LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Seth Herman has spent most of his life taking part in making sure the public is safe.
He spent nearly three decades as a member of the Midland Police Department, which helped him grow as a person in meaningful ways.
“From 1995 until I came here in 2024, I moved up through the ranks there,” Herman said. “It kind of raised me as a young pup cop and I got to see a lot of things and do a lot of things and cut my teeth as a law enforcement officer.
In June 2024, Herman made the jump to Lubbock to become its new police chief. He admits he was nervous making the transition, but couldn’t have been happier to start serving the Lubbock community.
“I liken it to being dropped off at college and your parents just say ‘hey, see you at Christmas’ and they leave,” Herman said. “It was exciting, i will say it was very exciting. It’s probably one of the best career moves I’ve ever made.”
Herman says he didn’t want to change much of what LPD was already doing at the time because he believed the men and women on the ground ensuring the safety of Lubbock residents were strong as it is.
In year one, it was about laying the groundwork for future success, while year two of Herman’s tenure focused on strengthening relationships and working hard to build a safer community.
“That’s bringing the members of the department together and getting those ideas and knowing what’s happening on the streets and letting them run with moving towards lowering that crime rate through the criminal element,” Herman said.
The work has paid off in significant ways for Lubbock. 2025 saw a nearly 20% decrease in violent crimes and operations such as ‘Hub City Shield’ have only looked to further protect residents.
As for his future goals, Herman wants to add more officers as the city continues to grow and wants to continue meaningful collaborations that will benefit this community, one that he feels is his home now more than ever.
“It’s an honor, it truly is an honor,” Herman said. “I don’t think there’s been an interview I’ve conducted or been a part of or a civic event or any kind of presentation where I can’t not say how great the community has been at least from my perspective, again how great the people are.”
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