Veterans Meeting in Corpus Christi

Caring for our Military Heroes

On Saturday morning, January 21, 2012, Interim Chief Richard Badaracco and Senior Officer Denise Pace represented the Corpus Christi Police Department during a panel discussion about our Nations military veterans.  Topics that were discussed included the Peace Tree Project of South Texas, and Veterans Village.

The Peace Tree Project of South Texas donates a live tree to surviving family members of soldiers killed.  The Project motto: “Strengthening the Roots of America; One U.S. Fallen Hero’s Family at a Time.”  The tree is both a gift of thanks and honor, but also a symbol of remembrance.  These trees have been donated to families all over the Coastal Bend to include Corpus Christi, Portland, Robstown, Mathis and Orange Grove.

Lft to Rt: Interim Chief Badaracco, Sr. Officer Pace, Nadia McCaffrey

The topic of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) included news that WWII veterans coming home from a war zone would live on a military base for a period of about one month, during which time they would re-adjust to life outside a combat zone.  Veterans today can be back at their own house within forty-eight hours of being in a combat zone.  A lack of ‘decompression’ can enhance PTSD.

Veterans Village, a project started by Nadia McCaffrey who was at the meeting, is a place for veterans to turn when struggling to re-adjust to life at home.  “It’s not about politics…the right or the left” McCaffrey said, “it’s about the men and women who served.”  McCaffrey’s son Patrick was killed in Iraq in June of 2004.  Information about Veterans Village can be found at: http://www.veteransvillage.org/

Lft to Rt: Interim Chief Badaracco, Commisioner Gonzalez

The purpose of the Saturday morning’s meeting was to bring current veteran topics and issues to the table.  In addition to the Corpus Christi Police Department, attendees at the meeting included representatives from the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the Nueces County District Attorney’s Office, and Del Mar College.  Texas Congressman Todd Hunter and Nueces County Commissioner Joe A. Gonzalez were also in attendance.

The Corpus Christi Police Department was honored to be able to participate in such a noble venue.

Report the Paint

Citizens of Corpus Christi as well as the Graffiti Task Force have seen a sharp increase in graffiti vandalism during the past several months.   The Customer Call Center is also seeing an increase in cases of graffiti being reported.

At this time, the Graffiti Task Force would like to provide the public with some information concerning the process for handling graffiti cases.  Police officers should only be called to take a police report concerning graffiti if it is on a vehicle, there are implements left behind that can be used as evidence, the graffiti vandal can be positively identified, or if multiple locations have been vandalized such as an entire neighborhood.  All other incidents of graffiti should be reported through the Customer Call Center (826-2489) or by going on-line to www.cctexas.com/graffiti .  Once this is done, we will have documentation of the incident on file.    Our Graffiti Removal Team will remove the graffiti, take photographs of the vandalism and forward the photos to the Graffiti Task Force for analysis. 

Many citizens are not aware that the City of Corpus Christi cannot remove graffiti from private property unless consent is on file from the property owner.   Consent can be given by the owner or resident by  either requesting a consent form be sent to them when they report the graffiti to the customer call center representative or by going on-line at www.cctexas.com/graffiti and submitting a Graffiti Consent Form.   Consent is indefinite until revoked by sending written notice of the revocation to the Corpus Christi Police Department.  In other words, fill out one consent form and you never have to fill out another one as long as you occupy the property.  It is the owner or resident’s responsibility to report graffiti on their property each time it occurs to the Call Center or by going on-line. 

Graffiti on private property, without consent on file, can only be removed if a placard or notice is placed on the property.  Graffiti will be removed after seven days if the property owner or representative has not given their permission or consent.  Graffiti at placarded locations can only be removed once and the private properties have to be placarded each time they have graffiti.  No permission is needed to remove graffiti from city property.

We hope that this information is helpful in explaining the process by which we handle graffiti.  The Graffiti Task Force can be reached by calling 361-886-2788.

Corpus Christi Police Department and the National Crime Map

Have you ever seen flashing blue lights in your neighborhood and wanted to know what was going on? Do you want to find out how safe your neighborhood really is, or the neighborhood you are moving into? Now you can, through a partnership between the Corpus Christi Police Department and CrimeReports, creators of the National Crime Map, at www.CrimeReports.com.

 “Providing reliable, timely information to our citizens is one of our top priorities,” says Capt. Ed Shannon.  “And partnering with CrimeReports gives us the ability to keep the public informed on a regular basis as to what is going on in the community.”  He added that the public can access the crime map 24 hours a day through the website or through the CrimeReports iPhone app, available for free download in the Apple iTunes store. The service even lets local citizens sign up for free customizable email alerts, so they can stay on top of crime in their neighborhood. “Information is power,” Capt. Shannon added, “and we hope that giving the community this information will help them prevent crime in their neighborhoods.”

 “The Corpus Christi Police Department is a leader in law enforcement innovation,” says Greg Whisenant, founder and CEO of CrimeReports. “They are demonstrating their commitment to the community and to proactive policing.”

 The Corpus Christi Police Department has joined a list of over 700 other law enforcement agencies of all sizes across North America who are sharing their crime information with the public through the map, like Baltimore, Boston, San Jose, San Francisco, Portland, Washington D.C., Los Angeles County, and more.

 You can access your local crime map and sign up for daily, weekly, or monthly email crime alerts at www.CrimeReports.com.

Police Academy Cadets Visit La Palmera Mall for Communication Exercise

The Corpus Christi Police Department’s Police Academy Cadets will be conducting an interactive training exercise at La Palmera Mall on Monday, January 16, 2012 at 12:00 p.m.

The Cadets who are currently learning communication and problem solving will be practicing their communications techniques.  The Cadets are being taught how both good and bad communication can affect their relationships with the community.  

They will be contacting mall visitors and conduct a survey in which they will introduce themselves as future police officers.  Training Coordinator Denise Pace states they will be asking such questions as, “What characteristics do you believe makes a good officer?” and “What would you like to see from me as a new officer who swears to serve and protect you and our city?” 

Pace believes this exercise will allow the cadets to enhance their communication skills and allow them to have a better relationship with the public once they have graduated from the police academy.

Third Annual Police Awards Banquet to be held on Board USS Lexington

Senior Officer Phil Bintliff receives Life Saving Award during 2011 Awards Banquet

The third annual Corpus Christi Police Department Awards Banquet will be held Thursday January 26th on board the USS Lexington.     Interim Police Chief Richard Badaracco will present the 2011 Officer of the Year, Civilian Employee of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year Awards; LifeSaving and Certificate of Merit Awards will also be presented to those officers and civilians who distinguished themselves during 2011.

This year’s Awards Banquet and fundraiser is once again being sponsored by the Citizens in Support of the Corpus Christi Police Department, often referred to as the Police Foundation. The event is open to the public with tickets on sale for $25.00 and tables for $250. For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact:

Joann Garcia in Central Records a 361-886-2704 or Mike Teeter at 361-886-2734

Corpus Christi Auto Theft Task Force 2011 Holiday Sucess

Corpus Christi Auto Theft Task Force reports a decrease in auto theft and auto burglaries for the holiday season.

The Corpus Christi Auto Theft Task Force reports a reduction in this year’s holiday season.  For the time period between Black Friday and Christmas day, a time when citizens are out shopping the most, auto thefts were down 29% and auto burglaries down 21% when compared to the same time last year.  The Auto Theft Task Force has been visiting with the community at various different outlets to promote auto theft and auto burglary awareness.  “We believe the citizens of Corpus Christi are becoming aware of the problems we have been experiencing with the auto thieves in our area.  Citizens are taking a proactive approach to protect their belongings” said Kelly Isaacks, Lieutenant over the Auto Theft Task Force, “We hope that citizens continue on this trend to help fight these auto crimes”.

 Auto Theft Holiday Comparisons (Black Friday – Christmas Day)

November 25 – Dec 25, 2010:  45 UUMVs

November 25 – Dec 25, 2011:  32 UUMVs

2010 / 2011 Percentage Change:  -29%

Modus Operandi Analysis

2010 M.O. Category 1 – Offender Had Access to Vehicle:  9 (20%)

2011 M.O. Category 1 – Offender Had Access to Vehicle:  8 (25%)

2010 M.O. Category 2 – Victim Left Keys in Vehicle:  6 (13%)

2011 M.O. Category 2 – Victim Left Keys in Vehicle:  8 (25%)

2010 M.O. Category 3 – Victim Left Vehicle Unlocked:  2 (4%)

2011 M.O. Category 3 – Victim Left Vehicle Unlocked:  0 (0%)

2010 M.O. Category 4 – Standard UUMV (Entry Method Unknown):  21 (47%)

2011 M.O. Category 4 – Standard UUMV (Entry Method Unknown):  9 (28%)

2010 M.O. Category 5 – Aggravated Assault / Car Jacking: 0 (0%)

2011 M.O. Category 5 – Aggravated Assault / Car Jacking: 1 (3%)

Top Targeted Vehicles

   2010                                        2011

Ford F-150                               Ford F-250

Chevy Impala                          GM Sierra

Chevy Silverado                      Dodge Ram 1500

Top Zip Codes

  2010                                        2011

78415                                      78415

78412                                      78411

78405                                      78413

78413                                      78401

78404                                      78412

Auto Burglary Holiday Comparisons (Black Friday – Christmas Day)

November 25 – Dec 25, 2010:  333 Auto Burgs

November 25 – Dec 25, 2011:  264 Auto Burgs

2010 / 2011 Percentage Change:  -21%

Modus Operandi Analysis

2010 M.O. Category 1 – Window Smashed / Broken / Forced:  88 (26%)

2011 M.O. Category 1 – Window Smashed / Broken / Forced:  50 (19%)

2010 M.O. Category 2 – Victim Left Vehicle Unlocked:  126 (38%)

2011 M.O. Category 2 – Victim Left Vehicle Unlocked:  92 (36%)

2010 M.O. Category 3 – Vehicle Locked Punched / Jimmied:  54 (16%)

2011 M.O. Category 3 – Vehicle Locked Punched / Jimmied:  40 (15%)

2010 M.O. Category 4 –Entry Method Unknown:  65 (20%)

2011 M.O. Category 4 –Entry Method Unknown:  78 (30%)

Top Targeted Vehicles

   2010                                        2011

Ford F-150                               Ford F-150

Ford F-250                               Ford Ranger

Dodge Ram 1500                     Chevy Suburban

Top Zip Code

 2010                                        2011

78411                                      78412

78413                                      78404

78414                                      78411

78412                                      78413

78415                                      78415

Police Explorers Will Hold Waffle Breakfast Fundraiser This Saturday

 This Sunday, January 8th, the Corpus Christi Police Department Explorers will hold a Waffle Breakfast at the Corpus Christi Police Officers’ Association, 3122 Leopard Street.

Tickets can be purchased on site for $6.00 and serving times are from 9 am – noon.  All proceeds will go to Explorer Post #133 and will be used to help pay for law enforcement competitions and equipment costs.

Start the New Year Right, Join Us for the Vehicle Auction Saturday

The C.C.P.D.’s commitment to “Keep Corpus Christi Safe” has continued with its “Zero Tolerance No Insurance Initiative”

On Saturday, January 7, 2012, a total of 83 cars will be auctioned at the Corpus Christi Police Department Vehicle Impound Lot located at 2600 Holly Road during our monthly auction. Approximately 23 of these vehicles are “No Insurance” impounds. On Friday, January 6, 2012, the general public will be allowed to register and view the vehicles to be auctioned from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There is no registration fee.

On the day of the auction, the general public can continue to register and view the vehicles from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.  The auction will commence promptly at 10:00 a.m. The vehicles to be auctioned can be viewed at www.siskauction.com. An auction list may also be downloaded from the same website.

The department’s strong stand and enforcement of this “Zero Tolerance No Insurance Initiative” will continue and all vehicles involved in accidents will be impounded and the driver cited if they are unable to provide financial proof of insurance. Driver’s license and proof of financial responsibility checkpoints will continue to be conducted at the Shift Captains’ authorization.

Officers have issued 5,461 citations for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility since January 1, 2011.

MetroCom Training Academy Graduation

Today the Corpus Christi Police Department MetroCom Division graduated 11 very capable and energetic Public Safety dispatchers to their ranks.

The MetroCom Training Academy was a six-week classroom academy which started in late November.

It consisted of a Telecommunications Certification Course, Call Takers Training, TCIC/NCIC Training and Certification, Basic Dispatching skills using our computer aided dispatch system – Intergraph, City Geography, and Police Codes.

Public Safety dispatchers receive calls from individuals who need assistance from Firefighters, Police Officers, and Emergency Medical Services. Once information is obtained from the caller, these dispatchers activate the services necessary to respond to the nature of the call for help.

Dispatchers are an integral part of our organization’s success. Essentially, the dispatcher is the “Conductor” of the force, and is responsible for the direction of all units within it 24-hours 7 days a week.

Congratulation and we welcome you to the Corpus Christi Police Deparment,

Miranda Alvarado

Charles Hoepner

Carrie Knecht

Veronica Martinez

Marilyn Moreno

Christal Nolte

Erica Ochoa

Amanda Prado

Caitlin Robinson

Kathleen Sasara

Amanda Uhlig

1,000 Packages of Fireworks Destroyed Due to Combined Efforts of CCPD and CCFD

 

 

 

 

 

Once again the Corpus Christi Fire Department  and Police Department teamed up patrolling the streets of Corpus Christi enforcing the City’s Fireworks Ordinance which bans fireworks within the city.

Fire officials received 357 citizen reports concerning fireworks in an 8 hour period (4:00PM – 12:00AM).  Fire Inspectors responded to many of these calls which allowed emergency crews to remain available and to respond for real emergencies in their districts.

Police and Fire Department officials issued approximately 50 citations to violators during the dates of December 28, 2011 through January 1, 2012.  The Corpus Christi Police Department destroyed over 1000 packages of confiscated fire works.

Both the CCFD and CCPD wants the public to remember that even though the holiday season is over the ban on fireworks remains in effect year round.