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 Richard Calhoun who was killed in the Line of Duty on October 10, 1975.
GUESTS
BeFit Gym Fundraiser
Candice Lovings
Geoff Gainer-GPOA
Curtis/Rodney Hill Council
PATROL OF THE MONTH / INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Officer Roland Rosas from the Southeast Patrol Division was presented as Officer of the month.
Detective Miguel Guerra 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 informed the membership that Officer Daily is fighting hard and continues to recover. Joe encouraged donations for Officer Daily to go to Assisttheofficer.com. Joe reminded the membership that there will be a benefit for Officer Daily and Officer Reid at the HPOU on March 15.
Joe updated the membership on Officer Irwin who was struck by a vehicle a few days ago. Officer Irwin is expected to be released from the hospital soon.
Joe informed the membership that education-based discipline has been placed on hold.
Joe updated the membership on the fire fighter pay parity; the hearing is scheduled for April 18th.
Joe updated the membership on the Texas Legislature session. Joe stated that if passed, there would soon be a bill that would forgive up to $20,000 of student debt amongst new police applicants.
Joe informed the membership that Norma Lazo has been appointed as Director 20 of the Union Board.
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 although violent crime has decreased nationwide, the rate of Officers being killed by gunfire has increased.
Joe informed the membership that Kim Ogg has named Alfred Brown innocent.
Joe reminded the membership about online id protection; the goal is to protect members’ private information from being accessible on the internet. Online protection is available to members free of charge.
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 Union has started a PR campaign with BARC. Officers will now take pictures with animals up for adoption on Tuesdays. All spots for April are open.
Joe informed the membership that Officers who work club ejs will be assigned a body camera.
Joe informed the membership that there will be another Financial Seminar for members on March 26, 2019 from 11:30-12:30pm and 4:00-5:00, food will be provided.
Joe informed the membership that the Special Olympics Run will be on Saturday March 9, 2019.
Joe informed the membership that the Benefits Fair will be on March 20, 2019 at the HPOU from 08:00am-08:00pm. Stop by to learn about your health benefits.
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 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. Once the budget runs out, members will get PT days: 5 days for Officers and 4 days for supervisors. The agility test is no longer necessary.
Joe informed the membership that the monthly cookout will be held on March 21 at the Westside station.
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 April 4, 2019.
NEW MEMBERS
Maria Ibarra. Luis Menendez made a motion to add the new member, Marc Gomez seconds the motion.
DOOR PRIZES
Joe Gamaldi announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Norma Lazo made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Doug Griffith seconds the motion. Motion passed by a majority of membership.
Minutes prepared by: Norma Lazo