HPD Officer Injured in Fatal Traffic Accident at 7600 South Braeswood

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September 2, 2010

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HPD Mounted Patrol to Assist Star of Hope

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HPD Officers to Help Kids in Need of Back to School Supplies

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Two Wounded HPD Officers to Receive Special Honors

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Combined Sex Offender Registration Unit

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HPD Holds Promotion Ceremony Friday

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Fundrasier HPD officer's daughter injured in an Alaskan plane crash.

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Please mark your calendars to attend the HPOU Education Fair on Tuesday!!!!!

Date: Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Where: 1600 State Street . Houston, Texas 77007

Location – Union Hall

Who: For HPD Officers and Families

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New Mounted Patrol Officers to Receive Specialized Pins

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Read the Story in the Houston Chronicle (Click Here)

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Per the HPOU constitution, a special assessment of dues will be collected from the June 18th paycheck for the beneficiaries of Officer Mani who was killed in the line of duty.  The entire assessment will be delivered to the family of Officer Mani.

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Kroger's Neighbor to Neighbor Donation Program

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State of Texas Honors HPD Officers

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Appreciation Bar-B-Que
Appreciation Barbecue for Mama Cue fom her all support

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A Houston police officer has died after he crashed his patrol car

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National Police Week Awards Ceremony at the Landry’s Downtown Aquarium

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Memorial Service to honor those Houston Police Officers who have given
their lives in the line of duty.

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Captain Moore has requested that any officer who would like to vote on a NEW UNIFORM option, please go by Uniform Supply and look at the options and VOTE. 

You can vote today, 4/29/10, from 0600-1700 and also on Monday 5/3/10, from 0600-1700 at Uniform Supply.

UPDATE:

In order to accommodate night shift officers voting times will be extended by 1 hour.  New times are a follows:

Today 4/29/10   0500-1700
Monday 5/3/10  0500-1700

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 (Thursday, April 15), the Houston Citizens' Police

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The lieutenant representatives on the bargaining team surveyed their rank to determine if lieutenants wanted to remain exempt or become non-exempt.  Only 68 voted and the results were 32 votes to remain exempt and 36 to become non-exempt.  This survey was only conducted as guidance for the team.  If any of you want to provide additional input, please contact Lt. Joe Barrera.

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Acting Chiel McClelland Hosts Promotion and Induction Ceremony

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The May General Membership Meeting will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 6, 2010.  All members are welcome to attend and lunch will be served.

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Memorial Expeditions Honoring Fallen Law Enforcement Officers

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America's Most Wanted 2009 All Star AwardThank you for voting for Rick Salter to receive the America's Most Wanted 2010 Allstar Award.  Rick was named the Finalist for Week 4 based on last weeks voting. 

You can see for yourself at AMW.com/allstar/2010 ..

Voting for Rick is now suspended, but beginning in mid-April we will make a final push to make Rick the National Winner.  Please stay tuned and get your email lists organized to get everyone on board to vote for Rick at that time.

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HPOU Scholarship Application and Instructions

Instructions                        Application

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Political Action Committee 2010 Primary Endorsement Contested Races

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<Click Here for Houston Chronicle Article>

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Houston Police Officers' Union Dues for the year of were as follows:2009

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Board Member Credit Card Abuse

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NAPO MEETS WITH WHITE HOUSE AND DHS

TO DISCUSS IMMIGRATION REFORM

On January 8, 2010 , NAPO met at the White House with staff from the Office of the President, the Office of the Vice President and the Office of the Secretary of Homeland Security to discuss our concerns with current immigration policy and our suggestions on how to reform those policies.  NAPO discussed the importance of securing the border, the need for federal support of state and local law enforcement along our nation’s borders, and the necessity of information and intelligence sharing between federal, state and local law enforcement. 

Specifically, NAPO recommended additional training on federal immigration laws for state and local law enforcement, as well as the Department of Homeland Security providing more resources to educate law enforcement on immigration policies and procedures.  NAPO also suggested that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reach out to agencies and communities and make them aware of its presence and services.  Improving the relationship between ICE and state and local law enforcement agencies is vital to protecting our communities from criminal aliens.  Communication and cooperation are essential and NAPO firmly believes that the 287(g) program plays a major role in improving the relationship.   NAPO advocated for the 287(g) program and we voiced our support for expanding the program in order to augment the ICE’s limited resources.

This meeting was a continuation of the conversation between NAPO and the administration about immigration reform.  The next step is working with Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) on an immigration reform bill to be introduced this year.  NAPO continues to push for stronger immigration enforcement policies as the administration and lawmakers move forward with immigration reform.

If you have any questions about the meeting or NAPO ’s stances on immigration issues, please contact the NAPO office at (703) 549-0775 .

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Councilman Mike Sullivan giving blood at the HPOU blood drive on Monday, December 21st.  Note that he always supports police and HPOU functions, including being a regular at every HPOU blood drive. 

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2009 Board Election Results

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The Cooper's Quest foundation is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization that raises funds to help disabled children of Texas fire fighters, police officers, and EMS employees. They assist children with a range of problems including disabilities, genetic disorders, undiagnosed disorders or terminal illnesses.

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The HPOU has located numerous incorrect pay rates and some officers were told by payroll incorrect dates when their base pay should begin. 

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HPOU Board voting is in progress and is only available online at https://eballot.votenet.com/hpou/login.cfm or by clicking the box at the top of this page.  Voting can be done 24 hours a day and began at noon on October 5, 2009.  VOTING ENDS AT NOON ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2009.  Please spread the word to vote!

REMEMBER, THERE WILL BE NO MAILOUT BALLOTS.  YOU CAN ONLY VOTE ONLINE!

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2009 HPOU Board Elections Sample Ballot

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The Houston Police Officers' Union Political Action Committee Announces Endorsements

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"Our friends at the CWA are hosting this and asked that the HPOU post it for interested members."

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Benefit Bike Ride to Benfit the Pasadena Police Assist The CPAAA

        Entry Application    and   Benefit Information

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The General Membership Meeting next month will be Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 11am in the newly renovated Breckenridge Porter Building (1602 State Street). All members are welcome to attend and lunch will be served.

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The HPOU/TPT will be giving free Flu shots Tuesday September 29 from 2-4 pm.
There will be approximately 100 shots available on a first come first served basis.

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Pursuant to Article IV, Section 7-Filing as Candidate of Office of the Constitution, the following list contains certified candidates for open board positions. Members who wish to sign-up for any of these open positions may do so at the Union Administration office, Third floor during the days and times in the timeline listed below. NOTE: Election Bios need to be in by the General Membership meeting in October and they need to be in a Word Document and emailed to elections@hpou.org.  Pictures need to be in jpeg or .jpg format as .gif or .tif formats will not work.

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Since the beginning of this year, we have visited with numerous members of our organization, as well as people in various segments of our community, regarding the type of leader we should endorse to be the candidate of working police officers in our city.

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Monday, August 24, 2009       Kim Devlin, 516-510-3001
HOUSTON POLICE OFFICERS ENDORSE LOCKE FOR MAYOR

"Help Houston police officers help you by joining us to support Gene Locke"

 Houston, TX - The Houston Police Officers' Union (HPOU) today announced their endorsement for Gene Locke for mayor of Houston and his 7-Point Plan to Keep Houston Safe.

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The HPOU is proud to announce that we have hired a webmaster.  He is Jim Ashby, a retired HPD officer and the current webmaster for the retired officers.  Jim has just begun to take over the site and will be making great changes in the future.   Let us know what you think and any changes you would like to see. 

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The September General Membership Meeting will be held at 11am on Thursday, September 3rd.  We were hoping that the renovations would be complete and the meeting could be held in the totally renovated Breckenridge Porter Building (1602 State Street), but looks like we will be on the 4th floor again at 1600 State Street.  All members are welcome to attend and lunch will be served.  Hope to see you all there.

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The COPSTOP is selling tickets for a Barrett 95 .50 BMG firearm.  There will only be 250 tickets sold at $50 each.  Drawing will take place when all tickets are sold.  The Cop Stop is located at 6831 Broadway St., Suite F, in Pearland, Texas.  Their phone number is 281 412 7358.  Contact them if interested.

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The HPOU building at 1602 State Street is still under renovation, but the August General Membership Meeting will be held Thursday, August 6th, at 11am on the 4th floor of the HPOU building at 1600 State Street.  We will serve box lunches from Chick-Fil-A.  All members are welcome to attend.  Hope you can make it.

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Thirty year veteran Officer Gilbert Reyes passed away on July 17th.  He spent over 20 years in SWAT and was last assigned to Narcotics.  He is survived by his wife and 4 children, 1 who is currently in the Houston Police Academy.  Please keep the entire Reyes family in your prayers.

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The HPOU PAC interviewed Peter Brown, Annise Parker, and Gene Locke on Wednesday, July 15th for a possible endorsement for Mayor of Houston.  All three candidates stated that they were pro police and pledged to assist officers if elected.  We will continue to complete some research on the candidates before making a recommendation to the board for an endorsement.  Hopefully we will be able to make such an endorsement in August.  It was clear that all three candidates see the importance of the HPOU endorsement.  Gene Locke stated that such was "critical" to his campaign.  Thanks to all who contribute to PAC and have helped the HPOU become a key player in the political arena. 

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As Gary announced at the June meeting, there will be no July Membership Meeting.  As in years past, the HPOU Board has decided to cancel the July Membership Meeting because it falls the day before a long holiday weekend.  Further, the meeting hall is currently undergoing major renovations that should be completed by the September meeting.  We will later announce details for the August Meeting.  Also as a reminder, the HPOU will be closed on Friday, July 3rd for the city holiday.  The answering service will have contact with attorneys and board members in the event of a call out or emergency. 

We hope you and yours have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July weekend!

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Your check on June 19, 2009 includes an assessment for Tim Abernethy.  We are now caught up on assessments after 3 this year.  The first for Officer Deleon, the second for Officer Gryder, and now Officer Abernethy.  The assessments appear as "HPOU-Unsched. Assess" on your check.  The families of these officers truly appreciate this financial assistance provided by your Union.

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Sgt Ed Gonzales won his runoff race on Saturday, June 13th, and will join Houston City Council immediately to fulfill the term of Adrian Garcia, who won the Sheriff position in November.  Ed was endorsed by the HPOU, is a member of the HPOU,  and a regular contributor to PAC.  He will have to run again in November, but will have the advantage of being the incumbent.  The HPOU congratulates Ed and looks forward to working with him on Council.

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The HPOU addressed Cadet Class 203 on June 10, 2009 and among other things, discussed the importance of our Political Action Committee  (PAC.)  We were pleased that 58 cadets signed up for PAC and committed to monthly contributions.  These new members, as well as any other member who signs up for PAC, will have their names posted in the Badge and Gun.  The HPOU has become a powerful player in the political arena and PAC is a major reason for this.  Thanks to all who contribute. 

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A 2% pay raise in base pay is scheduled for the last pay check in June.  This is consistent with the Meet and Confer Contract that calls for a 2% pay raise in June '09 and 2% in June '10.  As such, HPOU dues will increase slightly since dues are 1% of an eight year officer's pay.  Current dues are $45.08 and will increase to $45.89 per month.

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The massive renovation of the Breckenridge Porter Building (1602 State Street) has begun.  The Board approved the costs associated with the renovation, and construction is estimated to last until September.  We think the members will be pleased with the changes and best of all, we have the cash to pay for the renovation.  Plan to attend the September meeting and see the improvements.

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We received several calls from concerned officers after they heard that President Obama had lowered the funds for officers killed in the line of duty.  We immediately contacted NAPO and obtained the facts.  The amount budgeted in the fund was reduced from $110 million to $60 million, but NO BENEFITS ARE GOING DOWN.  The law provides for $315,746 to the survivors and this is not changing.  The former amount budgeted exceeded the required amount.  If the required amount exceeds the fund, Congress will have to appropriate additional money to comply with the law.

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May 4, 2009

Harold R. Hurtt, Chief of Police
Houston Police Department
1200 Travis, 16th Floor
Houston, Texas 77002

Re: Meet and Confer Agreement, Article 40, Parking

Chief Hurtt: 

I am writing you regarding the parking problems faced by employees of the Houston Police Department.  These problems center around a lack of adequate parking space for employees working at the 1200 Travis and 61 Riesner locations.  The Meet and Confer Agreement states “(E)ach officer will be provided free parking at a City owned or leased parking facility when reporting to work at his/her primary duty assignment”.   I have received a number of complaints that officers are unable to locate available parking space and must drive around for some time before being able to park. If an officer parks in a remote lot, then the officer must rely on the shuttle to reach his or her workplace.  Both situations waste a number of man hours. 

After hearing these complaints I checked out the situation first hand and found that the complaints are well founded.  It appears there is inadequate parking at the 1200 Travis duty assignment, the 61 Riesner duty assignment and at remote lots.  This lack of parking is resulting in wasted man hours for the reasons described above.  I look forward to visiting with you about this problem so we may jointly construct an efficient and workable solution for the employees of the Houston Police Department.

       Very truly yours,

       Gary Blankinship
       President

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Per the HPOU constitution, there was a special assessment of $45.08 on one February check and one April check, and there will be one on a June check for the survivors of officers killed in the line of duty.  The February assessment was for Officer Deleon, whose death was finally ruled in December 2008 as a gang initiation and thus line of duty.  The April assessment was for Officer Gary Gryder, who was killed when he was struck by a car while performing the duties of a police officer.  The June assessment will be for Officer Timothy Abernethy, who was shot and killed on a traffic stop.  100% of the assessment goes to the survivors of the Officers.  These families truly appreciate the assistance provided by your Union.

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Officer Rick Salter remains in critical condition following a gun shot wound to the face and neck.  He remains in a medical induced coma at Ben Taub Hospital.  Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

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Informational Notice:

Join TASER International CEO Rick Smith for a LIVE webcast announcing the future of secured digital evidence collection and management for law enforcement and correc tions. Visit www.evidence.com/announcement on TUESDAY, March 10, at 9 a.m. PDT (Noon EDT, 11 a.m. CDT) to hear about TASER International's revolutionary new integrated platform featuring EVIDENCE.com and the AXON on-officer tactical computer.

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It's income tax time again and several members have contacted the HPOU requesting the amount of money paid for union dues during 2008.  As stated in the constitution, dues are 1% of an 8 year patrolman's pay.  The total paid for dues in 2008 is $536.16 per member.  The HPOU appreciates your dedication to our Union.

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Three HPD officers accused of beating the father of an NFL player were cleared by Internal Affairs last week after evidence proved inconsistencies in the statements given by the complainant.  The HPOU was confident from day one that the officers had not beaten and forced cocaine down the complainant's throat as he alledged.  HPOU President Gary Blankinship made it clear that persons falsely accusing HPD officers will be held accountable in this case and any future cases.  Unfortunately, these officers had to endure over a month of stress while these bogus claims were investigated.

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During this holiday season, please keep the families of Officer Timothy Abernethy and Gary Gryder in your thoughts and prayers.  Both of these fine officers were lost in the line of duty in 2008.

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In a special board meeting on December 17, 2008, President Gary Blankinship appointed Officer Martha Bailey to Position 5, which will be vacated by Ray Hunt on January 8, 2009 when he assumes the 2nd Vice President position.  Gary also named Sgt Joslyn Johnson to serve as Parliamentarian and Carol Trautwein to serve as Sergeant at Arms.  All elected and appointed members will be sworn in at the January meeting, which will be held on January 8, 2009 due to the first Thursday falling on New Year's Day.  The meeting will begin at 11am.   

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The 2009 calendars were mailed on December 17th and should be arriving at your mailing addresses soon.  If you have not received a new calendar by the first of the year, please contact the HPOU to verify that your address is correct.  Merry Christmas to all and Happy 2009!

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HPOU backed Joan Huffman defeated Chris Bell in the runoff on December 16^th for the 17^th District Senate seat.  Joan is a former prosecutor who obtained a death sentence for the suspect who shot and killed HPD officer Jim Irby almost 20 years ago.  Joan went on to become a district court judge where she was named “Judge of the Year” by the HPOU.  Joan received 56% of the vote in the runoff and thanked Houston Police officers at her victory party for their support and hard work in getting her elected. 

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The run-off results are in.

Director #14

Warren Givens - 34.72% (75 votes)
Paul Ogden - 66.28% (141 votes)

216 total responses

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We are rapidly closing in on the November 4 General Election.  Also on this year's ballot is the Special Election to fill the vacated State Senate District 17 Seat that was formally held by Kyle Janek.  The HPOU PAC sponsored candidate in the Texas State Senate Special Election is Joan Huffman.  

As you may recall, Joan is a Harris County Assistant District Attorney and a former State Criminal District Court Judge.  During her outstanding career Joan was always a huge supporter and friend to working police officers and did all she could to support our efforts to protect our community.  We honored her service as a State Criminal District Court Judge in 2000 by selecting her as our "Judge of the Year." 

It is important that we do all we can to help Joan win her election.  Please click here to see if you are a registered voter by precincts in State Senate District 17.  If you are in fact within the district boundaries, please vote for Joan Huffman and please encourage your friends and neighbors who also live in State Senate District 17 to vote for Joan Huffman too.

Please click here to watch some important You Tube videos that will help you become more familiar with our friend Joan Huffman.

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Fellow members, the elections for open Board of Directors positions will begin on noon Monday, October 6, 2008. All ballot voting will be done online. As a result, any member who did not vote in the MBA/HPD Uniform Survey held earlier this year will receive, by mail, a unique username and password. These letters should be arriving in your mailboxes this week. It is very important that you do not discard this information. Please allow a few days for delivery. This will be the only mail piece you will receive regarding this election. Should you have questions or seek additional information, please direct those to elections@hpou.org for a response.

I have included an example of the letter you will receive. Please follow the instructions to complete your ballot.

Continue reading for more information.

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The HPOU Political Action Committee has completed the candidate vetting process for this year's election. The PAC committee recommends support of the following candidates in the November 4, 2008 election.

Continue reading for a full list of endorsements.

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It has been brought to our attention by numerous officers that overtime computation errors have been made on their paychecks. Specifically, some exempt status officers received reduced overtime compensation.

Budget and Finance has acknowledged numerous problems so far.  It appears that the vast majority of the problems associated with Lieutenants and above is due to coding errors that were submitted in the SAP system.

Additionally, we have received reports that approximately 300 officers did not receive any overtime pay for worked they performed.

A number of officers PTO accruals were botched as well and folks in Central Payroll are looking into this matter as well to correct it.

We are very fearful that Chief Hurtt’s directive related to adjusting hours and days off for a very large segment of officers impacted overtime opportunity and caused many calls of outrage. Many officers were depending on this opportunity to offset financial obligations as a result of the hurricane. We also fearful that this unnecessary move will cause the SAP system, which is already fraught with problems, to blow a gasket. We have advised the Mayor that the chief’s unilateral decision to screw over some officers to save a few bucks will in the end cause the Department and officers a long-term headache that will take a tremendous amount of effort to correct. It is important that all of us closely scrutinize our pay records to insure that we don’t let any mistakes go uncorrected.

In closing, this is yet one more example of poor judgment and leadership.  Please bear with us in our efforts to help resolve frustration with pay that you may experience.

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As we stated earlier in our first memo concerning the chief's decision to keep officers from getting in the Red Book to take off time until October 10, as well as disallowing officers to work extra jobs except on their regular days off until October 10, we have an update.

Shortly after lunch today (Wednesday) HPOU President, Gary Blankinship, was contacted by Chief Hurrt and personally assured that he (Hurtt) was immediately amending the extra-job ban and that officers could return to their regular extra-job schedule on Saturday, September 27, if an officer’s regular days off are Saturday and Sunday.  For all other officers who don’t have Saturdays and Sundays off, they will be allowed to return to their regular extra-job schedule on Monday, September 29.

Don’t ask us how that plan was cooked up, we’re just thankful that officers will no longer be burdened with such a preposterous decision that was designed to prevent them from working any extra jobs until after October 10.

It should be noted, that the chief continues to maintain his other decision to refuse HPD officers’ requests to be allowed to take earned time off by getting in the Department’s Red Book.

We will keep you posted on any changes that occur as a result of our efforts to protect your rights and interests.

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The Union received notification from the Command Staff of their decision to return all HPD personnel to their normal duties and regular days off effective 0600 hours, Saturday, September 27, 2008. 

However, we also were advised that the Red Book will continue to be closed until Friday, October 10, 2008 and that all extra employment has been restricted only to an officer’s regular days off. 

We are at a complete loss to explain the complete lack of logic and leadership that our police chief is continuing to perpetuate.  We have fielded a huge volume of phone calls from officers who can’t believe the ineptness of this most recent directive to prevent officers form working extra jobs, except on their days off , to facilitate private businesses policing needs that the city of Houston can’t fulfill. 

We have reached out to Mayor White to intercede and pray that he has the power to convince our chief to do the right thing.  In addition to the absurdity of the chief’s decision to virtually wipe out extra jobs and block officers from using any earned time off they have, the chief has failed to assist officers with proper relief, equipment, food, and down-rooms.

There is absolutely no reason for our appointed leader to be allowed to make endless bad decisions that do nothing to improve public safety and they especially are harmful to working Houston police officers who have worked so hard to help the Department protect their community.

We have little hope that the chief is going to do anything to reverse his ill-advised decisions, however, we shall not be deterred in our collective efforts to do all we can to eventually get someone in the hierarchy of our city to convince or force our chief to start doing the right thing. 

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Numerous members have notified the Houston Police Officers' Union that the Department has advised all officers of their intent to compensate overtime with pay only. 

It is the Union's position that when an officer is ordered to work overtime in his/her duties as a police officer, they are to be compensated for overtime at the officer's election in either cash or compensatory time.  Our position is supported by Article 33, section 4, of the Meet and Confer Agreement, which allows officers to elect between cash or compensatory time when being ordered to work overtime.  This provision is clear and unambiguous, and was agreed to by both the Union and the City.  The Meet and Confer Agreement is binding, and may not be unilaterally disregarded by the Department.

For those officers who desire compensatory time for hours worked, the Union advises to submit their overtime slips and have them rejected.   Bring a copy of any rejected overtime slips to the Union, so that we may take all necessary legal action. 

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Please see poster below for more information.

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Thursday, September 11th is Heroes Night! The Astros are offering half priced tickets to all peace officers, firefighters, EMT’s, members of the military, and of course their families and friends. The flyer below details all of the events taking place on the 11th. Tickets can be purchased online via the link:
 
http://www.astros.com/heroes
password: heroes.
 
For group orders of 20 or more, please call directly at 713.259.8315.  All group orders of 20 or more avoid service charges and taxes!
 
All uniformed personnel are invited to the playing field before the game where the Astros will pay tribute to you in a special pre-game ceremony.  All those wishing to participate in the pre-game ceremony should arrive in uniform, at the right field gate of Minute Maid Park by 6:00p (entrance closest to the intersection of Hamilton and Preston).

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Be a part of the HPD-HPOU General Membership Blood Drive Thursday, September 4 from 10am - 2pm at the HPOU building - 1602 State Street.

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Please read for the August 7 meeting agenda information.

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HOUSTON - On November 8, 2007, the Houston Police Officers' Union informed Executive Assistant Chief Charles McClelland (senior executive of the Houston Police Department Internal Affairs Division) that we were conducting an internal review of a transaction involving the sale of union property by the HPOU treasurer and secretary.

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Senior Police Officer Gryder was struck and killed by a driver on the Katy Freeway at Highway 6 while working a traffic assignment.

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The Houston Police Officers’ Union suffered a great loss in the early hours of Sunday, June 29, 2008.

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The Houston Police Officers Union unanimously endorsed former Houston Police Chief Clarence O. “Brad” Bradford for the office of Harris County District Attorney in its membership meeting Thursday (June 5).

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The Houston Police Officers' Union has announced recommended and revised extra employment rate of pay.

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by Gary Blankinship-President. Well, barely three months into my term, the reality of my vision took a slight setback. My reality setback occurred in a meeting with Chief Hurtt. I had previously believed this was a fair-minded fellow who tried to keep a realistic grasp of what a working officer's world was truly like. In other words, I mistakenly thought he understood that working police officers are oftentimes the victims of unfair complaints because they are doing their jobs.

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Mark Burnett Productions is looking for engaged couples for a potential reality television show and they are specifically looking for police officers.

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The results of the 2007 Board Member Runoff election are in.

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The election run-off timeline including important dates related to the run-off are posted here.

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The election results pending certification by the Board of Directors have been posted.

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Arbitrator Eric H. Nelson rendered a ruling today in the matter of the contract challenge between the Houston Police Department and Houston Police Officers' Union. This challenge was related to appeals to the second and third assessments of the 2005 Lieutenant's promotional examination.

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HPOU took a number of pictures at the 2007 Police Memorial Service in Austin on May 7.

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Please plan to attend the 2007 Police Memorial Service to be held on the steps of the State Capital Monday May 7, 2007.

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Senior Police Officer Eric Fagan, assigned to the Human Resources Division, Recruiting Unit, was nominated for the AMW All-Star Awards by a citizen who took the time to recognize his outstanding service to the community, and wants to make sure everyone else knows about this hero.

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The Houston Police Officers Union will again award college scholarships totaling $1,000 apiece this year to the college-aged children of its members.

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The HPOU has partnered with the Houston area YMCA’s to make available their facilities to all current union members.

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A BBQ benefit will be held for Officer David D.B. Bearden on Friday, December 8, 2006 at the Houston Police Officers' Union. The benefit will be held from 10 am to 5 pm.

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For those interested in making donations to support the family of slain Officer Rodney Johnson, please make note of the information found here.

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The official HPOU Election Time Line including dates for candidate sign up, voting and official results are posted here.

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On July 28, legislators negotiating over the pension overhaul legislation said they have reached a final compromise on the bill (H.R. 2830) after months of deliberation and several missed deadlines.

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The resutls of the Union's Management Competency Survey have now been posted to the website. Please read on for more information.

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In a press conference held on Thursday July 13, 2006 Mark Clark, Executive Director of the Houston Police Officers’ Union, released the results of the Management Competency Survey. The room was packed with local media, HPOU board members, representatives from the command staff, and Councilmember Michael Berry.

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Since late 2005, the leadership of the HPOU has been virtually ignored on nearly each and every personnel issue and concern that we have brought forward to Chief Hurtt.

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On June 7, 2006, seven Marines and one Navy Corpsman were accused of War Crimes. These men have not yet been charged, but are serving time in the brig at Camp Pendleton, California.

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A few weeks ago there was a media circus that surrounded an HPD sergeant's personal life. It became a white-hot issue for the local news media after developments regarding his desire to explain his transgender process to his supervisors and subordinates at his workplace became public.

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Officers who ordered T-Shirts during the American Quilt Memorial presentations may now retreive them at the Houston Police Officers' Union.

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The Crime Stoppers Houston Celebrity Golf Tournament is Tuesday, May 23. Check out more information and download the sign-up form.

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The Houston Police Officers' Union will again award college scholarships totaling $1,000 apiece to the college-aged children of its members. This benefit is also available to retired members who separated service in good standing.

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The union is giving away three (3) trips to Cancun Mexico to lucky members who participate in the SURVEY TO MEASURE member satisfaction with union representation. You must register to enter the Member site, and ALL RESPONSES TO THE SURVEY ARE ANONYMOUS.

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Figures for union dues for the year 2005 have been posted.

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The President is requesting information from officers who can provide specific examples of the problems they face in the workplace, and suggestions to addressing them.

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The Houston Police Department Professional Development Command has released important information regarding the appeals process for the Sergeants' Written Examination.

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Several inquiries have been received regarding the accuracy of some scantron results from yesterday's test.

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The 2005 election for HPOU President and Board of Directors is final. The proposed Constitutional amendment to extend the Line of Duty death benefit to officers called to military duty, passed by an almost three to one margin.

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Early voting for the HPOU open board positions has ended, and member ballots are being mailed out today.

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A strong show of support for the family of Officer Charlie Clark is being requested. Let them know that we will never forget.

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During natural and manmade disaster situation, it is very important that officers have the equipment and supplies needed to be self-sufficient for extended periods.

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The Houston Police Officers Union is providing temporary housing, food and clothing to the Louisiana relatives of Houston officers and families of law officers evacuated from Hurricane Katrina.

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We are addressing a number of issues that have surfaced since the City of Houston has taken on the difficult task of providing shelter and assistance to people who have been displaced by hurricane Katrina.

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A call is going out to all members of the union to aid in the effort to assist the families of New Orleans officers who have been displaced by this horrific natural disaster.

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Lieutenant's and Sergeant's promotional examinations concerns explored.

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The latest rumor to make its way around the department (and causing a great stir by the way) is the “no working an extra job eight hours prior to your shift” rumor. I can tell you that there is no validity to this rumor.

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For more information on joining the Houston Police Officers' Union, please click the read more link to download applications and payroll forms.

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Chief Hurtt’s decision to assemble a small group of community members to review incidents that involved the use of Tasers by HPD officers, has generated a number of inquires to the HPOU with respect to what can or can’t be done about the chief’s decision.

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The HPOU Board of Directors is proceeding with their intent to file a formal contract grievance against the city over their unilateral decision to stop Field Training Officer (FTO's) special pay for officers in the program.

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The HPOU Board of Directors voted at the January board meeting to affiliate with the National Association of Police Organizations.

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The 2005 HPOU Board of Directors was sworn in to office on Thursday, January 6, 2005 at the monthly Board of Directors and General Membership meeting.

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With a total of 1,128 members voting, the 2004 HPOU run-off election for board of directors Position 2, Position 12, and Position 18 is final.

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The Houston Police Officers' Board of Directors election results have been tallied and the results are posted. There will be three runoff elections in the following positions; Position #2, Position #12, and Position #18. Ballots will be mailed on Monday, November 1, 2004 and must be returned no later than noon on Monday, November 22, 2004. The final results will be posted following tabulation and certification.

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The Houston Police Officers’ Union Bylaws call for the 2004 election of the two Vice Presidents positions to be held in the even numbered years, as well as all even numbered board positions. The Election Committee has established the voting process and the important dates for the election. In the event of a run-off, the election will be held in accordance with the rules as established by the Election Committee. Listed below are the specific procedures for the election.

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Houston City Council today unanimously approved the amendments to the Meet and Confer Agreement

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After five days of around the clock voting, HPD officers voted by a margin of 1,379 or 67% For the amendments to 662 or 33% Against the amendments.

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Houston City Council members the City Council today tagged the agreement between the Houston Police Officers Pension and the City of Houston for one week.

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The Majority Bargaining Agent for all Houston police officers will hold a series of informational meetings regarding the proposed 2004 Amendments to the Meet and Confer Agreement.

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The Majority Bargaining Agent for all Houston police officers and the City of Houston have reached a proposed agreement that would significantly enhance officers' benefits. This proposal has been approved by the Board of Directors to present to you for ratification. Some highlights included in the package are listed below.

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Please read for information on the upcoming HPOU meetings and election schedule.

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President Hans Marticiuc responds to Houston Chronicle's disappointing series of articles this past weekend looking at incidents where Harris County and Houston suspects were shot by local police officers. (Note: This Ed/Op was submitted to the Houston Chronicle Editorial Department)

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The purpose of this letter is to recap our positions as well as reconfirm where we stand with respect to protecting the interests of all HPD officers and to distinguish the two distinct and separate issues that are currently being considered.

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In an effort to allay some of the concerns we have received regarding the unions' position on current pension related issues, I want to bring all officers up to speed on our status.

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Representatives of the City negotiations team have approached the HPOU with discussions of a contract re-opener. The Board of Directors of the HPOU would be remiss by not sitting down with the City in an effort to lay out points of interest that we would like to see occur.

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The most recent actuarial report was just released regarding the Houston Police Officers Pension System and the results of that report has caused some real anguish and twisting with the uncertainty of what it all means.

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The payroll process has been completed and all HPOU members and PAC contributors who worked to make it happen – as well as those who focused their efforts on dissension – will see the major raise on our April 16 checks.

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In an effort to ease some of the fears and dispel some of the rumors that have been running rampant the last several weeks, the HPOU had asked Mayor Bill White to meet with HPD employees.

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Realizing that many officers are anxious over what they have been hearing and reading in the media regarding the financial concerns with the City's pension systems, President Hans Marticiuc, issues memorandum to all officers.

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Sgt. Cynthia Miller is singing the National Anthem to open each performance of this year’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

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The Texas legislature, under House Bill 1247, established the Texas Firefighter and Police Officer Home Loan Program that will provide low-interest loans with down payment and/or closing cost assistance to firefighters and police officers across the state of Texas.

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HPOU's current list of endorsements for the December 6 runoff in Houston including the mayoral election.

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The list of campaign endorsments for the upcoming local elections continues to grow.

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The Administration could make a bad situation worse by trying to balance the budget on the back of the police department.

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HPOU President Hans Marticiuc wrote a letter to Mayor Lee Brown concerning the proposed property tax rollback and budget cuts in the department.

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Sergeant J. Babb, Patrol Sergeant assigned to Westside Command, shares insight of today's meeting with HEC stakeholders.

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The HEC Operation Managers have released the master index for all User Groups identified in the new Altaris CAD system.

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HPOU has announced its endorsement of Houston businessman Bill White for Mayor of Houston in the Nov. 4 city election.

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HPD Legal recently sent out a letter to 700 plus officers advising them that they had been overpaid and would be required to reimburse the city.

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Early in 2003 the HPOU, as the elected Bargaining Agent for all Houston police officers.

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On Thursday (Sept. 4) HPOU representatives attended an HPD Command Staff meeting to listen to a discussion led by Chief Bradford related to the FY 2004 HPD budget.

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HPD Sound-Off will hold a live internet chat session with 2003 mayoral candidate Michael Berry on August 18 from 7pm - 8pm.

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Mountain State University sets deadline of August 15 for BS degree in Administration of Criminal Justice...don't miss it!

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Take advantage of the convenient opportunity to complete a requirement for graduation from Midwestern State University!

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The votes are in for the amendments made to the 2001 Meet & Confer Agreement.

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The latest addition to the HPOU website is a section and forum dedicated to our Education Committee.

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According to the Houston Chronicle, as many as one in ten HPD officers could retire in 2004.

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The HPOU's Political Action Committee added eight endorsees to the list of political endorsements for this fall's elections.

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The Houston Police Officers' Union announced its political action committee endorsements for candidates in the upcoming contested 2002 fall elections.

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HPOU Opposition to Patrol Productivity Program: Information on the HPD pilot program initiated earliers this summer.

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HPOU criticizes new HPD plan to collect phone numbers on all traffic stops.

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Over the past few months, Chief Bradford and his command staff have worked on two issues that directly impact patrol officers who are in the call-for-service loop.

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