Matthew Luckhurst officially took on the role of Police Chief in Benavides, Texas, starting June 1. This small town is situated about 150 miles south of San Antonio, a vibrant city known for its rich culture and history.
Luckhurst’s promotion was confirmed during a city council meeting on April 30, where he was approved for the position and set to earn $28 an hour, as noted in official council records.
Prior to becoming the Police Chief, Luckhurst had been with the Benavides Police Department since April 2023. However, his career in law enforcement has been marked by controversy.
In 2016, Luckhurst faced criticism when a report revealed he had boasted to a fellow officer about a disturbing incident involving a homeless man. He claimed to have placed feces in a slice of bread and left it near the individual, an action that raised serious ethical concerns.
Before his tenure in Benavides, Luckhurst served for five years with the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD), during which he was assigned to downtown bike patrol. However, he was fired from SAPD due to the aforementioned incident.
In 2022, Luckhurst returned to policing in Floresville but faced backlash from the community. Mayor Cissy Gonzalez-Dippel reported that the city received numerous emails expressing concern over his hiring. Following this public outcry, Luckhurst was let go from the Floresville Police Department on December 13, 2022.
In response to the situation, the Floresville city manager, Andy Joslin, announced the implementation of stricter hiring policies for city employees, alongside efforts to enhance the department’s Reserve program in collaboration with Chief Herrera.
Luckhurst’s journey reflects the complexities and challenges faced in law enforcement, highlighting the importance of ethical conduct and community trust in policing. As he steps into his new role, many will be watching to see how he navigates these challenges in Benavides.
