Governor appoints Midland County Sheriff David Criner to law enforcement regulatory agency

Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed Midland County Sheriff David Criner, pictured, to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement for a term ending in 2031. | Photo: Facebook/Midland County Sheriff's Office
By Midland Times

The Midland County government announced Friday that County Sheriff David Criner has been appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to serve on the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

The appointment places Criner on the regulatory agency responsible for establishing and enforcing standards for law enforcement officers in Texas. The county said, “Sheriff Criner’s leadership, experience, and deep commitment to our community make him an outstanding choice for this important role,” according to a Facebook post.

Criner was appointed alongside Jason Griffin and Dr. Rita Watkins, with all terms set to expire August 30, 2031, according to a press release from the Office of the Texas Governor.

With at least 40 years of law enforcement experience, Criner has led the Midland County Sheriff’s Office since 2020. His résumé includes work with MCSO and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Criner graduated from the University of Texas Permian Basin with a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice. He has been married to his wife, Judy, for more than 40 years, according to Midland County.

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement oversees licensing and training requirements for peace officers across the state.