The leadership of the Palestine Police Department is composed of a Chief of Police and is supported by one Administrative Assistant and one Professional Standards Officer.

Administration's role is to lead the agency, through implementation of policy and procedures that meets best practices, to manage a budget in excess of $4 million dollars, and to ensure that the Palestine Police Department's and City of Palestine's Mission, Vision and Values are upheld throughout the organization, ensuring quality and professionalism that is expected from our community.

Interim Chief R.C. Johnson currently serves as the interim chief for the Palestine Police Department, after being promoted to May, 2017. 

He began his career as a police officer in 2004 after graduating the East Texas Police Academy and becoming employed with the Palestine Police Department. During his time as a Patrol Officer with the Palestine Police Department, Lt. Johnson, has received Chief’s Commendation's, served as an entry team operator on the Palestine Police Department's Tactical Team, became a Field Training Officer, attended the Regional Counterdrug Training Academy’s – Officer Safety, High Risk Operational Skill – Level’s I in Meridian, MS and promoted to the rank of Patrol Sergeant within his first three years of service.

After achieving the rank of Patrol Sergeant in 2008, Lt. Johnson has supervised morning, evening and night patrol shifts working both eight and twelve hour shifts. After five years of service with the Palestine Police Department, Lt. Johnson has achieved a Master Peace Officer License. He has successfully completed the Regional Counterdrug Training Academy’s – Officer Safety, High Risk Operational Skill - Level II and Level III. Lt. Johnson has achieved certification as an International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA) Peace Officer. After obtaining the IPMBA certification, Lt. Johnson has been serving as Supervisor for the developing Palestine Police Bike Patrol.

In 2011, Lt. Johnson earned a Basic TCLEOSE Instructor Certification and is currently serving as TASER and Defensive Tactics instructor for the Palestine Police Department. After earning a Basic SWAT certification, Lt. Johnson has furthered his knowledge of Special Weapons and Tactics by achieving certifications in Advanced SWAT and Hostage Rescue. In 2014, Lt. Johnson was voted by his peers as Supervisor of the Year.

Lt. Johnson was born and raised in Mississippi. After completing high school, Lt. Johnson achieved a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Mississippi State University located in Starkville, MS. After relocating to Texas in 1997, Lt. Johnson met and married his current wife of over sixteen years. While not at work Lt. Johnson enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He attempts to stay as active as time allows by hunting, fishing, shooting firearms, riding his mountain bike and Training at East Texas Krav Maga.

Gary Grimes serves as the Palestine Police Department in the Office of Professional Standards, investigating both internal and external complaints, as well as managing the department's best practices program, where he assists in the development of policy and procedure to meet the requirements of the program.

Gary has over 20 years law enforcement in municipal, county, and state jurisdictions, including work as a patrol officer through Police Chief, as well as Sheriff's Deputy, and Lt. Deputy Constable.

Gary has served the Palestine Police Department as a reserve officer since January 2010.

He holds both a Bachelor's of Science in Business - E-Business and Master's Degree of Business Administration.

Gary's certifications include TCOLE Master Peace Officer, TCOLE Licensed Instructor, Certified Forensic Interviewer (IAI), Certified Cyber Intelligence Professional & Social Media Intelligence Analyst (McAfee Institute). Gary is currently working toward completing all requirements for National Certification in Internal Affairs.

Donna Thornell has served as the Admin. Assistant to the Chief since September of 2004. She is responsible for clerical duties, including scheduling, budgetary assistance, and process of open records requests which come through the City Secretary's Office.