Starbase: A City Without Its Own Police, But Not Without Law Enforcement
Starbase, Texas – the city built by and for SpaceX – is navigating a unique approach to public safety.Despite recent incorporation, this burgeoning municipality isn’t establishing a customary police department. Instead, it’s forging a partnership with Cameron County for law enforcement services.
For months, Cameron County Sheriff’s deputies have already been a visible presence around SpaceX’s Starbase facility. Now, formal agreements are in place, effectively making thes deputies Starbase’s police force and utilizing Cameron County jails for anyone arrested within city limits.
How the Agreements Work
Two key interlocal deals, approved in September, outline this arrangement:
* Dedicated Deputies: Cameron County will assign eight deputies to Starbase, with two actively patrolling the city during each shift.
* Jail Services: Starbase will pay $100 per day per inmate housed in Cameron County jails, plus cover any additional costs like medical or psychiatric care.
This approach allows Starbase to establish a criminal justice system rapidly, bypassing the lengthy and expensive process of building one from the ground up. It’s a common solution for smaller or newly formed Texas towns lacking the resources for a standalone police department.
Why Starbase is Different
However, Starbase isn’t your typical town. Its small population largely consists of SpaceX employees.the city’s formation itself was heavily influenced by SpaceX’s expansion and property acquisitions in Boca Chica Village.
This unique context shapes the law enforcement contract beyond routine patrols. Starbase can request – and pay for – increased security during “special events,” primarily rocket launches. These launches draw thousands of spectators, requiring a significant security presence in the small coastal community.
A Company Town with County Oversight
This provision for event security underscores a crucial point: Starbase functions as a company town,singularly focused on the success of Starship. While the city has its own elected officials – a mayor and commissioners – public safety remains under Cameron County’s jurisdiction.
Importantly, body camera footage and police records will be retained by the county. This means any concerns regarding local policing will need to be addressed directly with Cameron County authorities.
For now, SpaceX has successfully built a city tailored to its needs. However, the authority to enforce the law still rests with the county, creating a engaging dynamic in this rapidly evolving Texas town. You can expect this model to be closely watched as other spaceports and large-scale developments emerge.
