During the December 16, 2025 regular board meeting, the Southwest ISD Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Lieutenant Albert Alvarez as the district’s new Chief of Police.
Chief Alvarez brings 23 years of law enforcement experience, including more than 21 years in school-based policing. He has served Southwest ISD for several years, most recently as Administration and Operations Lieutenant, where he supported campus safety and helped oversee daily departmental operations across the district.
His career began in 1995 with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Division, where he served seven years as a correctional officer. He later continued his law enforcement service at Trinity University, the Olmos Park Police Department, and in school-based policing with both the San Antonio ISD Police Department and Southwest ISD.
Chief Alvarez holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Justice Administration from Wayland Baptist University. He is a certified Master Peace Officer and also holds certifications as a Mental Health Proficiency Officer, Police Instructor, and Field Training Officer. His experience and leadership position him well to lead the Southwest ISD Police Department.
Alvarez will assume the role following Chief Richard Palomo, whose final day with Southwest ISD will be January 9, 2026, after 10 years of dedicated service. We would like to thank Chief Palomo for his outstanding leadership and commitment to safety, which have made a lasting impact.