Mesquite Police Department - Texas

As fall approaches, the Mesquite Police Department is beginning the preparation process for the next Mesquite Citizens Police Academy. Community interaction is a crucial part of the Mesquite Police Department’s crime-fighting philosophy. The Mesquite Police Department makes every effort to work with the community to identify and resolve problems that affect the crime rate and quality-of-life issues in our city.

At the Mesquite Citizens Police Academy, you will have the opportunity to see and hear first-hand the overwhelming curriculum recruits must master before they can wear the uniform of the Mesquite Police Department. Your instructors will be real police officers. They will take you on an accelerated overview of the various operations of the Mesquite Police Department. It’s our goal to increase understanding of police work and to develop effective police/community partnerships. So join us and be part of this extraordinary effort and experience.

The Crime Prevention Unit in conjunction with Mesquite police personnel, will facilitate classes at the Mesquite Police Department on Thursdays from 7 pm to 9 pm. Participants must be 18 years of age or older in order to apply. The only investment on your part is 2 hours of your time per week for 10 weeks. The next Mesquite Citizens Police Academy is scheduled to begin on September 10th, and space is limited. We encourage our citizens to apply for our upcoming Academy class. What you learn will not only benefit you but, if shared with family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers, it could have a significant impact on police and community relations in our city. The application process is open until June 30th, or until the available class seats are filled. There is limited seating available, so please apply today.

*Applicants are subject to a background check.
Click the link below to locate the application form. The application form will be sent electronically to the police department for processing.

https://www.cityofmesquite.com/443/Citizens-Police-Academy

Today, we honor the heroes who gave everything for the freedoms we cherish. Their courage and sacrifice to our country will never be forgotten.

As we gather with family and friends, let us pause to remember those who never made it home, the brave men and women who laid down their lives in service to the United States.

We are forever in their debt.

Your seat belt is the single most effective safety device in your vehicle. If you’re traveling at 50 mph and stop suddenly, your unbuckled body will keep moving at 50 mph. Your seat belt is designed to keep you from being thrown into the dashboard or windshield—or even onto the road.

Airbags can be big lifesavers. But without seat belts, they can be ineffective and even dangerous. In a crash, seat belts ensure you’re not thrown into a fast-opening airbag—a force that could injure or kill you. You may think your airbag is going to protect you, but it’s designed to work with seat belts, not to replace them.

Driver or passenger, front seat or back, state law requires everyone in the vehicle to be buckled up. Not buckling up could cost you up to $200 in court costs and fines. Or even worse, it could cost you your life.

May 22, 2026

Mesquite Police Department Information Office
[email protected]

Media Release #2026-05

Homicide Investigation

On May 9th, 2026, Mesquite Police Officers were dispatched to an assist fire call in the 4000 block of Towne Crossing Boulevard, related to an unconscious four-month-old infant. Mesquite Fire Personnel also responded and performed life saving measures on the infant, and transported the infant to an area hospital. Sadly, the infant did not survive.

Multiple injuries were discovered on the infant, prompting an investigation to determine the cause. Following a thorough investigation, Mesquite Police Investigators were able to develop sufficient evidence to arrest and charge Jayeshaun Spencer, a 24-year-old male, with the offense of Capital Murder for the death of the infant.

The investigation into this incident remains active and ongoing.

(Mesquite, Texas) – Release Copy

Join us for Coffee With a Cop at T-Mobile this Tuesday, May 19th at 10am.

🚨 SCAM ALERT – PLEASE SHARE 🚨

The Mesquite Police Department is aware of an individual calling residents this morning and falsely claiming to be a Lieutenant with our department.

The caller is requesting payment from citizens for missed jury duty and/or outstanding warrants.

⚠️ Please DO NOT provide payment or personal information over the phone. The Mesquite Municipal Court is not open on Saturdays and would never request payment by phone.

If you receive one of these calls, please report it to Mesquite PD Dispatch at 972-285-6336.

Please stay alert, stay informed, and help protect others from phone and online scams by sharing this information.

Today, we proudly congratulate Deputy Chief Brandon Ricketts on graduating from the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT) Leadership Command College, Class 104.

This prestigious program develops and prepares law enforcement leaders from across Texas, and Brandon’s successful completion of the program reflects his dedication to professional growth, leadership, and service to the Mesquite community.

Please join the Mesquite Police Department in congratulating Deputy Chief Ricketts on this outstanding accomplishment. We are proud to have him representing our department and continuing to lead with professionalism, integrity, and vision.

The Mesquite Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association was kind enough to come out and feed our officers during each shift change for National Police Week today.

The Mesquite Police Department is lucky to have such a dedicated group of volunteers who constantly assist with serving our community behind the scenes by assisting in so many different ways. Your unwavering support truly means so much to us.

We thank you all for what you did today and everyday! Thank you for taking the time and effort in recognizing our officers!

This week, we pause to honor the men and women of the Mesquite Police Department who serve our community with courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment. Police Week is a time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to recognize those who continue to serve our community each day.

To our officers: thank you for your dedication to protecting Mesquite. Your service does not go unnoticed. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the families who stand beside you. Your support makes this service possible.

Respect. Honor. Remember.

We are extremely proud of the dedication, professionalism, and exceptional service Sgt Wathen provides to our department and community!

Today, we honor and celebrate the dedicated men and women of law enforcement during National Police Week. It’s a time to recognize their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to keeping our communities safe. Join us in expressing gratitude to those who serve and in remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Sgt. Paul Wathen of the Mesquite Police Departmenthas demonstrated an exceptional commitment to DWI enforcement and roadway safety throughout Mesquite and North Texas. As one of only a limited number of Drug Recognition Expert Instructors in Texas, Sgt. Wathen has played a critical leadership role in strengthening the department’s DWI enforcement program. Through his dedication, training, and mentorship, the department has experienced a tenfold increase in annual DWI arrests, greatly enhancing public safety. He was also instrumental in implementing the department’s 100% No-Refusal DWI policy, reinforcing accountability and helping remove impaired drivers from the roadways.

MADD Texas extends its sincere appreciation to Sgt. Paul Wathen for his unwavering commitment, professionalism, and service. We recognize and deeply value your dedication to the safety and well-being of our communities.

Our goal, in partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation, is to reduce crashes, injuries, and deaths on Texas Roadways. Join us in our mission to create a safer community.