Published: December 05, 2008 10:07 am      

Joshua names police chief

Robertson first female to hold top position

JOSHUA — Joshua Police Lieutenant Annabeth Robertson has been appointed the city’s new chief of police.

Robertson is the city’s first female police chief and will begin her service as chief immediately.

Robertson has more than 26 years experience in law enforcement. Robertson started in 1982 as a deputy constable in Tarrant County, then served as a Johnson County sheriff’s deputy until 1995, when she was hired as the first female patrol officer in Joshua.

During her 13 years with the city of Joshua she was the first to represent the city on the countywide STOP narcotics task force, and served as acting chief three times.

She has been involved in nearly all aspects of policing including patrol, criminal investigations, internal affairs, community services, training and special operations.

“Chief Robertson brings to this position a wealth of experience, a depth of knowledge, and a true vision for where the Joshua Police Department should be and how to take the department there,” said Joshua City Manager Paulette Hartman. “I am excited for this appointment and have every confidence Chief Robertson will be a great leader for our Police Department.”

Robertson holds a Master Peace Officer’s License, is a graduate of the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration School of Police Supervision and the Texas FBI National Academy Command College.

She has completed more than 1,400 hours of training in all areas of law enforcement and has received a number of awards for her service including four chief citations, employee of the year, the city manager’s award, and a letter of commendation for her service on the STOP narcotics task force.

Robertson was selected from a pool of 85 applicants.

Semifinalists were required to complete an extensive phone interview, and finalists were required to complete a written presentation, conduct a face-to-face interview with an assessment panel, and make an oral presentation.

“We had some very good candidates from all over the state and across the country,” Hartman said. “We want to thank everyone for their interest, and commend all the finalists for their time and preparation for the interviews. The quality of the applicant pool made this a difficult decision but one in which we are extremely proud.”