Theron L. Bowman is a Fort Worth, Texas native. He spent his childhood in East Fort Worth and graduated from O.D.WyattHigh School in 1976. He attended the University of Texas at Arlington where he obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Biology in 1983, a Master's Degree in Public Administration in 1991, and a Ph.D. in Urban and Public Administration in 1997. Bowman is also a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police, the FBINationalAcademy, and the FBI National Executive Institute. He and his wife Denise have three children. They co-own and operate a popular Fort Worth restaurant.
Theron Bowman began his law enforcement career with the Arlington Police Department on May 25, 1983. He became a Field Training Corporal in 1985, was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1988, and for two years worked as a Personnel and Recruiting Supervisor and a Patrol Sector Supervisor. In 1990, Bowman was appointed to command the newly created Community Affairs Division. In 1992, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant where he served as a Patrol Watch Commander until his appointment to Deputy Police Chief in 1993.
In 1996, Theron Bowman’s innovative policing strategies and progressive management style were exercised in earnest when he became the historic first commander of the new East Arlington Station, a location that included uniformed patrol, investigative, and support functions. In 1997, he was promoted to Assistant Police Chief, becoming the second in command of a workforce of more than 600 employees. His command included East, West, and North Patrol; Investigations; and Operations Support Divisions.
Since 1990, he has served on the faculty at three local universities, teaching Sociology, Criminology, and Criminal Justice classes. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, American Society of Public Administrators, Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Rotary International, and a host of other organizations. He is a Deacon in his affiliated church, serves on numerous community advisory boards, and has several publications and professional reports to his credit.
Chief Theron Bowman has previously been recognized by the African American Peace Officer Association of Arlington as the "Officer of the Year." He has received a Proclamation of Achievement from the Texas State Senate, and from the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1998, he was recognized by UTA as a “University Scholar.” On March 8, 1999, Theron Bowman assumed the duties of Police Chief in Arlington, Texas. In 2003, The John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership Institute presented Chief Bowman with the Outstanding Local Leader Award. In 2004, the Police Executive Research Forum presented Chief Bowman with the Gary P. Hayes Award. The University of Texas at Arlington recognized Chief Bowman as a Distinguished Alumni in 2006. Chief Bowman was appointed to chair the Texas Intelligence Council in 2005, and began his service as a CALEA Commissioner in 2006.
