CHIEF ROBERT BURBY – A CLEAR VISION OF PURPOSE, VALUES & IMAGE

There is destiny and there is purpose. A life guided by destiny is often equal parts magic and captivity while a purposeful life is more direction and determination. Early on, Robert Burby had the qualities needed for a purpose driven life. He had a vision for his life, a curious mind, family to guide and support his journey, and a strong moral compass; all balanced by a clear sense of self and a healthy respect for humanity. And so, he went about the business of carving out the best possible combination of education and life experiences to allow him to prepare for a life of service and leadership by way of a career in Law Enforcement.  Young Burby may not have known at the time but he had chosen to pursue a career at a time in history that would prove to be pivotal for our country and its people.  Not unlike the 60’s and early 70’s when Civil Rights and the war in Viet Nam were redefining much of our culture, Robert Burby would step into the role of Police Chief at a
time when law enforcement was being blamed for most of this country’s ills. At the same time the roll of police office was expanding to include not only contemporary crime but the disappearance of a national safety net for mental
illness, increased gun violence that would morph into the “active shooter” phenomenon, a frightening change in the drug landscape that was turning patients into addicts, the War on Terror, a growing homeless population , and an
insidious information explosion known as Social Media which would become a rather twisted landscape full of misinformation and a weapon for interest groups, angry individuals and just about anyone with an agenda or a slew of adorable kitty footage. Due to these and many other issues the public perception of police has changed dramatically, and not for the best in many cases.  Statistics tell us that an educated police force has significantly fewer negative interactions with the public; is less likely to have a need to draw a weapon, benefits from better judgement, adaptability and communication, focus and response time. The Wickersham Commission and President’s Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice recommended that higher education is a means to better professional policing. Research studies show police officers who have earned a college degree demonstrate better overall job performance and have greater advancement opportunities than their colleagues without a college degree.
As a lifelong learner, Chief Burby has always emphasized the importance of officer education. And in his role with the Texas Police Chief’s Association, has been instrumental in bringing about Officer Best Practice guidelines and during his time on the Executive Board of the organization has worked to build an Officer Achievement and Recognition Program to support those best practices and encourage officers to set and achieve educational and career goals. The Texas City Police Department has achieved many “firsts” in that arena by establishing the
requirements and standards by which all Texas Police Departments become accredited through the Texas Police Chief Association where he currently serves as first Vice President.  On Thursday, March 29th however, Chief Robert Burby
became the first black President of the Texas Police Chief Association. This is an important milestone in Chief Burby’s career and a milestone of significant importance to people of color and to the state of Texas. The Texas Police
Chiefs Association was founded in 1958 to promote, encourage and advance the professional development of Chiefs of Police and senior police management personnel throughout the State of Texas. TPCA is a statewide law enforcement administrator’s organization for Texas and, as such, it is concerned on a statewide basis with all issues involving the criminal justice system.  Their mission statement states that the organization exists “To promote and enhance the professional development of all executive and management personnel within
duly constituted law enforcement agencies in the state of Texas.  To encourage close cooperation and partnerships with all law enforcement agencies and the citizens they serve.”  And as President, Chief Burby will be able to continue
to pursue his leadership role, impacting officers, leaders and departments across Texas, encouraging continuing education, a strong moral compass, a curious mind and a sense of family to guide and support each man and woman’s journey.