Brenham Police Department Completes Investigation

As part of its ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and keeping the community informed, the Brenham Police Department is providing an update on its use of automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology and the actions taken following a routine audit that identified potential misuse by an officer.

The department has used ALPR technology through Vigilant, a Motorola Solutions system, for several years. This technology has served as a valuable investigative tool, helping officers solve property crimes, violent offenses, and other criminal cases. Department policy has consistently required that ALPR searches be conducted only for legitimate law enforcement purposes.

To balance effective law enforcement tools with responsible oversight, the department recently strengthened its ALPR policy by adding safeguards and accountability measures. These improvements include enhanced documentation requirements, specific restrictions on certain searches, updated retention periods for routine data, annual public reporting, and mandatory quarterly audits to identify potential misuse.

During an audit conducted under the updated policy, a department employee identified unusual search activity involving an officer that raised concerns about possible policy violations. The employee promptly reported the findings through the chain of command to Chief of Police Gary Boshears.

Upon receiving this information, the department immediately placed the officer on administrative leave and revoked access to all department information systems. Chief Boshears also initiated an internal affairs investigation and directed a comprehensive review of all ALPR searches the department conducted during the previous year.

The internal affairs investigation concluded on October 14, 2026. After reviewing the findings, Chief Boshears determined that the officer had committed multiple violations of department policy. The officer, Gabriel Duran, remained on administrative leave throughout the investigation and was terminated from employment with the City of Brenham on October 16, 2026.

To ensure an independent examination of potential criminal conduct, the department also asked the Texas Rangers to conduct a separate criminal investigation into the officer's actions.

Chief of Police Gary Boshears stated, “This incident underscores why meaningful oversight matters. Our audit identified suspected misuse, our team promptly reported concerns, and we took immediate action to investigate and hold the officer accountable. The safeguards we put in place worked as intended by bringing this conduct to light and ensuring it was addressed.” Chief Boshears continued, “That does not lessen the seriousness of what occurred. Misusing law enforcement information systems is unacceptable and violates the trust our community places in us. As chief, I take that responsibility seriously. Our community deserves effective policing, responsible technology use, and accountability when our standards are violated. We must earn the public’s trust through our actions, including how we respond when a member of our own department fails to meet those standards.”

For questions, please contact Chief Boshears at 979-337-7337.