Michael Gerke

Chief Gerke joined the Odessa Police Department in 1997. During his career at the Odessa Police Department, Chief Gerke has been a Patrolman, and a Detective and has held various supervisory roles. At various times Chief Gerke was a member of the Odessa Police Department’s SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiations Team.
Chief Gerke has an Associate’s Degree from Odessa College, a Bachelor’s Degree from Midwestern State University and a Master’s Degree from Tarleton State University. He has also completed the Northwestern State University’s School of Police Staff and Command, the Federal Bureau Of Investigations Law Enforcement Executive Development Program, and the Police Executive Research Forums Senior Management in Policing program. Chief Gerke holds the Master Police Officer certification through the State of Texas and is a certified Law Enforcement Trainer. He serves on several community advisory and governing boards and is a past member of the Advisory Board of the Carruth Police Institute at the University of North Texas-Dallas. Chief Gerke if the Region 4 Director for the Texas Police Chiefs Association.
Chief Gerke is a 2023 recipient of The Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Presidential Award for the Odessa Police Departments work in overturning a wrongful conviction that occurred in the early 1980s.