Administration

Chief Keith Traylor started his career in Law Enforcement in January 1983. Chief Traylor worked for the El Campo Police Department for nearly three years before he went to work at the Lake Jackson Police Department in December 1985. During his tenure with the Lake Jackson Police Department, he was assigned as a Patrol Officer, Narcotics Investigator, where he worked undercover for two years, Patrol Sergeant and eventually Patrol Lieutenant. Chief Traylor is a graduate of the Law Enforcement Management Institute (Modules 1-4), Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy (Session 231) as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation Command College. In April 2013 Chief Traylor retired from the Lake Jackson Police Department to start his new chapter as the Chief of Police for the Manvel Police Department.

Assistant Chief Rick Alvarado brings over 18 years of dedicated law enforcement experience to the Manvel Police Department, including 15 years in supervisory roles and 7 years specializing in Criminal Investigations. In his role as Assistant Chief, he oversees daily operations across multiple divisions, supervises major case management, leads special tactical operations, and supports strategic planning for departmental growth and community safety initiatives. He also serves as the Deputy Incident Commander for the city's Emergency Operations Center (EOC), coordinating critical emergency response efforts.

Throughout his career, Assistant Chief Alvarado has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership development, operational excellence, and officer training. His extensive background includes commanding Criminal Investigations Divisions, managing Special Weapons and Tactics Teams (SWAT), serving as a Range Master and Firearms Instructor, former Police Academy Instructor, Field Training Supervisor, Patrol Supervisor, and instructing active shooter response through ALERRT. He has successfully led high-risk tactical operations in collaboration with local, state, and federal partners.

A graduate of the FBI LEEDA Trilogy program, the FBI Command College, and the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT) Command Staff Leadership Series, Assistant Chief Alvarado places strong emphasis on professional development, accountability, and service excellence. He holds certifications as a Master Peace Officer, TCOLE Basic Instructor, Firearms Instructor, ALERRT Instructor, SWAT Instructor, Wellness and Fitness Instructor, and Taser Instructor.

Assistant Chief Alvarado's dedication to law enforcement has been recognized with honors including Supervisor of the Year and the Life-Saving Award. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association (TTPOA), National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA), and FBI-LEEDA.

Outside of his professional duties, Assistant Chief Alvarado remains committed to his community through youth sports involvement and public safety outreach programs.

Michelle Vela has worked for the City of Manvel since July of 2009.  Michelle started with the Police Department as a Communications Operator and promoted to Communications Supervisor in December of 2014.  Michelle was assigned Administrative Assistant/ Officer Manager in October of 2018.    As Administrative Assistant, Michelle is responsible for assisting in the day-to-day administrative operations of the Police Department inclusive of records management, public information requests, criminal offense case file management, information systems, and state and federal compliance coordination.

Michelle currently holds a Master Proficiency Certificate from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) as a Telecommunicator as well as various other training and certifications in communications and emergency management.

Michelle is a graduate of Alvin Independent School District and has always lived within the immediate area of northern Brazoria County.  Michelle is a member of the St. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters of America and Alvin Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. In her spare time, Michelle spends her time volunteering with different programs and spending time with family. 

Michelle previously served as the Chair of the Alvin Police Department Civil Service Commission and as a Citizen Board Member on the Alvin Fire Department Pension Board. She is a proud mother of four and grandmother of two.