simple, we need to be out in the community fighting crime, being visible and being present out there so that people know we're keeping them safe," Hassig explained. "It's not merely actually keeping them safe. It's the thought and the feeling of being safe that's important."

Hassig emphasizes that with 80 officers and 45 civilian support staff, the department cannot be everywhere simultaneously, making community relationships essential for effective policing.

The chief's employee-focused approach aims to create positive working conditions that translate into better community service, believing that happy, healthy officers provide superior public safety services.

"I really try to be employee focused, really trying to build the morale of the officers," Hassig said. "I think if you have a happy, healthy police department, happy, healthy employees, then that tentacles out and translates into better service and a happier community."

AD

A message from Visit Stillwater
It’s fair season! Head to the Payne County Free Fair for livestock shows, tractor pulls, carnival rides, and all the fair food you can handle.

Learn More

The department has already implemented data-informed strategies to address specific crime concerns. Hassig cited success in reducing thefts at Walmart through increased officer presence and engagement with store personnel.

"We've seen a month over month reduction in thefts over there," he said. "Can we reduce it to zero? No, we're realistic. But what can we do to help lower that number for their sake and ours?"

Under Hassig's leadership, the department has revived its lake patrol program, with Officer Chris Howell maintaining law enforcement presence at Stillwater's lakes. The motorcycle patrol program remains discontinued, with Hassig noting that current staffing levels make it difficult to justify the resource allocation.

Community engagement represents a priority for the new chief, who expressed pride in officer participation at recent events. When he requested volunteers for the Juneteenth celebration, approximately 12 officers attended.

"I was really proud of my team when I asked for volunteers via email to attend the Juneteenth celebration," Hassig said. "We had about a dozen officers show up and participate, mingle, and we had a great time."

Hassig plans to introduce additional mental health resources for officers, including counselors and therapists providing training and support at the station. He emphasizes the importance of ongoing education beyond police academy training.

"We have to be constantly and continually educating, refreshing folks on new case law, new statutory law, and ensuring that constitutional law, constitutional rights are not violated," Hassig said.

The chief addressed growing concerns about church security amid national mass shooting trends. He recommends collaboration between law enforcement and religious institutions, including potential site visits and security assessments.

"Security always helps that, again, building those relationships with the police," Hassig said. "We can get in there. We can give advice as far as crime prevention through environmental design. Make sure there's no blind spots."

Hassig acknowledged the harsh reality of mass violence, stating, "It's not a matter of if. It's when and where. We need to be actively working on that."

His Houston experience includes managing high-profile incidents, including the February 2024 Lakewood Church shooting where a woman opened fire during a Spanish-language service. Hassig conducted press conferences for the incident, which drew international media attention.

Hassig also plans to strengthen communication with the District Attorney's office to ensure effective case prosecution. He acknowledged the need for regular collaboration between investigators and prosecutors to address outstanding cases and prevent issues from becoming overwhelming.

The chief's background includes an MBA from the University of Houston and service as vice chairman of the Houston Police Department Credit Union, which managed $900 million in assets and served 31,000 members.

Hassig moved to Stillwater with his wife Lauren, who began teaching third grade at Sangre Ridge Elementary, and their three children ages 7, 9, and 14. The family chose Stillwater after extensive research into potential communities.

"Lauren and I gave this great thought," Hassig said. "We don't want to move again. She actually gave me an ultimatum. She goes, you get one move. This is it. Make it count."

Hassig encourages community members to contact him directly, providing his phone number and email address during the presentation. He emphasized his commitment to being accessible and building relationships throughout Stillwater.

"If you ever need to reach out, please let me know," Hassig said.

📺 Watch Chief Hassig's presentation to the Rotary Club