A Texas police department that faced severe backlash for arresting a mother who criticized the town's tainted drinking water has been ordered by the state to disband.
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The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement ruled that the department provided no "benefit to the community" and sent Trinidad Mayor Dennis Haws a letter on Sept. 9 revoking the city's license to operate its own police department.
According to a KETK report, the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement determined that the department "failed to meet minimum standards."
Texas Shuts Down Police Department After Controversial Arrest
The since-disbanded department was harshly criticized online for arresting Jennifer Combs, a mother of four, who raised awareness about the town's poor drinking water quality.
Combs said she did not intend to become a symbol of freedom of speech. Instead, she wanted to inform her fellow Trinidad, Texas residents of the risks they faced.
Some residents had complained about discoloration, sediment, odors and health concerns. Motivated to fix the issue, Combs used her Southern Belle Watch Facebook page to collect reports and send them to the state.
Combs was stunned when police arrived at her home with an arrest warrant days later.
"I've never even had a speeding ticket," Combs said. "I'm a mom of four kids. I have one grandbaby right now. I have two more grandbabies on the way."
Combs says she was charged with a felony false report tied to public panic over the water system. "I was just in disbelief, in absolute disbelief," she said.
She spent roughly 23 hours in Navarro County Jail, according to Fox News.
Police also arrested a supporter of Combs, citizen journalist Winston Noles, for misdemeanor disorderly conduct after he displayed a "f-k bad cops" sign outside city hall, FOX 4 reported.
In addition to the controversial arrest of Combs, an investigation revealed the police department faced several other issues.
An Aug. 5 investigation concluded that the department was "unable to provide evidence that the agency provides public benefit to the community." Furthermore, the department lacked 18 required policies. This included policies on use of force, vehicle pursuit, professional conduct and active shooters, the commission said.
