OPENING
Joe Gamaldi called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Rev. Corey Wilson led the prayer.
DEDICATION
Christian Dorton read the meeting dedication for Officer Louis Kuba who was killed in the Line of Duty on May 17, 1967.
GUESTS
To Huynh-MD Anderson
Steve Benavides- VFW
Officer Guzman
PATROL OF THE MONTH / INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Officer Tim Goemans from the Traffic Enforcement Division was presented as Officer of the month.
Detective Yoon from the Special Victims Unit 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 updated the membership on the Narcotics Officers who were involved in the shooting. Joe stated that 3 of the Officers are out of the hospital and 2 remain hospitalized.
Joe updated the membership on Officer Daily; Officer Daily has started rehabilitation. Joe encouraged donations for all injured officers at Assisttheofficer.com.
Joe informed the membership that the department is expected to roll out an education-based discipline. An officer who is facing 5 or less days of suspension will be allowed to choose education-based discipline. If the discipline is completed, the suspension will be erased from the Officer’s record.
Joe addressed the membership about the recent epidemic of Officers drinking and driving. Joe reminded the membership that the Chief has a zero-tolerance policy for Officers who are caught drinking and driving and that there are several alternatives to avoid drinking and driving.
Joe updated the membership on the fire fighter pay parity bill. Joe informed the membership that the HPOU has filed a lawsuit against the Mayor, City, and the Houston Fire Union.
Joe announced that Marco Lopez has resigned because he is promoting to Sergeant and per Union constitution, he can no longer be Secretary. Dan Levine will be the new Secretary.
Joe informed the membership that the department had 2 million citizen contacts last year, and only 18 shootings. Out of the 2 million citizen contacts, the department received 273 complaints from citizens, 834 internal complaints, and 20 complaints that were cleared without an investigation due to body camera video footage.
Joe informed the membership that he and Doug went to Huntsville and were present when Robert Jennings was executed.
Joe informed the membership about online id protection; the goal is to protect members’ private information from being accessible on the internet. The service would be $3 dollars a month, per member.
Joe informed the membership that the department will be adding 120 officers over attrition this 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 stated that hiring requirements have changed, laterals only need 3 years to join now instead of 5.
Joe informed the membership that the Badge and Gun can now be found online.
Joe informed the membership that Officers who work club ejs will be assigned a body camera.
Joe informed the membership that the HPD boxing team will be hosting an event on Friday March 23, 2019.
Joe informed the membership that the Special Olympics Run will be on Saturday March 9, 2019.
Joe reminded the membership that it is important to follow the HPOU on social media sites. There is power in numbers, and by retweeting/sharing HPOU posts we can control the narrative. Joe stated there are several instances where he has been able to turn a negative story about an Officer into a positive one through social media posts. Joe informed the membership to quickly advise him about controversial news stories.
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 they only have 30 days to add a new baby to their insurance policy. If the paperwork is not submitted within 30 days, you must wait until open enrollment. Joe asked the membership to remind new parents about this policy.
Joe informed the membership that the tactical village will be completed in December of 2019.
Joe informed the membership that the Union building will be on lockdown due to safety concerns. Officers will be required to scan into the building.
Joe informed the membership that the ATO Heroes Gala will be on March 30, 2019. Tickets are available online @ ATO.com.
Joe reminded the membership that a 4% raise will be given in the first full pay period of July.
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. Starting July 2019, the PAT will be available for $1,000 dollars until the budget runs out, and the agility test will be discontinued.
Joe informed the membership that there will be no monthly cookout this month.
Joe informed the membership that qualifications will now be on duty.
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 March 7, 2019.
NEW MEMBERS
Class of 238.
DOOR PRIZES
Joe Gamaldi announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Luis Menendez made a motion to adjourn the meeting, David Vasquez seconds the motion. Motion passed by a majority of membership.
Minutes prepared by: Norma Lazo, Assistant Secretary