New Phoenix Police Chief has Local Ties

The Phoenix Police Department’s newest Police Chief was born and raised in Corpus Christi and hails from a family with a strong tradition in law enforcement. On Monday March 26th, Phoenix City Manager David Cavazos named Daniel V. Garcia as Police Chief for the City of Phoenix.  Daniel V. Garcia is the brother of Corpus Christi Police Department Assistant Chief J.V. Garcia.  The Garcia family tradition of community service doesn’t end there.  Two other brothers are also Texas Police Officers; Luis Garcia is a Detective with the Houston Police Department, while Ruben Garcia is a Detective with the CCPD.

Newly appointed Phoenix Police Chief Daniel V. Garcia pins the badge on his brother, CCPD Assistant Chief J.V. Garcia during 2011 Promotions Ceremony

“I think it is fantastic,” said CCPD Assistant Chief Garcia.  ” Daniel is a good cop,  a great supervisor, and even better administrator.   I am confident that he will move the Department in a positive direction.   With a strong work ethic and a commitment to duty, Daniel will quickly demonstrate to the citizens of Phoenix what a good choice they have made.  He is a true professional.”

Newly appointed Phoenix Police Chief Daniel V. Garcia and CCPD Assistant Chief J.V. Garcia at 2011 Promotion Ceremony

Daniel V. Garcia is a 33 year veteran of the Dallas Police Department, and served as an Assistant Police Chief alongside newly appointed Corpus Christi Police Chief Floyd Simpson.  “Daniel “Danny” Garcia and I have been friends for more years than I can remember,” said Chief Simpson.  “He has always conducted himself in a moral and ethical manner. He is an extremely knowledgeable police practitioner that will serve the City of Phoenix well. On behalf of the men and women of the Corpus Christi Police family I wish Chief Garcia much success.”

The Phoenix Police Department has approximately 3,055 sworn officers and a budget of over $500 million. Garcia will begin his new assignment in May.

http://www.phoenix.gov/news/032612policechief.html

Officers Promoted by Chief Simpson

Occurred March 23, 2012  12:00pm    3122 Leopard    Officers Promotion

Corpus Christi Police Chief, Floyd Simpson, promoted officers Raymond Harrison, Mary Helen Leal, and Jason Rhodes to the rank of Senior Officer Friday.

            

Pictured above: Mary Helen Leal and Chief Simpson;  Jason Rhodes promoted by Chief Simpson       

The officers on the Corpus Christi Police Department must complete 60 months of work experience to apply for promotion. The applicants for promotion must then pass a proficiency examination at city hall in order to advance in grade to the rank of Senior Officer.

Chief Simpson pinned the rank onto the new senior officers in a ceremony with an audience that included City Council At Large David Loeb, State Representative for District 32 Todd Hunter, District 4 Councilperson Chris Adler, and a host of fellow Police Officers.

Chief Simpson gave comments which included the point that he has toured the department and he likes what he has seen. Chief Simpson said the department organization will change in a progressive manner and good officers will be recognized and elevated.

Chief Simpson said he has a priority to outfit the officers with the needed supplies to do the work tasked to them. Chief Simpson said he intends to improve the safety of the work environment for the officers and to the public very quickly in ways which include the placement of road flares and fire extinguishers in the patrol cars.

Chief Simpson answered questions from the audience and then closed by recognizing the accomplishments of the officers that were promoted to the rank of Senior Officer.

Police Memorial Day Ceremony set for May 14

Planning Committee Seeks Relatives of Fallen Officers

CCPD Color Guard Presents Colors during 2011 Peace Officers Memorial Day Ceremony

On Monday May 14th, the Corpus Christi Police Department, Nueces County Sheriff’s Office, and the Port of Corpus Christi Police Department will gather to host the sixth annual Regional Peace Officers Memorial Day Ceremony.  This year’s event once again will be held at the Solomon P. Ortiz International Center Outdoor Pavilion, 402 Harbor Drive, Corpus Christi.   The ceremony is a tribute to all Peace Officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, specifically recognizing those officers from the Coastal Bend who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their community. Keynote speaker for this year’s Ceremony will be Chief of Police Floyd Simpson. The public is cordially invited to attend.Members of the Peace Officers Memorial Day planning committee are seeking current addresses for family members of the fallen officers so they can be invited and properly recognized during the ceremony.  If you are a family member, or can provide the address for a family member of any of these fallen officers please contact:

 

Executive Assistant to

Chief Floyd Simpson

Teri Barrera

(361) 886-2603

TeriB@cctexas.com

 

Commander Todd Green

(361) 826-2984

ToddG@cctexas.com 

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott delivers keynote address at 2011 Regional Peace Officers Memorial Day Ceremony

NUECES COUNTY FALLEN OFFICERS

Corpus Christi City Marshal Elias Mussett Jr.

END OF WATCH: May 6, 1892

 

Corpus Christi Police Officer Luther B. Prather

END OF WATCH: September 14, 1919

 

Corpus Christi Police Officer Joseph L. Moon

END OF WATCH: June 10, 1938

 

Corpus Christi Police Officer Roy N. Smith

END OF WATCH: April 20, 1953

 

Corpus Christi Police Officer John W.  Sartain

END OF WATCH: August 20, 1971

 

Corpus Christi Police Officer Ruben T. Almanza

END OF WATCH: July 27, 1984

 

Corpus Christi Police Officer Joseph D. Bock

END OF WATCH: September 9, 1987

 

Corpus Christi Police Officer Juan R. Prieto

END OF WATCH: February 2, 1993

 

Corpus Christi Police Officer Matthew Thebeau

END OF WATCH: January 20, 2008

 

Corpus Christi Police Officer Stuart J. Alexander

END OF WATCH: March 11, 2009

 

Port Of Corpus Christi Police Officer James Saavedra

END OF WATCH: December 19, 2007

 

Nueces County Sheriff’s Deputy Thomas Nolan

END OF WATCH: August 13, 1860

 

Nueces County Sheriff Matthew Nolan

END OF WATCH: December 22, 1864

 

Nueces County Sheriff Dennis J. Kelly

END OF WATCH: June 13, 1870

 

Nueces County Sheriff’s Deputy Thomas Shaw

END OF WATCH: September 1877

 

Nueces County Sheriff’s Deputy Alexander S. Downs J.

END OF WATCH: October 16, 1932

 

Nueces County Sheriff’s Deputy Irvin M. Brown

END OF WATCH: February 13, 1995

 

Nueces County Constable Pct 1 Patrick 2. Freely

END OF WATCH: March 25, 1917

 

Nueces County Constable Pct 1 R.R. Bledsoe

END OF WATCH: July 5, 1925

 

Nueces County Constable Pct 1 Carl M. Bisbee

END OF WATCH: July 6, 1925

 

Nueces County Constable Pct 6 Patrick S. Runyon

END OF WATCH: February 7, 1981

 

 

Police Reports Will Not Be Available Thursday, March 22.

The Corpus Christi Police Department will have some computer maintenance conducted Thursday, March 22, 2012 which will affect the public.

No open records requests will be completed on Thursday as a result of the computer service.  Also, no copies of Police Reports will be given out on Thursday as a result of this maintenance. 

The requests for records and reports will be back to normal on Friday, March 23, 2012 during normal business hours.

The Police Department regrets any inconvenience this may cause and the upgrades are necessary to improve police service to the community.

Spring Break 2012 By The Numbers

Occurred March 9-19, 2012          Spring Break 2012 Statistics

The Corpus Christi Police Department had several goals to promote a safe environment for Spring Breakers in 2012. The Emergency Operations Center was activated to serve as a central communications post for area emergency responders, there was an emphasis on the safe transit of motorists on the roadways, and there was an emphasis on beach safety.

The Corpus Christi Police occupied the Emergency Operations Center to employ the use of the video cameras that view the beach, the roadways, and certain areas of town. The police officers sent twitter and facebook updates about the beach traffic and conditions. The use of the Emergency Operations served as an exercise for regional emergency responders for familiarization and practice to prepare for any large emergent event.

The Corpus Christi Police Department emphasized the safe transit of motorists by providing increased traffic patrol on densely traveled roadways in the city. The Corpus Christi Police issued 867 citations on Padre Island between March 9 and March 19 for this effort. Only 161 citations were issued for speeding. Most of the citations (282) were for an expired vehicle registration or expired inspection. The other citations were:  41 for uninsured motorists, 24 for not having the proof of insurance available, 52 for disregard a barricade, 61 for unlicensed drivers, 4 for driving with a suspended license, 122 Adults without seatbelts, 59 Children without seatbelts, 6 Minors in possession of alcohol, and 1 violation of curfew. There were 7 vehicle crashes reported on the beach and 24 vehicles were taken to the city impound lot.

The police officers patrolled the crowds on the beach and effected arrests only when necessary in the matter of safety. The Corpus Christi police Department recorded 50 arrests on the beach which were:

23 for Public Intoxication;

11 for Possession of Marijuana;

9 for Warrants for arrest;

1 disorderly conduct;

And 6 other arrests.

There were two individuals on two different days for the duration of this Spring Break that arrived at area hospitals for treatment of injuries they said originated on the beach (Case numbers 1203160036; and 1203140008). Police were not made aware of the injuries until the persons revealed themselves at the hospitals for treatment.

The Corpus Christi Police Department provided an added emphasis on safety on the public roadways by an increased effort to apprehend intoxicated drivers. The Corpus Christi Police made 25 arrests city-wide for the time period of March 9 through March 19. There were 19 arrests for a first Driving While Intoxicated offense; 2 arrests for Driving While Intoxicated as a 2^nd offense (1 previous conviction for D.W.I.), 1 Driving While Intoxicated as a third offense (at least 2 previous convictions for D.W.I.).  There were 3 drivers arrested for driving intoxicated while under the age of 21.

The Corpus Christi Police Department continues the commitment to work as an equal partner with the community to reduce crime, reduce the fear of crime, and enhance public safety.

Chief Simpson Meets the Public

Corpus Christi Police Chief Floyd Simpson conducted several “Meet and Greet” events this week which included the Black Chamber of Commerce on Friday, March, 16, 2012.

Girl Scout Troop 9631 opened the event with a flag ceremony and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Chief Simpson was introduced by the President of the Corpus Christi Black Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Ann Tryon, on the 6th floor of the City Hall.  The Chair of the Corpus Christi Black Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Geraldine Johnson provided a welcome to the gathering and the Assistant City Manager, Troy Riggs provided opening statements to introduce Chief Simpson.

Mayor Joe Adame watched from the side as Chief Simpson shared comments about the city. “I plan to be here a long time.” Chief Simpson said. “This is not a fly-by-night operation for me. I saw the good progress the city team started in this city and I wanted to get on board before we reached the finish line.”

City Councilman Mark Scott, District 32 State Representative Todd hunter, Nueces County Sheriff JIm Kaelin, Corpus Christi Fire Chief Robert Rocha, and District 34 State Representative Connie Scott were among those in attendance for Chief Simpson’s welcome by the Chamber.

             

Suspects Involved in Weekend Collision Still At Large

 Occurred on 3/10/12, 05:00 a.m.   Major Accident   815 Military     C1201818 

Officers were dispatched for a major accident in which a white Mitsubishi Galant was traveling eastbound in the 1200 block of Matlock Street at an unsafe speed.  The driver failed to stop and struck the residence at 815 Military Drive. 

The owner of the home reported to Officers that shortly after the accident he observed two males and two females run away from the accident scene.  The three occupants in the home were uninjured, but did have to find another place to stay as the home was found to be unstable.

 The investigation is active and ongoing, but the Corpus Christi Police Department Hit & Run Section would like the public’s assistance in solving this crime.  Anyone having any information regarding this crime is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS.

Chief Simpson Was Sworn Into Office Monday Morning

              

The new chief of the Corpus Christi Police Department, Floyd Simpson, was sworn into his position Monday in a ceremony at the police main headquarters. The Honorable Jose Longoria, Judge of the 214^th District Court, swore in Chief Simpson in front of the command staff at 9:00 o-clock in the morning on the chiefs first day.

Chief Simpson is a native of Chicago Illinois. Chief Simpson was the assistant chief of police in the Dallas Police Department where he was employed for the past 25 years. Thursday, March 8, 2012, Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and Dallas Chief David Brown said their farewell to Chief Simpson. Monday, March 12, 2012, Chief Simpson was welcomed by Corpus Christi Mayor Joe Adame.

Chief Simpson is 48 years old and his wife of more than 20 years, Tanya, stood by Chief Simpson’s side as Judge Longoria swore in the new chief of police.

The 70^th Police Academy Class for the Corpus Christi Police Department stood in the back of the room to watch Chief Simpson’s ceremony. Chief Simpson took the time to shake every cadet’s hand and introduce himself.

“We share a special bond,” Chief Simpson said to the Academy cadets, “since we start in this department together at the same time.”

                Chief Simpson announced from the podium his intention to waste no time to begin business.

Chief Simpson made a short simple comment as all eyes were on him and ended his comments with the announcement; “It’s time to get to work.”

            

City Opens New Vehicle Impound Lot

The City of Corpus Christi opened the new vehicle impound lot Monday, March 5, 2012. The new impound lot located at 5485 Greenwood Drive was funded by Proposition 3 of the November 2008 city bond election at a cost of 2.7 million dollars. The impound lot features 11 paved acres of land, overhead lighting, access gate, a 2,000 square foot administration building and a vehicle inspection and drop off canopy. The new site has 6 paved acres for a vehicle storage lot, 4 paved acres for an auction lot and 5 acres outside of the existing facility to allow for expansion.

The new impound lot replaces the old impound lot and solves several problems experienced at the previous location. The 5 acre lot on the 2600 block of Holly Road experienced overcrowding, poor drainage and had no room for expansion. The lot on Holly Road opened in 1987 and had 3 additions before it closed operation on March 5, 2012. The location on Holly will be retained by the city to store specialty vehicles and equipment until the new Public Safety Warehouse opens in July 2013.

The employees and the vehicles have moved to the new site from the Holly location. Two additional employees were hired and one wrecker was purchased as a result of the monthly auctions that began March 2011.

The City Impound lot accepted 6,579 vehicles in 2011 for an average of 548 vehicles per month. The City Impound lot accepted 5,857 vehicles in 2010 for an average of 488 vehicles per month. The City Impound lot accepted 1,243 vehicles in 2012 as of March 8, 2012 for an average of 621 vehicles per month.

The site for the new impound lot was the former Hala Pit landfill which was in operation from 1965 until 1971. The site was undeveloped since 1971 until this project was selected for the use of this land.

Environmental studies and safety evaluations delayed the completion of the project and was no additional financial cost. The safety of the environment, employees, and the public is the highest priority that was not compromised in the construction of this project.

The new impound facility serves the purpose to enhance public safety and neighborhood improvement. This area will be the collection point for the uninsured and abandoned vehicles the patrol officers remove as hazards from our city roadways. The facility is open every hour of the day and every day of the year. The Corpus Christi Police Department would like to thank the citizens of Corpus Christi for providing the resources needed to serve this community.

City Officials Outline Spring Break Plans During News Conference at Emergency Operations Center

Occurred March 7, 2012                       2406 Leopard Street

Local, County and State Officials unveiled the 2012 Spring Break Public Safety Plan during a 1:00 PM news conference today at the City of Corpus Christi’s Emergency Operations Center.

The City of Corpus Christi wants everyone visiting our Sparkling City by the Bay during Spring Break 2012 to enjoy a safe and relaxing vacation. For months, the Police, Fire, and Parks and Recreation Departments, along with our local and state partners, have been conducting planning sessions and making preparations to accomplish that goal.   In order to enhance public safety and better coordinate resources from the various departments and agencies, this year the City will conduct a partial activation of the Emergency Operations Center on the two busiest weekends. Staff members at the EOC can remotely monitor traffic and beach conditions through the use of closed circuit cameras, as well as direct additional resources to the personnel on the beach. In addition, the partial activation provides EOC staff with an outstanding opportunity to gain experience and training should the need for a full activation, such as a hurricane or man-made disaster, arise.

Spring Break Beach Patrols begin on March 8^th and continue through March 18th. The first shift will begin patrolling each day at 11 AM and continue until 9 PM, or when the large crowds disperse.  A second shift will begin at 5 PM and patrol the beach until 3 AM.  Contingencies are in place for additional officers to respond to the beach if needed.

The Fire Department will have a squad patrolling the beach emergency lane from 11 AM to 9 PM on weekends.

Lifeguards will be patrolling the beach from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm to respond to minor incidents and beach rescues.

On peak days, beach goers will be directed to enter the beach at Access Road 3 and exit at Zahn Road.  Beach traffic will be one way from Access Road 3 to Zahn Road. Traffic officers will control traffic with a portable signal at Zahn Road and SH 361.

Beach goers are encouraged to leave early and expect delays due to heavy traffic on the Island. The CCPD PIO will provide traffic and beach updates on Citizen Observer (www.citizenobserver.com/cov6/app/index.html) and CCPD’s official Twitter feed (@CorpusChristiPD).

While the City of Corpus Christi encourages everyone to have a good time and enjoy the beach, officers will be on the lookout for alcohol related crimes such as DWI, public intoxication and underage drinking. Beach goers are reminded that the following are prohibited at the beach by city ordinance:

• No glass containers (City Ord 10-65)
• No littering (City Ord 10-57)
• No dogs on beach from Access Road 3 to Zahn Road (during Spring Break by Special Order of the City Manager City Ord 10-59)

Due to safety concerns, the City of Corpus Christi strongly requests pallets not be taken to the beach.  Burning of pallets is prohibited as the nails leave dangerous litter.  Fires on the beach also have to comply with City Ordinance 10-67.