OPENING
Joe Gamaldi called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Rev. Corey Wilson led the prayer.
DEDICATION
Ken Nealy read the meeting dedication for Officer Robert Wayne Lee who was killed in the Line of Duty on January 31, 1971.
GUESTS
Group 1 auto Mike Sullivan/Phillip Southwick GM Advantage BMW Midtown. Astros Foundation, World Series trophy, Zach Becker book signing, Jack Amuny-designer of Astro’s Retro jersey, Sara Santiago- Doctor’s council.
PATROL OF THE MONTH / INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Officer Eric Cabrera from the Clear Lake Crime Suppression Team was presented as Officer of the month.
Detective Kris Persad from the Major Assaults Division was presented as Investigator of the month.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Joe informed the membership that the treasurer’s reports were on the tables.
Joe reminded the membership that meeting minutes are available on HPOU.org.
COMMUNICATIONS
Joe informed the membership that there will be a final product of the contract by the end of this month. The HPOU will explain the information on the contract and how to vote.
Joe updated the membership on the fire fighter pay parity bill; pay parity would cost approximately $98 million dollars a year and over $300 million dollars the first three years. Joe urged the membership to get involved and spread information by sharing the HPOU’s Facebook and Twitter posts. Joe showed the membership the commercial that will be airing on television. For more information visit AgainstPropB.com.
Joe reminded the membership that the Boxing Battle of Badges will be at the Humble Civic Center on Friday September 14, 2018 at 06:00pm.
Joe stated that John Barnes, the retired HPD Officer shot in the Santa Fe High School shooting, informed him that he was saved by another Officer who placed a tourniquet on him. Joe reminded the membership how important it is to carry a tourniquet on their gun belt.
Joe informed the membership that class 239 is at full capacity with 75 cadets, 375 cadets have been authorized for the year. Joe reminded the membership to help recruit for upcoming academy classes. Joe stated that the HPOU will be setting up a recruiting incentive by entering names of police trainee mentors into a drawing, one winner will be selected per academy class and will win $2,000 dollars. Anyone interested in joining HPD can text JOINHPD797979 to receive recruiting information.
Joe informed the membership that there are upcoming Union Elections for 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, and even numbered positions. The sign up will begin on September 3, 2018 and will close on October 4, 2018. The elections will run from October 5, 2018 to October 19, 2018.
Joe informed the membership that the body camera committee has passed a new body camera update. Officers will now press the body camera button twice to turn it off, this feature will help Officers ensure their camera is on.
Joe addressed badge issues for the last time. Joe stated he contacted Chief Acevedo and was informed that the Chief misspoke and will not be purchasing new badges for the department.
Joe informed the membership that due to the recent hostility towards law enforcement the front doors of the Union will be locked. Members can register their police id at the front desk to gain access.
Joe reminded the membership that if they would like to join the FOP to fill out forms located at the front desk or third floor.
Joe reminded the membership to immediately advise him if a story needs the narrative to be positively controlled. Joe referenced the recent Northbelt incident that made national news.
Joe advised the membership to help share information by following him on Twitter (@JoeGamaldi) or following and retweeting the HPOU (@HPOUTX).
Joe reminded the membership that city emails are considered open records. Be cautious with the information and content you share on city emails.
Joe informed the membership that the Sherriff’s Department is having difficulties entering misdemeanor warrants in a timely manner. If an Officer has an important misdemeanor warrant they need entered they can call 713-274-5045.
Joe informed the membership that the District Attorney’s Office wants Officers to give them information on violent criminals at the front end of the case so that they can make an impact.
Joe informed the membership that the Family Picnic will be on Saturday November 3, 2018 at the Oil Ranch from 10:00am-03:00pm.
Joe informed the membership that the Subway First Responder appreciation lunch will be held on Wednesday September 12 at the HPOU from 10:00am-until they run out.
Joe informed the membership that the 911 Heroes Run will be at City Hall on Saturday September 8, 2018 at 08:00am.
Joe informed the membership that HPD breast cancer awareness hats will be available on September 9th, they have been approved for wear with uniforms. All proceeds will go towards the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Joe reminded the membership that Coptober Fest, an ATO fundraiser, will be held at the Union Hall on Saturday October 6, 2018 from 11:00am-07:00pm.
Joe reminded Officers to take the physical agility test. If passed, Officers who were hired prior to 03-30-2011 receive $800 dollars and those hired after that date receive 40 PD hours. The fiscal year will end on June 30, 2018.
Joe advised the membership that the monthly cookout is canceled pending contract negotiations.
Joe reminded the membership to please wear their vests.
Joe informed the membership that if they need a personal injury attorney to contact Williams/Khirker law firm.
Joe advised the membership that if they need a will done to contact Fulton Broemer who will make you one for free.
REMINDERS
Joe reminded the membership to download the HPOU application which is now available through Google play and the Apple store.
Joe advised the membership that HOPA the peer support group is live at 832-200-3499.
Joe advised officers that if they know of anyone who needs assistance to please encourage them to contact HOPA.
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.
The next meeting will be on October 4, 2018.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
NEW MEMBERS
None.
DOOR PRIZES
Joe Gamaldi announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Doug Griffith made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Tom Hayes seconds the motion. Motion passed by a majority of membership.
Minutes prepared by: Norma Lazo, Assistant Secretary
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