Laredo: Landin reflects on stint as top cop

LMTonline
Cesar G. Rodriguez, LAREDO MORNING TIMES
Sep. 2, 2023

When Laredo City Manager Joseph Neeb appointed Steve E. Landin as the acting Laredo police chief six months ago, Landin asked what would happen to his position as an assistant city manager.

Landin then took on double duties as the assistant city manager and acting police chief. With the naming of five LPD chief finalists, Landin is closer to returning to city hall and continuing his duties as an assistant city manager full time.

But Landin made sure his stint as the top cop would leave a mark.

Neeb expected from Landin to “hold the ship still,” reinstill public trust in the organization, and work with the command staff to rebuild the image of LPD. Landin believes he has accomplished that.

The department was coming off allegations of voter fraud, the death by suicide of the Laredo Police Officers Association president, theft of union funds and allegations of inappropriate relationships within the department. These were incidents widely known by the public, Landin said.

“Naturally, the public was looking at us in a not so positive light. We had to go in there and try to restore that tainted image that we had,” Landin said.
Landin recalled encountering communication issues at the top level.

“When I first got there, there was a communication issue within the chief’s office. There were individuals that wouldn’t talk to each other within the command staff. I studied that for a period of time. I realigned the organizational chart to improve the communication,” he said.

Another internal issue that Landin and his command staff tackled was the Tyler computer platform, a software used to generate reports that officers were rejecting due to its difficulty to handle it. Under his administration, additional technology has been purchased, including internal affairs software, online reporting, drone crime scene reconstruction and field training officer modules.

Landin also had an open door policy with the public and officers. He even rolled up his sleeves and went on patrol with officers numerous times to get their opinions of what they were seeing within the organization.

Landin’s approach to the department earned him an 81% approval rate within the department, according to a survey conducted by the Texas A&M International University.

Neeb pointed out that Landin is a professional in public safety.

“(Landin's) willingness to step over there and kind of hold the department together during this trying time as we are looking to find a new police chief was a blessing for the city,” Neeb said.

“He showed his leadership. He showed his willingness to make the tough decisions during this timeframe. I can’t tell how thankful I am with the work that he has done over there.”

Neeb said he is glad that Landin is returning to his position as an assistant city manager full time.

“I believe we can utilize his skills with our other departments as well too. But for the sake of the police department, he has done a fantastic job,” Neeb said. “I have not gotten to work with him as an assistant city manager because my first day on the job was when we moved him over to the police department as the acting chief.”

Landin became the first person ever to hold the chief positions of the police and fire departments. In the history of the United States, there have been only 22 people to hold both police and fire chief positions within their careers, according to Landin.

He can take off his badge, but nothing can take away the memories he has made in both departments.

“It’s a bittersweet thing. I was in my element. This is what I know I do best: Lead large organizations, work with them, serve them, talk to them, guide them, coach them, pray with them, cry with them. I’ve been through a lot with both police and fire throughout my years,” Landin said. “Putting on the badge was a huge honor because I never expected it.”