Klein ISD Police Becomes First Texas School District Department to Earn Prestigious FBI Leadership Award
In a proud and unprecedented achievement, the Klein Independent School District Police Department has become the first school district law enforcement agency in Texas to earn the FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI-LEEDA) Agency Trilogy designation. This honor recognizes that every member of the department’s command staff has successfully completed the renowned FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Leadership Series — a rigorous program designed to cultivate ethical, effective law enforcement leadership.
The Trilogy program includes three intensive, week-long courses: Supervisor Leadership, Command Leadership, and Executive Leadership. Collectively, these programs focus on ethical decision-making, communication strategies, organizational integrity, and accountability — all essential elements for modern law enforcement, particularly within school systems.
Klein ISD Police Chief Marlon Runnels praised his team’s dedication, noting, “The FBI-LEEDA Agency Trilogy designation brings honor to our command staff and the entire Klein ISD Police Department. This achievement demonstrates our organization's ongoing dedication to continuous growth and development through ethical leadership and best practices in law enforcement.”
Mobile Sidebar Ad
The distinguished officers who completed the Trilogy include Assistant Chief Nathan Polansky, Assistant Chief Jon Turner, Lieutenant Montoya Jones, and Lieutenant Natalie van der Dys. Their completion of this national program signals a commitment to not only personal and professional development but to the overall safety and success of the Klein ISD community.
FBI-LEEDA Executive Director Jaques Battiste shared high praise during the announcement: “This department, established in 1982, carries a model very similar to LEEDA of honor, dedication, and leadership. The Klein ISD Police Department is the first ISD in the state of Texas to ever receive this award.”
The FBI-LEEDA Agency Trilogy designation isn’t just another accolade — it represents a deeper cultural commitment to excellence in law enforcement, especially when it comes to the unique responsibilities of policing within a school setting.
Superintendent Dr. Jenny McGown also commended the department’s milestone, stating, “This designation exemplifies top-notch police leadership that prioritizes the safety and well-being of every student and staff member in Klein ISD. The first and finest school district police department in Texas continues to lead the way and set the standard of excellence to which others aspire.”
Mobile Sidebar Ad
This milestone not only places the Klein ISD Police Department at the forefront of school-based law enforcement in Texas but also sends a strong message about the importance of leadership development in ensuring student and staff safety. As more communities seek innovative and proactive school safety solutions, Klein ISD’s investment in its police leadership provides a replicable model for others across the state and country.
With the support of district leadership and a shared commitment to excellence, the department continues to set a high bar, reinforcing its mission to serve and protect the Klein ISD community with integrity and professionalism.
For more updates about school safety initiatives and community achievements in Klein ISD and across the Greater Houston area, follow My Neighborhood News.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
