OPENING
Ray Hunt called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, and then a prayer by Corey Wilson.
MEETING DEDICATION
Joe Gamaldi then read the meeting dedication for Officer Kevin Will who was killed in the line of Duty on May 24, 2011. Alisha Will and Kevin Will Jr. were in attendance for the dedication.
GUESTS:
Ray introduced the Humble National Technical Honor Society from Kingwood High School and allowed them to share information about their program, Books and Beard for Children. Ray told the membership there were teddy bears on stage and patrol officers were encouraged to take some and place them in the trunks of patrol vehicles to share with children on calls.
Captain Edwards spoke about the new North Belt Division, which was being created. Captain Edwards stated if anyone had question to contact him and he would provide additional information.
Ray then allowed the Citizens Police Academy to present the Lynn Clooney award. Sgt. Melissa Holbrook was presented the award.
PATROL OF THE MONTH
Ray then advised the membership that Officers Jordan and Ramirez from North East was this months Officer of the month and were presented the award Luis Mendez-Sierra.
INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Ray also advised the Membership that Detective Wesley Jones would be the investigator of the month, and Lt. Jessica Anderson would present the award.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Ray informed all in attendance that the treasurer’s report was on the tables and asked if there were any questions. Ray then advised the membership that if they had any questions to contact Tim Butler and he would assist them.
Reminders that the minutes are at HPOU.org
COMMUNICATIONS
Ray then provided a pension update and advised he believed the Pension Bill as presented to the membership would be passed. Ray also stated this Saturday at 9am they will meet at the Capital in House Chambers.
Ray spoke to the membership regarding the constitutional carry, Sanctuary city bills. Ray advised the HPOU was not in favor of either of these bills. Ray advised that both bills were not good for the Police.
Ray advised the membership that there is no mandate by the contract regarding the academy classes. Ray stated he has received many questions in regards to the Academy being closed because of the Pension bill. Ray sated there was no contractual mandate keeping the academy classes going.
Ray then advised the Membership that there were no questions for District Attorney Kim Ogg for this past month. Ray advised her office still has an open line of communication and quickly responds to any issues our officers have.
Ray told the Membership that Tim Whitaker has been appointed as the new TCOLE commissioner.
Ray advised the Membership that the IAD complainants for 2016 were the following:
Total complaints: 1085
Citizen Complaints: 257
Officer vs. Officer: 828
Ray reminded the Membership that if you have a body camera to TURN THEM ON.
Ray reminded Officers who pass the Physical Agility test who were hired prior to 03-30-2011 you get $800, and hired after that date get 40 hours of PD time.
Ray advised the membership there was an error in the Badge and Gun with the picture of Ronnie Cortez. Ray advised his brothers name was inadvertently used for the caption. Ray advised the error was corrected and the family was provided the corrected edition. Ray advised there are also corrected copies available at the HPOU front desk.
Ray advised that Back the Blue event at the Omni Galleria would hold a breakfast for all Officers on May 15th.
Ray advised the Membership that the next Cookout will be at NW on Wednesday May 24th noon till 11pm.
Ray then reminded the membership of the upcoming First Responder Fishing Tournament on May 31st. Ray also advised that if there are any questions to direct them to Tom Hayes.
Ray reminded the membership that the deductibles for insurance started all over May 1st.
Ray then advised the membership that the ATO would host a fundraiser at Under the Radar Brewery on May 6, 2017 where 10% of the proceeds would go to Assist the Officer.
REMINDERS
Ray reminded the membership to utilize the Doctors Council of Texas if there injured in the line of duty. Ray advised this would save a lot of headaches in the future dealing with workers compensation.
Ray spoke on the First Responder Peer Support and advised it is still being held on Monday and Thursdays.
Ray reminded to the membership that you can still fill prescriptions at the HEB, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Sam’s or Kelsey but NOT Target. Target and CVS have been removed from the approved locations to get medication filled.
Ray reminded the Officers at the meeting to get and use the new HPOU app for their smartphones, both Apple and Google. Ray stated that this is the quickest way for the HPOU to push out notifications to the membership.
Ray then reminded the membership if they were in the market for a home loan or refinancing to use Mickey Keys with Fairway mortgage. With every closed loan, Mickey makes a donation to the Assist the Officer Foundation.
Ray then advised the membership if they needed a Realtor to use Michael Bedner who advertises in the Badge and Gun.
Ray advised the membership that HOPA the Peer support group is live 832-200-3499 and that if any Officer was in need of assistance or knew of an Officer who needed help, to please call for assistance. Ray mentioned to the membership that there have been 3 suicides this year.
Ray advised the membership that there are guns for purchase from Tim Butler. Tim has AR-15s in stock, which will be sold at cost.
Ray then told the members to remember to KEEP YOUR FIELD NOTES! Ray advised we would address this in the legislature but for now officers need to keep them.
Ray Hunt reminded everyone to restrict his or her HCAD and voter registration information. Spouse may restrict voter information as well.
HPOU.org – Please update your address and/or email address at the HPOU office or by visiting www.HPOU.org (member tab).
Public Safety Financial Group (PSFG) –Thinking of retiring go see PSFG for a free financial analysis. The analysis is valued at approximately $500 and there is no obligation to join PSFG. Contact PSFG at 832-200-3440 for an appointment.
URGENT CARE vs. ER – Ray advised the membership to use urgent care centers instead of emergency rooms. Urgent care facilities are $65 compared to the ER visit of $400. Because the city is self-insured, the ER visits increase the costs to the COH.
Ray Hunt reminded everyone to wear seat belts at all times and to watch your speed.
Sobering Center – Ray asked all members to support and utilize the sobering center. Utilizing the sobering center helps the city and is an easy process for officers. Most officers are unsure of the location so encourage officers to look up the area before having to transport a person to the facility.
Facebook/Twitter – Ray Hunt asked members to invite officers to “like” the HPOU Facebook page. Additionally, HPOU is now on Twitter at @hpoutx. The HPOU is working to increase communications to members.
The next meeting will be on June 1, 2017.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
None
NEW MEMBERS
All of class 230 and Erasmo Garcia from NW. Tom Hayes made the motion to accept the new members and Doug Griffith made the second. The motioned carried.
DOOR PRIZES
Ray Hunt announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Will Reiser made a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Colton Peverall seconds the motion. The motion passed by a majority of membership
Minutes prepared by: Will Reiser Secretary
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