Ski Basin Marine Patrol begins today.

The Ski Basin Marine Patrol Initiative will begin this weekend on Padre Island. 

Dive Team officers and Uniform Personnel will work together as a unit to patrol the ski basin waterways by boat to enforce city and state laws in an area usually not accessible to law enforcement. 

The goal of this operation is to provide a safe atmosphere in the ski basin waterway through strong law enforcement presence and diligent enforcement of offenses such as boating while intoxicated, public intoxication, drug possession, underage consumption of alcohol, intoxication assault and stem the dangerous operation of watercraft in this area.

This initiative will begin this weekend and continue until the end of Labor Day weekend, Monday, September 7, 2015. The shifts will begin after 12 noon each weekend day. 

 

 Point of contact

Capt. Kelly Isaacks

(361) 774-5747 

kisaacks@cctexas.com

Officer Nominated for Top Cop Award

Each year since 1994 NAPO has presented the TOP COPS Awards® Ceremony. The purpose of the TOP COPS Awards® is to educate the American public about our nation’s heroes and to pay tribute to law enforcement officers in federal, state, county, tribal and local agencies from across the country for actions above and beyond the call of duty during the preceding year. Our TOP COPS are nominated by fellow officers.  An independent Awards Selection Committee comprised of national law enforcement representatives select, from hundreds of nominations, one TOP COP case from each of the 50 States and U.S. territories.  Officers from the top ten cases are selected as our  TOP COPS Award® Winners.

Senior Officer Amador Gonzalez has been nominated and will attend the 22nd Annual National Association of Police Organizations’ TOP COP Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday May 12, 2015.

On March 20, 2014, Senior Officer Amador Gonzalez was responding to assist a fellow officer who was attempting to make contact with a person who fit the description of a prowler. As Officer Gonzalez was arriving on scene, he observed the suspect pull out a gun and begin firing at him and Officer S. Goodman. Seconds later, he witnessed the other officer go down after being hit in the neck and leg. Officer Gonzalez immediately returned fire, wounding the suspect in the chest. The suspect then got into one of the patrol vehicles and attempted to flee the scene. In his attempt to evade capture, the suspect struck a telephone pole and was apprehended. Despite being wounded, Officer Gonzalez rushed to the aid of his fellow officer who was severely bleeding and applied a tourniquet. Officer Gonzalez, who was also wounded, tended to his own injuries until help could arrive. Officer Gonzalez’ selfless service, helped to save the life of a fellow officer. Officer Gonzalez was awarded the Police Medal of Honor by the Corpus Christi Police Department for displaying exceptional bravery while facing imminent risk of serious bodily injury and the Police Shield for sustaining injury.

Town Hall Meetings Regarding Property Code

Since March of 2014, the Corpus Christi Police Department and Code Enforcement have looked for effective ways to address the blighted conditions in Corpus Christi. In reviewing the city’s current Southern Standards Property Code, it was found that Code Enforcement was currently operating under an outdated 1973 edition. In an attempt to bring the Corpus Christi Code Enforcement into current standards, we are working to adopt the International Property Maintenance Code (CCPMC), which incorporates “Best Practices” codes from around the nation.  While the CCPMC only has few new codes created within its text, the purpose of the CCPMC is to create a clear and concise set of codes, while eliminating the ambiguous wording which currently exists in the Southern Standards Code. In addition, the CCPMC will better work in conjunction with the already existing Unified Development Code and Unified Fire Code. The proposed CCPM has been placed on the Code Enforcement’s website for review. This site can be visited by logging into the City of Corpus Christi’s webpage at http://www.cctexas.com/ and select the city department tab to navigate to the Code Enforcement webpage. The Police Department will be hosting two town hall meetings to allow for comment on the proposed CCPMC.  Listed below are the dates, times, and locations:

1. May 5, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.  – City Hall on the 6^thfloor
2. May 6, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. –  Lindale Senior Center, 3135 Swantner

It is our belief that a clear and concise property maintenance code will not only reduce community blight, but can also work to reduce crime by removing blighted conditions that attract crime.

If you are unable to make the meetings, we will have them available for viewing on our Corpus Christi Police Department YouTube page. We will also stream the event live on our new Periscope account. You can view it by following @CorpusChristiPD on Periscope.

Mosquito Spraying Schedule

Vector Control crews will be spraying for mosquitos in the Annaville area between 6:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. 

 

The following routes will be sprayed.

 

Route 1 – Hwy 77 west to City limits

Route 2 – Hwy 77 east to Violet north of IH 37

Routh 3 – Hwy 77 east to Violet south of IH 37

 

Vector Control can only spray for mosquitoes when it is not raining and the wind speed is low. The pesticide dissipates very quickly when it comes in contact with the ground, especially if there is any dew.  Even then, the fogger only kills the mosquitoes that are actually airborne and come in direct contact with the pesticide at the time of the spraying, so it is not effective for any great period of time.

Since the fog only kills the airborne mosquitoes, spraying only occurs during evening hours, usually between 7:00 p.m. and Midnight. It is estimated the fog only kills one-third of the total mosquito population. 

 

Although Vector Control employees do their best to reduce the number of pest mosquitoes citywide, Corpus Christi Animal Care Services (CCACS) urges residents to take these personal precautions to avoid being bitten:

• Use an approved insect repellent every time you go outside and follow the instructions on the label. Approved repellents are those that contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

• Regularly drain standing water, including water that collects in empty cans, tires, bird feeders, buckets, clogged rain gutters and saucers under potted plants. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Purchase mosquito donuts (dunks) at retail stores that kill mosquito larvae in standing water. 

• Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

• Use air conditioning or make sure there are screens on all doors and windows to keep mosquitoes from entering the home.

• Keep grass cut and yards maintained. Treat the yard for mosquitoes, fleas, and pests.

3 Officers Shot While Serving Warrant

THREE OFFICERS SHOT:

This morning at about 9am, while serving a Narcotics arrest and search warrant, our Narcotics and SWAT team were preparing to make entry into a home at 3001 Churchill.

As officers were making entry suspects within the home opened fire on the SWAT team members. Three officers were injured by the gunfire.

Sr. Police Officer Steven Ruebelmann (6-year veteran) received two gunshot wounds. One to his wrist and one to his hand.

Officer Andrew Jordan (4-year veteran) received a gunshot wound to his upper leg and one to his forearm.

Officer Steven Brown (2-year officer) received a superficial wound to his right calf.

All officers were taken to Christus Spohn for treatment.

Three suspects were taken into custody by the SWAT team.

Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division will continue to investigate.

Corpus Christi Police Citizen Survey

Corpus Christi Citizen Survey

The City of Corpus Christi Police Department is committed to providing citizens with exemplary service. In order to assure that the Department is meeting the community’s needs and expectations, the Corpus Christi Police Department asks the opinions of citizens by completing and submitting a digital survey. The survey poses key questions to assist the Department in determining citizen perceptions of safety, quality of life, and quality of police services. The survey also allows residents to convey their priorities for enforcement. Community feedback serves as a “report card” and provides insight for the process of establishing goals, enhancing training, and shaping the future of the Police Department. Analysis of the survey results, reviewed by members of the Police Department, assists in tracking opinions regarding the quality of services and helps to direct the focus of the Department’s efforts to better serve its citizens.

Thank you for your participation and your assistance in reducing crime, reducing the fear of crime, and enhancing public safety.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/57XGYJY

Hundreds Use Spay or Neuter Voucher Program

Hundreds of City Pet Owners take advantage of Free Spay or Neuter Voucher Program

Corpus Christi Animal Care Services (CCACS) has given away enough free spay and neuter vouchers to pet owners to fulfill a grant made possible through the Rachel Ray 100K Challenge.

In December, employees began giving away the vouchers to cat and dog owners in the area between Old Brownsville Road and Weber Road, and State Highway 358 and Horne Road. CCACS is expecting to perform 400 to 500 surgeries between now and February thanks to the available funding. If you were issued a voucher, you will soon be contacted to schedule your pet’s surgery.

CCACS appreciates members of the community who took advantage of this program.  In the event additional funding is made available, the voucher program may be reinstated. For more information contact Interim Program Manager Steven Bly at (361) 826-4602 or at stevenb@cctexas.com.

January 12, 2015

Steven Bly

Interim Program Manager

Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

(361) 826-4602

stevenb@cctexas.com

Suspect Arrested for 2011 Murder

On September 12, 2011 Officer’s responded to Villa Del Sol Condos 3938 Surfside Blvd at 6:35 p.m. for a nature unknown call. The resident called and advised that he came home from work and found blood on his bed and in the hallway and could not locate his girlfriend, victim Patricia Duling (01/07/60). When Officers forced entry into the bathroom they found Patricia deceased on the floor from stab wounds.

 

While detectives spoke to several individuals, a suspect was never arrested. The murder remained unsolved.

 

This morning the Homicide Division was contacted by the Beaumont Police Department regarding a subject claiming to have committed a murder in Corpus Christi. The case was that of Patricia Duling. Detectives worked with those in Beaumont regarding the specifics of the case. When Beaumont detectives interviewed the suspect he gave information that only someone involved would have known about.

 

After receiving the information Corpus Christi Detectives contacted the District Attorney’s office and obtained a Murder Warrant.

 

Terry Smith (01/09/55) was arrested for the murder and booked into the Jefferson County Jail.

No other information will be available today.

Captain M. Alanis

Vouchers for Spay or Neuter Services Available

Animal Care Services is currently issuing vouchers for a FREE spay/neuter for dog and cat owners living in the following areas:

Old Brownsville/Horne/Greenwood/Hwy 358 (Molina area)
Ayers/Gollihar/Weber/McArdle
Ayers/Horne/Kostoryz/Gollihar

Any dog or cat owner living in those areas is urged to visit Animal Care Services at 2626 Holly Rd. Monday-Saturday from 8:00am to 5:00pm to receive a voucher.

Surgeries are currently being scheduled through the months of January and February with a goal of performing 400-500 surgeries in that time. Once a voucher is issued the animal owner will be contacted with a surgery date.

These free surgeries are funded through the Rachel Ray 100K challenge that was awarded to the City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services.

Response to Internet Video

UPDATED 12/2/2014 6:41pm

Based on the news stories aired locally and on the internet, it was brought to our attention that an Officer had requested Ms. Espinosa to delete the video that was recorded. We viewed the entire dashcam video and found the conversation between Officer Lockhart and Ms. Espinosa. It was discovered that Officer Lockhart did request that the video be deleted.

Officer Lockhart took full responsibility for his statement on the video and was formally disciplined for those actions.

A memo to the entire department will follow on Wednesday regarding Texas Penal Code Sec. 38.02 “Failure to Identify” and our commitment to transparency by allowing citizens who wish to photograph or record our officers in a public space.

Floyd Simpson, Chief of Police

___________________________________________________________________________

The text listed below is from the letter sent to media and internet sites regarding the internet video. The letter is attached as well. 

Response to Internet Video

Response to Internet Video

On August 16, 2014 at 3:41 a.m., Corpus Christi Police Officers were called to the Whataburger restaurant parking lot, located at 1121 Waldron Road, to back up an off-duty officer. The off-duty officer was not a Corpus Christi Police Officer, but assigned to the Nueces County District Attorney’s Office (NCDA).

A review of the incident shows that Senior Officer Jerry Lockhart arrived to assist in what had been a fight involving ten people that was no longer in progress. Officer Lockhart started to assist the off-duty NCDA officer in the investigation of the fight. He was directed to Ms. Espinosa by the off-duty NCDA officer because she had been involved in the altercation.

Ms. Espinosa refused to identify herself to CCPD Officer Lockhart or the off-duty NCDA officer.

Ms. Espinosa was restrained by the off-duty NCDA officer and detained by Officer Lockhart for “Interference with Public Duties”. The detention was based on the incident (that she had been involved in the fight, which she admitted), and not due to the fact that Ms. Espinosa was videotaping the officers.

Officer Lockhart did not witness the altercation that had occurred prior to his arrival. The off-duty NCDA officer did not charge anyone with a crime and released everyone at the scene, including Ms. Espinosa. Our officers cleared the location at 4:17 a.m.

The Corpus Christ Police Department prides itself in transparency and respects the public’s right to photograph and record in public. Our officers are trained to be respectful during police/citizen contacts and de-escalation techniques.

Furthermore, members of Corpus Christi Police Department do not interfere with citizens who wish to photograph or record our officers in the public space.