Community Engagement

Community Engagement Programs

Explorers: The goals and objectives of the Anna Police Department Law Enforcement Explorer program are to further the Explorer’s education, encourage his/her participation in a wide variety of community service activities, and enhance their preparation for future roles as citizens, community members, leaders, and law enforcement officers. 

Both male and female young adults are encouraged to join the Anna Police Department Explorer program. To become a member an applicant must be between the ages of 14 and 20 years of age, have parental permission if under the age of 17, be enrolled in a high school, and maintain a “C” average in each subject. In addition, the applicant must pass a thorough background check and a structured review board as well as complete the Basic Explorer Training Program. Explorers are volunteers, are not commissioned as sworn peace officers, and have no enforcement authority beyond that of any citizen. Contact Lt. Josh DeVore for more information.

Drug Take Back:  The City of Anna participates in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Nationwide Drug Take-Back event twice per year. At this event, participants can safely dispose of all accumulated expired, unwanted, and unused prescription drugs. The service is free and anonymous. You do not have to be a neighbor of Anna to participate.

Coffee With Cops: We invite neighbors to join us for casual conversations over a cup of coffee. We believe Coffee with the Cops provides a unique opportunity for our community members to ask us questions and learn more about how we operate, and our goals, and also share their feedback with us. All community members are invited to attend. Contact Officer Tony Bianco for more information and view our calendar to stay up to date. 

CRASE: Law enforcement officers and agencies are frequently requested by schools, businesses, and community members for direction and presentations on what they should do if confronted with an active shooter event. The Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) course, designed and built on the Avoid, Deny Defend (ADD) strategy developed by ALERRT in 2004, provides strategies, guidance, and a proven plan for surviving an active shooter event. Topics include the history and prevalence of active shooter events, civilian response options, medical issues, and considerations for conducting drills.

National Night Out: Each October, join neighbors throughout Anna as we celebrate National Night Out with block parties and community gatherings. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, and more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community.

Cruising with a Claus: The Anna Texas Police Department and Anna Fire Department Cruising with a Claus Holiday Toy Drive 2023 is coming this fall. The toy drive benefits Anna's elementary students this holiday season. Your help is crucial to making this toy drive successful. Working together, we can be certain this holiday season will bring great cheer to those in need. Your donations would be greatly appreciated. A collection box for gift card donations will also be available so officers can purchase any remaining items for the children. Other drop-off locations include Texas Bank and Walmart. 

Back to School Bash: The first Back to School Bash was hosted in August 2023. We anticipate that this event will become a much-anticipated tradition, offering a unique opportunity for police officers and the community's youth to interact in a relaxed and positive environment. The gathering promotes relationships between law enforcement and neighbors but ensures that students are excited and prepared for the upcoming school year. The date for 2024 is TBD.