Landis J. Cravens
Chief of Police

Email: cravens@texascitytx.gov

Phone: (409) 643-5750

Landis J. Cravens is a son of our community, born and raised in what is affectionately known as West Texas City. His parents before him graduated from Lincoln High School (father/1966) and La Marque High School (mother/1969). Landis is a 1989 graduate of La Marque High School and continues to make his home here in Texas City.

Chief Cravens started his career with the Texas City Police Department in 1995 as a Patrolman. He is currently assigned as the Chief of Police, the seventh classification that he has held in the Department. During his tenure, he has worked through several critical incidents, including major hurricanes (Rita, Ike, and Harvey), major refinery explosion (2005), major ice storm (Uri, 2021), and many other incidents requiring command-level supervision and monitoring. 

Education and Certifications

Chief Cravens holds a Master Peace Officer license through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. He has an Associates of Arts degree in Criminal Justice (Magna Cum Laude honors) from Alvin Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Service Leadership from the University of Houston – Clear Lake, and is currently enrolled and working towards an Executive Master's of Public Service and Administration through the Bush School at Texas A&M University. He received a graduate certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia and is a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy, Session 274 (2018). He is a graduate of the Texas Chiefs of Police Association's “Developing Leaders for Texas Law Enforcement” program (2013) and the F.B.I. Law Enforcement Development Association (LEEDA) “Trilogy Leadership Program” (2015).  

Assignments and Awards

Chief Cravens has had numerous assignments, transfers, and tasks within the Department over the years, including Mounted Patrol, Field Training Officer, Galveston County Auto Crimes Task Force (2001 to 2003), Criminal Investigations Division, S.W.A.T. Operator, Advanced Accident Investigator, Field Investigations Team Supervisor, F.T.O. Supervisor, S.W.A.T. Supervisor, and Agency Coordinator for Operation Washout Galveston County (2021). He was awarded “Region 6 Officer of the Year” in 2011 by the Combined Law Enforcement Association of Texas, “Supervisor of the Year” in 2011 by the Texas City Municipal Police Association, and received “The Chief’s Commendation Award” in 2017.

Chief Cravens believes in the Department's Mission Statement of achieving “a safer community by providing excellent service and involving our community as partners.” He said, “In this fast-paced and ever-changing society that we are living in, building and maintaining working relationships is essential as we work to address quality of life issues in our community.”