CLEAT Public Affairs

02/18/2026

02/18/2026

02/18/2026

🚨 IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CLEAT Pushes Back as DA Garza Advances Retrial 🚨
“...While thousands of criminals have gone free since Garza took office, law enforcement officers have been aggressively pursued even after juries and appellate courts have rejected the basis for which the charges were brought." CLEAT Executive Director Robert Leonard.

Full Release ➡️ https://www.cleat.org/cleat-pushes-back-as-da-garza-advances-retrial/

02/16/2026

I am so honored to announce that Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, CLEAT has endorsed our campaign for State Representative.

CLEAT is the largest law enforcement organization in the state of Texas, representing thousands of officers who put on the badge every single day to keep our families safe. Their endorsement means the world to me.

This joins the Amarillo Police Officers Association and Panhandle Sheriffs already standing with our campaign — because they know I'll back the blue in Austin, not just talk about it.

Safe communities are strong communities, and I won't let you down.

Early Voting starts Tomorrow. Election Day is March 3rd.

02/13/2026

Officer Mitchell Aaron Penton, #11654 – End of Watch: February 13, 2021

Officer Mitchell Penton was struck and killed by a vehicle operated by an intoxicated driver at about 1:45 am.

He was working at the scene of a vehicle collision in the northbound lanes of the North Central Expressway at Walnut Hill Lane when a vehicle driven by an intoxicated driver and traveling at a high rate of speed hit the back of his patrol car. The collision pushed the patrol car into Officer Penton.

Officer Penton was transported to Baylor University Medical Center when he died from his injuries.

Officer Penton had served with the Dallas Police Department for two years and was assigned to the Northeast Patrol Division. He is survived by his expectant wife and stepson.

02/13/2026

Early Voting starts Tuesday, and CLEAT PAC primary endorsements are up. Working with our local affiliates, we have vetted candidates and are happy to support those who support the members of Texas Law Enforcement!
➡️ bit.ly/cleat-votes

02/10/2026

A big THANK YOU to Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, CLEAT – the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas for sponsoring the Cowtown Cookoff & Music Festival benefiting Fort Worth Cops for Kids!

CLEAT’s continued support of Texas law enforcement and their families makes a real difference, and we’re proud to have them standing with us for this event. Their partnership helps ensure we can raise critical funds to support kids and families right here in our community.

We appreciate everything CLEAT does to advocate for officers across the state—and we’re grateful to have them on our team!

Thank you for helping make this event a success!

02/07/2026

Earlier this week, CLEAT Executive Director Robert Leonard and Deputy Executive Director Jennifer Szimanski presented Representative Penny Morales Shaw with a Best of the House award for her continued support of Texas Law Enforcement. Specifically, we would like to thank her for filing legislation supporting hundreds of Harris County Deputy Constables who sacrifice so much for the residents of Harris County. Thank you, Representative!

02/05/2026

🚨 IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CLEAT Condemns Trooper Indictment by Travis County DA 🚨
“How this documented gang member, felon in possession of a firearm, drug dealer was able to roam the streets of Austin is the question we should all be asking. Garza is a continued danger to the residents of Travis County as well as the law enforcement officers sworn to protect and uphold the law,” says Robert Leonard, CLEAT Executive Director.

Full Release Here ➡️ https://www.cleat.org/cleat-condemns-trooper-indictment-by-travis-county-da/