Jonathan Lindsey selected as Wichita Falls next police chief

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - The City of Wichita Falls has selected its next police chief.

City Manager Jeff Jenkins has designated Capt. Jonathan Lindsey to serve as the city’s 23rd Chief of Police. His appointment will go before the Wichita Falls City Council for confirmation during its Aug. 18 meeting.

Lindsey joined the Wichita Falls Police Department in 2001 and has served in a variety of roles over the past 25 years. His assignments have included patrol, crimes against persons, crimes against property, financial crimes, the Gang Task Force, SWAT, the Tactical Unit and the Traffic Unit’s Motorcycle Division.

He was promoted to sergeant in 2016, lieutenant in 2019 and captain in 2024. Lindsey now oversees the department’s Investigative Operations Division, which includes the Criminal Investigations Section and the Special Operations Section.

City Manager Jeff Jenkins said Lindsey’s experience and leadership made him the right choice to lead the department.

“Captain Lindsey has demonstrated a deep commitment to the Wichita Falls community, exceptional leadership within the department, and a clear vision for the future of policing in our city,” Jenkins said. “His experience, professionalism, and dedication to public service make him well prepared to lead the Wichita Falls Police Department into its next chapter.”

Mayor Tim Short said the selection came after city leaders gathered feedback from residents through stakeholder meetings and a community survey.

“I am so proud of the staff and search committee for their hard and diligent work in this search. They listened to the community and have taken to heart what was said in stakeholder meetings and a survey. We are excited with the direction our Police Department will be going as we work forward,” Short said.

Wichita County District Attorney John Gillespie said he has worked with Lindsey for more than two decades and also voiced his support.

“I have worked closely with Captain Lindsey for over 20 years. He is a great leader, a man of integrity, and has a tremendous vision for leading the WFPD. I am excited to work with the new Chief in protecting Wichita Falls,” Gillespie said.

Lindsey is a graduate of the FBI National Academy’s 297th session and is currently working toward completing the Leadership Command College through the Texas Law Enforcement Management Institute. He also holds a Certificate of Achievement in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia and is expected to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration next year.

Throughout his career, Lindsey has received several departmental honors, including Rookie of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, the Life Saving Award and the Certificate of Police Excellence.

He is also a member of several professional organizations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Texas Police Chiefs Association and the FBI National Academy Associates.

If confirmed by the City Council, Lindsey will become the 23rd chief in the history of the Wichita Falls Police Department.