Speculations have been rife in the Fort Davis community regarding the role of park police officer Jacob Barton, who is affiliated with Texas Parks and Wildlife and provides security for both Davis Mountains State Park and Balmorhea State Park.
For some time now, local residents have believed that Barton, despite being a state park officer, was requested by Jeff Davis County Sheriff Bill Kitts to patrol and handle traffic outside the park premises. It’s noteworthy that while state park police officers are empowered with detention and arrest capabilities throughout Texas, it’s not common for them to patrol or manage traffic outside their designated park areas.
Barton’s frequent patrols outside the parks have led to several complaints and stirred controversy within the community. Seeking clarity on this issue, the Big Bend Times inquired directly with Sheriff Bill Kitts. He confirmed that neither Jacob Barton nor any Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officer or employee has ever been asked to assist with patrols or traffic management outside of their park duties in Jeff Davis County.
