OPENING
Joe Gamaldi called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. Joe asked the membership to keep the Dhaliwal family in their prayers. Bishop Corey Wilson led the prayer.
DEDICATION
Ken Nealy read the meeting dedication for Detective Victor Ray Wells III who was killed in the Line of Duty on October 2, 1980.
GUESTS
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Former HPD Officer Rodney Hill, former Harris County Judge Maria Jackson who is running for Harris County Commissioner Precinct 1, candidate for HISD School Board Matt Barnes, Houston City Council Member Greg Travis, Domestic Violence Awareness, Officer Shane Privette and U.S. Marshal Gary Blankenship issues proclamation to make October 3rd Officer Taylor Roccaforte Day in the U.S. Marshall South Region.
PATROL OFFICER OF THE MONTH / INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
Investigator of the Month: Detective Dana Wilkerson-Wyche of B&T read by Lt. Johnny Gonzalez.
Patrol Officers of the Month: Officers Estrada and Villarreal of Clear Lake Division read by Commander May, Officer Taylor Roccaforte of South Central, Officer Vince Zaunbracker, and Officer John Guerra of Narcotics.
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 5,300 officers.
Joe informed the membership on the meeting with the DOJ in DC on DA issues.
Joe updated the membership of the status of the Officer Shane Privette case.
Joe updated the membership on HPOPS elections. George Guerrero wins 59% to 41%.
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. Keep Joe informed on gun charges.
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. No new updates.
Joe updated the membership on the HPOU elections. Election will be October 7, 2019 at 1200 hours through October 21, 2019 at 1200 hours. Joe read the ballot to the membership.
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 informed the membership on their court attendance. Ensure your phone numbers are updated and show up.
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 that cross fit REVOKE will have a fundraiser “Rock-A-WOOD for Roccaforte” for Officer Taylor Roccaforte.
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 there will be a benefit at the HPOU for Officer Ruby Roman who has stage 4 lung cancer that has spread. The benefit will be on November 22, 2019 from 1100-1400 hours.
Joe informed the membership of the Finance 101 class on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 from 1130-1300 hours and 1600-1730 hours.
Joe informed the membership the HPOU Family Picnic will be on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at the Oil Ranch.
Joe informed the membership that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Caps are available for $7 and are approved for wearing during this month.
Joe advised the membership the next upcoming ATO events.
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, October 24, 2019 at Midwest.
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.
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, November 7, 2019.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW MEMBERS
William McBride. Motion by David Vasquez. Second by Doug Griffith. Motion carries.
DOOR PRIZES
Joe announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Steve Turner made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ken Nealy seconds the motion. Motion passed by a majority of membership.
Minutes prepared by: Rhonda Wilson