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 Detective Ed Jones who was killed in the Line of Duty on September 13,1935.
GUESTS
HPD Houston Heat-Check presentation
Darrel Kuykendahl-Back the Blue Event
PATROL OF THE MONTH / INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
None.
Detective Jeremy Medina from the Major Offenders 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 updated the membership on fire fighter pay parity. There will be 289 layoffs and 400 demotions, a court mediation will be held today at 3:00pm. There will be no layoffs for the Houston Police Department.
Joe informed the membership on the Alfred Brown case, Joe stated Kim Ogg is obsessed with naming Alfred Brown innocent, despite several top prosecutors in the DA’s Office not agreeing with her.
Joe informed the membership to let him know if they continue to have issues with DA’s and Judges. Joe informed the membership that the DA and Judges are pursuing a Cite and Release program for certain Class A and B misdemeanors.
Joe informed the membership that Officer Daily continues to recover and is now walking. Joe encouraged donations for Officer Daily to go to Assisttheofficer.com.
Joe updated the membership on the Texas Legislature session. Joe urged members to read the e-mails sent out by the HPOU summarizing the weekly sessions.
Joe informed the membership that he contacted the Sheriff when he heard Officers were having issues at the JPC, Joe stated the Sheriff quickly addressed the issues. Joe informed the membership to let him know if they encounter any problems.
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 urged the membership to reach out to their peers if they see they are struggling. Suicide awareness is important. Joe reminded the membership that HOPA, the peer support group, is live at 832-200-3499.
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 we are still on track to add 5 fiscal classes for next year. Each class is expected to be full of 65 cadets.
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 he has gotten approval from the Chief to push No Shave November to two months. Joe will be pushing for beards to be approved permanently
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. Joe asked the membership to email him if they are interested in participating.
Joe informed the membership that the inservice attire has been sorted it out. Officers will be allowed to wear plain colored t-shirts or department shirts.
Joe informed the membership that he would like to stop sponsoring alcohol events. Joe would rather invest in activities that promote wellness within the membership, such as: family activities, youth activities, exercise activities.
Joe informed the membership that the Police Memorial Reception will be held at the HPOU on May 10th at 5pm. Joe urged the membership to come out and show their support.
Joe informed the membership that there is a Blood Drive being held on the 4th floor today from 9:00am-1:30pm.
Joe informed the membership that the Scholarship Breakfast was a huge success. There were 88 recipients in attendance, and over $45,000 given in scholarships. Joe thanked Rhonda, Joe, Don, Frances, Joey, Rosalinda, Ken, and Lisa.
Joe informed the membership that Officers who work club ejs will be assigned a body camera.
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 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 Thursday, May 23rd at the Central 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 June 6, 2019.
NEW MEMBERS
None.
DOOR PRIZES
Joe Gamaldi announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Doug Griffith made a motion to adjourn the meeting, David Riggs seconds the motion. Motion passed by a majority of membership.
Minutes prepared by: Norma Lazo