Office of the Chief

male police chief standing in front of police cruiser

Mike Young

Chief of Police


Mike Young currently has over 38 years of experience in law enforcement, with an additional four years’ of experience in enlisted service with the United States Air Force. He began his career with the North Richland Hills Police Department in 1985 and was promoted to Sergeant in 1997. Early in 1999, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and, later in the same year, was promoted to Captain. In 2013 he was promoted to Assistant Chief over the Operations Bureau of the department. Since becoming a part of the executive team of the North Richland Police Department, he has served as the leader of every division and bureau of the agency. These areas include patrol, traffic, SWAT, criminal investigations, internal affairs, training, hiring, range master, dispatch communications, jail, records management, logistics, fleet, budget, and evidence preservation. He holds a Master Peace Officer’s License with the State of Texas. Mike Young is a graduate of the 206th Session of the FBI National Academy, the Advanced Management College at the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration, and the 38th Session of the PERF Senior Management Institute for Police. Mike Young holds a Bachelor of Arts and Science Degree from the University of North Texas and a Master’s Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Arlington. In 1989 he received the Medal of Honor, the department’s highest award. 

Police Administration

Staffing in police administration is comprised of the chief of police, two assistant chiefs of police, one lieutenant, and four civilian personnel. Responsibilities include professional standards, planning and research, budget management, personnel administration, media relations, and social media communications. The department's two bureaus, Operations and Management Services, are each commanded by an assistant chief.

The Office of the Chief is charged with the preparation, allocation, and management of the department’s operating budget as well as personnel and payroll administration. In the department’s planning, research, and policy development, new technologies in policing are investigated and recommended. A new way of connecting and communicating directly with the public is the utilization of social networking sites. Through social media outlets, the department can interact with a large and diverse audience.

Professional Standards ensures the accreditation standards set by the Texas Law Enforcement Best Practices Recognition Program are upheld. Internal control and compliance issues are addressed by investigating allegations of misconduct by department employees.