Melissa, Texas — Public school district police departments do not qualify as authorized law enforcement agencies to receive reports or investigate suspected child abuse or neglect under state law, according to a formal legal opinion issued by the state's chief legal officer. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton released formal legal opinion KP-0528, addressing statutory reporting requirements across the state.
The guidance addresses Chapter 261 of the Texas Family Code, which establishes requirements for reporting and investigating suspected child mistreatment. Under state law, any individual with reasonable cause to believe a child's welfare has been adversely affected must immediately report the matter. In 2025, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 571, amending state law to specifically define qualifying law enforcement agencies as municipal police departments, county sheriffs, county constables, or the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Because school district police departments are not included in that statutory definition, the opinion concludes they do not qualify as appropriate agencies to receive initial reports or conduct primary investigations under those provisions. Paxton noted that school district police officers still maintain legal obligations to report suspected mistreatment, cooperate in outside inquiries, and assist designated law enforcement authorities.
"Any reasonable belief that a child is being abused or neglected must be taken seriously and reported to the correct law enforcement agency, as required by Texas law." — Attorney General Ken Paxton
