OPENING
Joe Gamaldi called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Bishop Corey Wilson led the prayer.
DEDICATION
Ken Nealy read the meeting dedication for Officer Johnny Bamsch who was killed in the Line of Duty on January 30, 1975.
GUESTS
Wesley Hunt – Running for Congressional District 7 to unseat Lizzie Fletcher.
Houston City Council Member Greg Travis
Mike Sullivan – Lone Star College Board Member
PATROL OFFICER OF THE MONTH / INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Investigator of the Month: Detective Jose Garza with the Special Victims Adult Sex Crimes
Patrol Officers of the Month: Officer Nathaniel Alvarado of Central Patrol
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 departmental manpower. When we started the recruiting push we were at 5,100 officers. We are now at 5,265 officers.
Joe discussed the Gerald Goines case.
Joe updated the membership of the status of the Officer Shane Privette case.
Joe updated the membership on HPOPS elections. There will be a run-off between Tom Jennings and George Guerrero.
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. There was no change as a result of last mediation.
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 updated the membership on the FOP Conference in New Orleans. Next one will be in Las Vegas in 2020. Joe informed the membership that he was elected as VP of the National FOP and thanked everyone for their support.
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 reminded the membership on new female grooming standards. New standard is female 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 1600 hours.
Joe informed the membership there will be a benefit for the Perales family on October 25, 2019. The Perales’ are two sergeants and their 5 year old son has been diagnosed with leukemia.
Joe informed the membership the last family fun activity of rock climbing was a success. Thank you to Debbie LaHaie.
Joe informed the membership the HPOU Family Picnic will be on November 9, 2019 at the Oil Ranch.
Joe informed the membership there is a Blood Drive today at HPOU on the 4th floor from 0900-1330 hours.
Joe advised the membership the next upcoming ATO event is the Gold Tournament on September 13, 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 a 3% raise will be given in the first full pay period of July.
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, September 19, 2019 at North Belt.
Joe informed the membership that qualifications will now be on duty.
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.
Joe informed the membership the Greater Houston Area Law Enforcement Blue Mass will be Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 1700 hours at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy at Fannin St.
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 Thursday, October 3, 2019.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW MEMBERS
All of academy class 241 and 242, Kevin Nguyen, Timothy Snell and Rudy Olivo. Motion to accept by Ray Hunt. Second by Bubba Caldwell. Motion carries.
DOOR PRIZES
Joe announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Mark Gomez made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Brian Moreland seconds the motion. Motion passed by a majority of membership.
Minutes prepared by: Rhonda Wilson