Public Safety

Fire-Rescue Services

The Fire Department is responsible for providing emergency services designed to protect the lives and property of the community from the adverse effects of fire, sudden medical emergencies or exposure to dangerous conditions created either by man or nature.

For more information on Fire-Rescue services, please call 903-677-6636 or email Fire@athenstx.gov

Police Services

The primary objective of the Athens Police Department is to provide the most competent and professional law enforcement service possible to the citizens of Athens.  The department is structured into five divisions: Administration, Criminal Investigations, Patrol, Support Services, and Animal Control (referenced below). 

For more information, contact the Police Department at 903-675-5454 or email police@athenstx.gov.

Municipal Court

The Municipal Court processes violations of City Ordinances resulting from citizen complaints, traffic citations and misdemeanor arrests.  The Court maintains accurate permanent records of all citations and payments thereof, administers fair and competent hearings and trials, and provides a forum for justice to ensure that all citizens served by the Court are treated fairly and equally.


Driver Safety Course Information

Requirements for Driving Safety Course:

  • Must not be past the appearance date on your citation
  • Must present a valid Texas Driver’s License
  • Must present proof of current Liability Insurance with you as a listed driver
  • Must plead Guilty or No Contest
  • Must pay an administrative fee (court cost) in full

You must not have successfully completed a state-approved driving safety course within 12 months immediately preceding the date of the alleged offense and are not in the process of taking a driving course for dismissal of another citation.

The following offenses do not qualify for defensive driving:

  • Speeding 25 miles (or more) over the posted limit
  • Passing a school bus
  • Moving violations within a posted construction zone while workers are present
  • Operating a commercial motor vehicle while committing a serious traffic violation
  • Leaving the scene of an accident
  • You have a commercial driver's license (even if you were operating your personal vehicle)

Do NOT sign up for a driving safety course until you have appeared at the Athens Municipal Court and completed the necessary paperwork, paid the required state fees and received permission from the Court to take the driving safety course.

If you fail to comply with the terms of the Driving Safety Course requirements, you will be required to appear for a Show Cause Hearing. Failure to appear for this hearing will result in a conviction of the offense on your driving record, additional fees will be added and a warrant for your arrest will be issued.

For more information, contact the Municipal Court at 903-675-8910.

Animal Control

Animal Control maintains a safe and secure city by providing a healthy environment for human and animal residents living in Athens.  Our field services include relocating loose or stray animals, addressing animal cruelty and neglect, dead animal removal, and public education.

For more information, contact the Police Department at 903-675-5454 or email police@athenstx.gov.