Lucas now has its own police department. After roughly two decades of patrols by the Collin County Sheriff's Office, the Lucas Police Department officially began operations on October 1, 2026, led by veteran chief Doug Kowalski. For a large-lot town that grew quickly, it is a turning point in how residents are served.
What changed on October 1?
According to the City of Lucas, the new department held an open house and "First Watch" on September 30, 2026 at its headquarters at 665 Country Club Road. Residents could meet officers, tour the facility, see the new patrol vehicles and watch the unveiling of the department's sign. Officers then began their first shift, and the department officially launched the next day.
The move had been in planning for more than a year. In a September 2025 Spectrum News report, Mayor Dusty Kuykendall said the Collin County Sheriff's Office had patrolled Lucas for about 20 years and that once a city reaches a certain size, it benefits from its own community-focused department. He said then that he hoped it would be running by fall 2026, and the city met that target.
Who leads the new department?
In February 2026, the city named Doug Kowalski as Director of Public Safety, with the intent that he become Lucas's first police chief. The city's announcement lists nearly five decades in law enforcement, including the New York City Police Department, the Dallas Police Department, where he rose to deputy chief, and chief roles in McKinney and most recently Prosper. He joined Lucas in March 2026, presented the department's milestones to council in late February and met residents at a town hall at the Lovejoy High School auditorium in April.
Why did Lucas build its own department now?
Lucas has changed a great deal. Spectrum News reported that the town's population grew 16 percent in 2024 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and the mayor described a shift over 10 to 12 years from a quiet bedroom community with large lots into a fast-growing town that is now almost fully built out. A Collin College law enforcement official noted in the same report that many Collin County agencies are hiring to keep pace with new residents.
A local department typically brings a few practical changes for residents:
- Officers assigned only to Lucas streets rather than shared across a county patrol area.
- Policies and priorities shaped partly by resident input, which the city said it would seek.
- A dedicated headquarters and fleet based in town.
- A chief who reports to Lucas leadership and answers directly to the community.
What else is happening on Lucas roads?
The police launch arrives during an active season of road work. Based on City of Lucas notices from 2026:
- West Lucas Road widening: Construction and excavation were tentatively set to begin October 26, 2026, with closure and detour updates to follow.
- Forest Grove Road culvert: Replacement was rescheduled to begin October 29, with repaving on October 30.
- Five-year street plan: The city is in Year 1 of a five-year street maintenance strategy focused on backlogged repairs, established at its 2025 streets workshop.
- Completed or recent projects earlier in 2026 included Orr Road reconstruction, Lewis Lane work in two phases and seal coating on East Winningkoff Road, Wendy Lane and McMillen Road.
Next door, TxDOT's FM 2551 realignment in Parker affects traffic at the Lucas edge. The City of Parker reported in October 2026 that the project was about half complete, with one segment shifting onto new pavement in early 2027 and substantial completion expected in spring 2028.
What about water?
Water service notices are a regular part of life in Lucas, with crews repairing lines and hydrants across neighborhoods throughout the year. In August 2026, the city asked residents to follow their watering schedule and check irrigation for leaks during hot, dry weather. In February, the council held a public hearing on water and wastewater rates covering March 2026 through September 2029.
What does this mean for buyers and sellers in Lucas?
Lucas buyers are usually drawn by acreage, privacy and Lovejoy ISD. Our agents at The Agency Dallas who work Lucas and the surrounding Collin County towns see the new department as part of a broader picture:
- Local identity. A town with its own police force, roads plan and civic events tends to feel more self-contained, which appeals to buyers who want a small-town setting near Allen, McKinney and Plano.
- Construction timing. Showings along West Lucas Road and near FM 2551 may need extra drive time for the next year or more.
- Questions to ask. Buyers should confirm whether a property is on city water or a private well, its irrigation setup and how construction might affect access.
Lucas was also named a 2026 Gold Star Affiliate by Keep Texas Beautiful, the group's highest honor for local partners, recognizing cleanups, beautification and tree planting by Keep Lucas Beautiful. Small details like that add up in how a town presents itself.
For acreage and estate properties across the region, The Agency Dallas keeps a land and ranch page and neighborhood guides that are good places to start.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Lucas Police Department start?
The Lucas Police Department officially began operations on October 1, 2026. The city hosted an open house and "First Watch" the day before at the department's headquarters at 665 Country Club Road, where residents met officers, toured the facility and saw the new patrol vehicles before officers began their first shift.
Who is the Lucas police chief?
Doug Kowalski leads the department. The city named him Director of Public Safety in February 2026, intending him to become the first police chief. His career includes the NYPD, the Dallas Police Department, where he was a deputy chief, and chief roles in McKinney and Prosper. He joined Lucas in March 2026.
Who patrolled Lucas before?
The Collin County Sheriff's Office patrolled Lucas for about 20 years, according to Mayor Dusty Kuykendall in a 2025 Spectrum News interview. As the town grew, city leaders decided a dedicated local department would better serve residents. The new department now handles patrol within city limits.
When does the West Lucas Road widening begin?
The City of Lucas said construction and excavation for the West Lucas Road widening were tentatively set to begin on October 26, 2026, subject to conditions. The city planned to share schedules, traffic impacts and any closures or detours as work progresses, so residents should watch city notices or sign up for alerts.
Sources
- City of Lucas: Lucas Police Department Open House and First Watch (September 24, 2026)
- City of Lucas: City of Lucas Names Doug Kowalski to Lead New Police Department (February 4, 2026)
- City of Lucas: Director of Public Safety
- Spectrum News 1: Boom town, Collin County's Lucas (September 4, 2025)
- City of Lucas: West Lucas Road Widening Project, Construction Update (October 21, 2026)
- City of Lucas: Road Improvement Plan Workshop Presentation (May 11, 2026)
- City of Lucas: News Flash archive
- City of Parker: FM 2551 Town Hall
