JACKSBORO, Texas — The Jack County Sheriff’s Office has assumed all law enforcement responsibilities in the city of Jacksboro after the entire police department, including Chief of Police Bryan Corb, resigned this week, WFAA reported.
City Manager Mike Smith confirmed that all nine officers resigned voluntarily on April 30.
“We’re hiring for a chief of police,” Smith said. “We’re going to let him or her build up the department from scratch.”
The resignations follow months of tension between city leadership and the police force, according to the report. In December 2024, Smith was pulled over by a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper for a broken taillight. Smith alleged he suspected some officers were attempting to set him up for a DUI arrest, though records showed no signs of alcohol were found. Following the incident, Smith placed Chief Corb and two officers on paid leave and requested an investigation by the District Attorney and the Texas Rangers. No misconduct was found, and the officers were reinstated, according to the report.
Despite their return, resignations began in January, culminating in the department’s complete dissolution.
In the interim, Jack County Sheriff Charles “T-Bob” Hauger said his deputies have taken over policing duties in the city, with one deputy assigned per patrol shift and others available as needed. His office has also taken over the backlog of criminal investigations left behind.
“We’re not here to completely take over the police department,” Hauger said. “But we have to right now.”
A grievance letter from the Jacksboro Police Association, obtained by WFAA, criticized Smith’s leadership and urged the city council to act.
Smith said the search for a new police chief is underway and he expects the position to remain open for the next several weeks.
