Aldine Police Department Celebrates 35 Year of Growth, Excellence, and Community Partnership

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Laughter filled the room as the smooth sounds of the classic Tony! Toni! Toné! song “Anniversary” played in the background, setting a celebratory tone rooted in reflection, gratitude, and a vision for the future. The Aldine ISD Police Department celebrated its 35th anniversary with officers, both past and present, mentors, district leaders, and community partners gathered to honor the progress the department has made since its founding in 1991.

What began as a modest operation 35 years ago, has evolved into a premier law enforcement agency serving one of the largest school districts in the region. The event highlighted not only the department’s growth, but the partnerships and shared commitment that made that transformation possible.

“This isn’t just a celebration of time,” Aldine ISD Police Chief Paul Cordova said. “It’s a celebration of progress.”

Cordova described the department’s early years as a “patrol security model,” where officers functioned more as watchmen — checking perimeters, locking gates, and responding to calls as needed.

“It was good, necessary work — but the scope was limited,” Cordova said.

Over time, district leaders and law enforcement officials recognized that the Aldine community deserved more. That realization sparked a shift that would redefine the department’s mission and capabilities. What followed was a steady transformation into a modern, professional police force tailored to meet the evolving needs of students, staff, and the broader community.

Today, the Aldine ISD Police Department stands equipped with advanced tools and specialized resources, including a robust drone program that provides real-time intelligence to officers in the field. The department’s growth has not only been measured in size, but also in sophistication, training, and its commitment to community engagement.

Sergeant Jeffery McGowen, who began his law enforcement career in 1992 and joined Aldine ISD in 2021, said the department’s future is built on a strong foundation already in place.

“Our Superintendent, Dr. LaTonya Goffney, and the school board set the foundation to where the department is a 21st-century law enforcement agency,” McGowen said. “Thanks to them, we have the tools that we need to do our job, and we are not going backwards — we’re moving forward. The 35 years of success mean this is a proven product. We’re growing, and we’re doing the work the community needs to make our community safe.”

That growth has also strengthened the department’s connection to the community it serves. Through intentional outreach, like the annual APD Trunk or Treat event, and daily interactions, officers have built trust and relationships that extend far beyond campus safety.

For Cordova, the anniversary was personal. Having lived and worked in Aldine for most of his adult life, he has witnessed firsthand the department’s impact on the community.

“We aren’t just celebrating a 35th anniversary,” Cordova said. “We are celebrating a transformation.”

He noted that the department’s success is the result of collective efforts — from district leadership to ground officers — all striving toward a shared goal.

“This is the return on your investment,” Cordova said. “A safer district, a professional force, and an environment where education can truly thrive. To the men and women of the Aldine ISD Police Department: You are the ones who made this progress possible. You did the work. You engaged in the training. You built the bridges.”

As the celebration came to a closing, the message was clear: although the past 35 years have been characterized by growth and change, the future holds even greater promise.

“Here is to the last 35 years of growth,” Cordova said, “and to a future where we continue to meet — and help set — the standard for school policing.”