OPENING
Joe Gamaldi called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Reverend Vincent Johnson led the prayer.
DEDICATION
Ken Nealy read the meeting dedication for Sergeant Bruno Soboleski who was killed in the Line of Duty on April 12, 1991.
GUESTS
John Daily with HCPAA with a plaque presentation. John Daily addressed the membership and thank them for their support.
Sergeant Williamson with ATO with a check presentation to Officer Young.
PATROL OFFICER OF THE MONTH / INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Investigator of the Month: None
Patrol Officers of the Month:
Officers Selle, Maldonado and Smith were presented as Patrol Officers 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 of the status of Officer Shane Privette case. HPOU stands with Officer Privette. “We Are Shane”
Joe updated the membership on HPOPS elections. Hassig, Jennings and Guerrero are running.
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 75 cadets.
Joe updated the membership on our relationship with the HCDAO and Harris County Judges. Keep providing Joe with incidents of cases. Keep working on them accepting charges. Keep the pressure on them. We are still developing a database of activity.
Joe updated the membership on the Prop B lawsuit. HFD has made an appeal to the 14th court of appeals. We will go to mediation again today. This does not change our victory.
Joe updated the membership on the HPOU elections. Sign up September 3, 2019 at 0800 hours through October 4, 2019 to 1000 hours. Election will be October 7, 2019 at 1200 hours through October 21, 2019 at 1200 hours.
Joe updated the membership on social media postings. Be careful what you post. Read it 3 times and think about it before posting it.
Joe informed the membership on current health assessment requirements. Must have a physical by January 31, 2020 and health assessment must be done by March 13, 2020. Insurance will now accept our PAT test will cover 80% of the requirements.
Joe reminded the membership that the FOP Conference in New Orleans on August 11-16, 2019. If any members want to go, you can get a free one-night trip.
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 advised the membership of the department’s new Peer Support Unit for military, Peer Support, PACA, etc. Their phone number is 713-308-1279.
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 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 he has gotten approval from the Chief to push No Shave November to two months in November and December. Joe advised the membership that beards have been approved permanently.
Joe reminded the membership on new female grooming standards. New standard is females hair may not exceed 4 inches below the collar rather than 3 inches. Females are now permitted to have braids on top of head.
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 the new date for the Police Memorial Ceremony will be Friday, October 18, 2019 at 1800 hours.
Joe informed the membership of the next family fun activity will be rock climbing, Thursday, August 8, 2019 at Inspire Rock Climbing in Cypress, Texas.
Joe informed the membership that the Back the Blue Concert Event was a big success and raised over $20,000 for ATO.
Joe advised the membership of upcoming ATO events including the Poker Tournament on August 8, 2019 and the Gold Tournament on September 13, 2019.
Joe informed the membership of the Gary Gryder Memorial Softball Tournament will be held August 15-16, 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 reminded the membership that a 4% raise will be given in the first full pay period of July. Today!
Joe advised the membership that as of July 1st, 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 of the removal of the shuttle run test. Now open for sign up.
Joe informed the membership that the monthly cookout will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2019, Downtown.
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 September 5, 2019.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW MEMBERS
Jonathan Parker (rehire) and Benjamin Ho. Motion by Joe Gamaldi. Second by Jason Countryman. Motion carries.
DOOR PRIZES
Joe announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Tom Hayes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Travis Williamson seconds the motion. Motion passed by a majority of membership.
Minutes prepared by: Rhonda Wilson