Starbase Establishes Unique Law Enforcement Agreement with Cameron County
Cameron County Deputies to Serve as Main Law Enforcement for Starbase
In a significant development for the recently incorporated city of Starbase, located adjacent to SpaceX’s extensive rocket launch facility in South Texas, Cameron County sheriff’s deputies will now serve as the city’s primary law enforcement agency. This transition comes less than a year after Starbase residents voted for incorporation, indicating a strategic move to bolster public safety without the immediate need to establish a full police department.
Formal Agreements Finalized
In September, Starbase officials and Cameron County representatives finalized two crucial interlocal agreements, which took effect this week. The first agreement stipulates that Cameron County will allocate eight deputies to support law enforcement responsibilities in Starbase, although only two deputies will be on patrol during any particular shift. This arrangement aims to provide a consistent law enforcement presence tailored to the small population of Starbase.
Jail Services and Operational Costs
The second agreement focuses on jail services, enabling the county to manage all incarcerations that occur within Starbase limits. Starbase will compensate the county at a rate of $100 per inmate per day, along with additional reimbursements for medical and psychiatric services as needed. This collaborative approach allows the city to swiftly implement a functional criminal justice system without constructing one from the ground up, a strategy not uncommon among small or newly formed municipalities in Texas.
A Unique City Structure
Unlike typical towns, Starbase’s population is minimal, with many residents employed by SpaceX. The city’s incorporation materialized after SpaceX acquired various properties in Boca Chica Village, extending its launch and manufacturing operations in the area. The agreements highlight the unconventional relationship between Starbase and Cameron County, emphasizing that law enforcement responsibilities sit with the county rather than the city’s locally elected officials.
Provisions for Special Events
Additionally, the agreements include provisions for enhanced security during special events—most notably rocket launches, which attract significant crowds to Boca Chica. By allowing for additional law enforcement support during these occasions, Starbase acknowledges its unique status as a “company town” centered around SpaceX’s ambitious rocket program and its public demonstrations.
Law Enforcement Oversight and Community Relations
As outlined in the agreements, the management of police records, including body camera footage, will remain with Cameron County. This means that any concerns from Starbase residents regarding local policing will need to be addressed directly with county authorities, reinforcing the community’s relationship with the county’s law enforcement rather than an independent police force.
In summary, as Starbase continues to evolve around its primary mission of advancing space exploration technology, its law enforcement structure reflects a pragmatic solution suited to its unique status as a burgeoning company town in the heart of South Texas.
