Bellville Police Chief Jason Smalley Announces Retirement After 22 Years of Service
After more than two decades of dedicated service to Bellville and Austin County, Chief Jason Smalley has announced his retirement from the City of Bellville, effective August 31, 2025. Chief Smalley will begin a new role with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, marking the start of a new chapter in his career. Chief Smalley said the decision was made after careful thought, with his familyโs future and long-term well-being at the center. โThis is a decision that I did not take lightly, but one that will benefit my family and myself, especially long term,โ Chief Smalley said.
Career Roots in Austin County
Chief Smalley began his law enforcement career with Austin County first in 1997 before moving into Washington County, Travis County and then Harris County Sheriffโs Office before returning to the Austin County Sheriffโs Office. He joined the Bellville Police Department in 2005, rose to lieutenant in 2008, and was named chief in 2021. Throughout his career, Chief Smalley worked tirelessly to strengthen public safety while also maintaining close ties with the community he served.
During his tenure as chief, Chief Smalley guided several key initiatives that transformed the Bellville Police Department:
- New police department facility to meet the needs of a growing community.
- Expansion of patrol operations, ensuring better coverage and faster response.
- Creation of a K-9 unit, enhancing narcotics detection, tracking, and outreach.
- Technology upgrades, including mobile citation writers and in-car data terminals.
- Increased officer wages, helping recruitment and retention of qualified personnel.
Chief Smalley credited the cityโs mayor, council, and his officers for making these accomplishments possible.
Community Policing and Public Trust
Chief Smalley emphasized community-oriented policing throughout his career. He built trust through youth engagement programs, public outreach efforts, and by keeping the department visible and approachable. Chief Smalley always spoke abut how vital it was for residents to feel connected to their local officers, noting that trust is built not only on enforcement but also on strong personal relationships.
Training, Recruitment, and Collaboration
Beyond daily policing, Chief Smalley oversaw training programs for both new and veteran officers, led recruitment and background screening, and worked closely with local leaders to keep the publicโs needs front and center.
He also served on several local boards and committees, including:
- Austin County 911 Emergency District
- Austin County Local Emergency Planning Committee
- Bellville ISD Safety Committee
These roles allowed Chief Smalley to collaborate with schools, emergency services, and other agencies to ensure Bellville and Austin County stayed prepared and protected.
Sharing Law Enforcement with the Public
Chief Smalley often spoke publicly about the realities of small-town policing. In 2024, he joined Chief Deputy Matt Walls of the Austin County Sheriffโs Office on the BVP Podcast, where they discussed:
- How dispatch operates in a rural county
- Handling both emergency and non-emergency calls
- The importance of transparency in training and body-worn camera use
- Working alongside regional and state agencies for specialized response, including SWAT-level readiness
This effort reflected Chief Smalleyโs commitment to building public understanding of local law enforcement.
A Legacy of Service
Reflecting on his career, Chief Smalley shared that he feels he has accomplished everything he set out to do and that it is now time to pass the torch. He expressed his deep appreciation for the people he has worked for, alongside, and served, noting that the friendships he built during his time in Bellville are priceless and everlasting. Chief Smalley also extended his gratitude to the citizens and the City of Bellville for supporting him throughout his years with the Bellville Police Department, acknowledging their role in helping him achieve so much during his service.
Looking Ahead
Chief Smalleyโs retirement marks the close of an impactful career in Austin County law enforcement. While he transitions to his new role with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, his influence on Bellvilleโs police force and the community will remain.
