Longtime Galveston police officer Doug Balli will serve as the department’s next police chief, pending a vote from City Council.

City of Galveston, Texas - Government

Longtime Galveston police officer Doug Balli will serve as the department’s next police chief, pending a vote from City Council.
City Manager Brian Maxwell on Friday announced that Doug Balli had been selected as the next department chief after a search and interview process.
Balli had been serving as the interim police chief after the previous chief, Vernon Hale, stepped down in October.
“Doug Balli is my choice for Galveston Police Chief,” Maxwell said.
“Doug is a longtime Galveston PD Officer that I have known for most of my adult life.
Doug is a man of the utmost integrity and shares my love and passion for this island and its residents. I look forward to working with him.
Doug will be officially named chief at March council meeting. For purposes of Civil Service, the chief must have ratification by council.”
Balli has been with the Galveston Police Department for more than 26 years and has served in several capacities and leadership positions within the department including sergeant, lieutenant and assistant police chief.
He prides himself on continuing interaction with officers while maintaining open lines of communication for public access to exchange information on concerns and actions.
Chief Balli has worked in every department within the organization, including his duty as Commander in the Office of Professional Standards.
Among his many career recognitions received for performance, he was named Officer of the Year by the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas.
As police chief, Balli will lead the department of more than 140 employees.
He will serve as a liaison between the department and city council, as well as working closely with the City Manager’s Office and residents.
Balli was born in Galveston and lives on the island.
​He is married and has three adult sons.