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Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock Announces Law Enforcement Advisory Panel

(AUSTIN) — Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock today announced the formation of a Law Enforcement Advisory Panel to strengthen collaboration between the Comptroller’s office and law enforcement leaders across Texas. The panel will advise the agency on implementation of key public safety grant programs and elevate matters impacting the law enforcement community that may require the attention of the Comptroller or the agency’s Criminal Investigation Division.

“Texas depends on strong partnerships with the men and women who protect our communities every day,” Hancock said. “This advisory panel ensures we are hearing directly from law enforcement professionals as we administer critical grant programs and continue supporting public safety across our state.”

The panel will provide guidance on the Senate Bill 22 Rural Law Enforcement Grant Program, which supports recruitment, retention and equipment needs for rural sheriff’s offices and prosecutors such as district attorneys, as well as the Senate Bill 8 Sheriff’s Immigration Law Enforcement Grant Program, which assists counties participating in federal immigration enforcement agreements with personnel, training and operational costs.

Panel members will review program implementation, share best practices from the field and raise emerging issues facing Texas law enforcement agencies. Additional members may be added as the advisory panel continues to develop.

Panel Members

• Bill Waybourn, Sheriff, Tarrant County (Chair) – Sheriff Waybourn has served as Tarrant County Sheriff since 2017 and brings more than three decades of law enforcement leadership. His career includes service as a police chief and national advocacy work combating human trafficking, and he has overseen modernization and expansion of one of the largest sheriff’s offices in Texas.
• Randy Aguirre, Sheriff, Bee County – Sheriff Aguirre is a 28-year criminal justice veteran whose career spans the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas Ranger Investigative Division. He was elected Bee County sheriff in 2024 and brings extensive experience in major investigations, interagency coordination and county law enforcement leadership.
• Al Auxier, Sheriff, Kendall County – Sheriff Auxier leads the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office with a long record of public safety service and regional collaboration. He is known for strengthening operational readiness, officer training and community engagement in the Hill Country.
• Hunter Barnes, Sheriff, Hill County – Sheriff Barnes was elected Hill County sheriff in 2024 after building a career in local law enforcement. He brings hands-on experience in patrol operations, jail administration and community-centered policing across a rapidly growing Central Texas county.
• Joseph “Guy” Baker, Sheriff, Jim Wells County – Sheriff Baker brings more than two decades of law enforcement experience across local, state and federal service, including the U.S. Border Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Prisons and Homeland Security Investigations. He oversees countywide operations in Jim Wells County and brings deep expertise in complex investigations and command leadership.
• William A. “Tony” Bennie, Sheriff, Grayson County – Sheriff Bennie is a 30-year DPS veteran and former Texas Ranger major who commanded Ranger companies across the state and served at Texas Rangers Headquarters in Austin. A graduate of the FBI National Academy, he brings decades of investigative, operational and executive leadership experience.
• Ricky Bishop, Sheriff, Taylor County – Sheriff Bishop has served as Taylor County sheriff since 2013 and has more than two decades of service with the department. In addition to leading the sheriff’s office, he serves as fire chief of the View Volunteer Fire Department and is recognized for advancing mental health response and emergency coordination initiatives.
• Thaddeus C. Cleveland, Sheriff, Terrell County – Sheriff Cleveland brings more than 26 years of service with the U.S. Border Patrol, including leadership as patrol agent in charge of the Sanderson Station, along with prior service in the U.S. Air Force. He has coordinated multi-agency border security operations and strengthened partnerships across local, state and federal agencies.
• Richard “Rick” DeLeon, III, Sheriff, Matagorda County – Sheriff DeLeon, a former U.S. Marine, state trooper and sergeant at arms for the Texas Senate, leads the Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office and brings decades of experience in public safety.
• Wesley Doolittle, Sheriff, Montgomery County – Sheriff Doolittle served as a Texas State Trooper and later as a Texas Ranger for 13 years. He served as a captain with the Montgomery County Precinct 1 Constable’s office before being elected sheriff of Montgomery County in 2024, where he now leads more than 1,100 deputies and staff.
• Brian Hawthorne, Sheriff, Chambers County – Sheriff Hawthorne has served multiple terms leading the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office and is a former president of the Sheriffs' Association of Texas. He is widely recognized for statewide leadership on training standards and public safety advocacy.
• Tracy Murphree, Sheriff, Denton County – Sheriff Murphree is a veteran Texas lawman whose career includes service with the Texas Highway Patrol and DPS Narcotics and 13 years as a Texas Ranger. He leads one of the state’s largest sheriff’s offices and brings decades of investigative and executive experience.
• Jacob Putman, Criminal District Attorney, Smith County – District Attorney Putman began his legal career as a prosecutor in 2008 and was elected Smith County criminal district attorney in 2018. He brings extensive courtroom experience and a strong commitment to public safety, prosecution and victims’ advocacy.
• Bo Stallman, Sheriff, Brazoria County – Sheriff Stallman is a lifelong Brazoria County resident and veteran law enforcement leader focused on modernization, public safety and regional cooperation. He oversees one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas and has prioritized professional training and operational efficiency.
• Brian L. Thomas, Sheriff, Potter County – Sheriff Thomas has served in law enforcement since 1986 and has led the Potter County Sheriff’s Office through multiple terms. He is a master peace officer with extensive operational, school safety and community policing experience.

For more information about the law enforcement grant programs, visit the Comptroller’s website. 

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts serves as the chief financial officer — treasurer, check writer, tax collector, procurement officer and revenue estimator — for the world's eighth-largest economy. The agency also administers statewide initiatives, including the Texas Broadband Development Office, State Energy Conservation Office, Texas Opioid Abatement Fund Council, Texas college savings plans and more.

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