June 6 Membership Meeting Minutes
OPENING
Joe Gamaldi called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Rev. Corey Wilson led the prayer.
DEDICATION
Christian Dorton read the meeting dedication for Investigator Carl Green who was killed in the Line of Duty on March 14, 1928.
GUESTS
Houston City Council Member Greg Travis.
Steve Benevidez with VFW handing out flowers in remembrance of D-Day.
PATROL OF THE MONTH / INVESTIGATOR OFFICER OF THE MONTH
For the month of May – Officers Serrano and Vieira. For the month of June – Officers Escobar, Guillen & Alvarez
INVESTIGATOR OF THE MONTH
None
TREASURER’S REPORT
Joe informed the membership that the treasurer’s reports were on the tables.
Joe reminded the membership that meeting minutes are available on HPOU.org.
COMMUNICATIONS
Joe updated the membership on fire fighter pay parity. Joe advised that we won our case. There will be no layoffs or demotions. Fire fighters will appeal in the 14th Court of Appeals. There will be no layoffs for the Houston Police Department.
Joe informed the membership that there will be 5 academy classes with 75 cadets each. The department will grow for the 2nd fiscal year in a row.
Joe updated the membership on Goines & Bryant and advised the case is still under review by Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
Joe informed the membership to let him know if they continue to have issues with DA’s and Judges. Joe informed the membership that the DA and Judges are pursuing a Cite and Release program for certain Class A and B misdemeanors.
Joe informed the membership on the results of the HPOU “Cite and Release” survey.
Joe informed the membership of two vacancies on the HPOU board and the next election will determine who will fill them.
Joe informed the membership that Officer Daily continues to recover and is now walking. He is expected to be released soon. Joe encouraged donations for Officer Daily to go to Assisttheofficer.com.
Joe updated the membership on Officer Irwin Son who recently had surgery and is recovering at home.
Joe updated the membership on the Texas Legislature session. Joe urged members to read the e-mails sent out by the HPOU summarizing the weekly sessions. Joe encouraged members to give to PAC.
Joe informed the membership of the HPOU endorsement of Pat Yoes for FOP National President.
Joe informed the membership of his candidacy for National FOP Vice President.
Joe informed the membership that the department had 2 million citizen contacts last year, and only 18 shootings. Out of the 2 million citizen contacts, the department received 273 complaints from citizens, 834 internal complaints, and 20 complaints that were cleared without an investigation, due to body camera video footage.
Joe urged the membership to reach out to their peers if they see they are struggling. Suicide awareness is important. Joe reminded the membership that HOPA, the peer support group, is live at 832-200-3499.
Joe reminded the membership about online id protection; the goal is to protect members’ private information from being accessible on the internet. Online protection is available to members free of charge.
Joe informed the membership that we are still on track to add 5 fiscal classes for next year. Joe reminded the membership to help recruit for upcoming academy classes. Joe stated that the HPOU will be setting up a recruiting incentive by entering names of police trainee mentors into a drawing, one winner will be selected per academy class and will win $2,000 dollars. Anyone interested in joining HPD can text JOINHPD797979 to receive recruiting information.
Joe informed the membership that he has gotten approval two months from the Chief to push No Shave November and December. Joe will be pushing for beards to be approved permanently.
Joe reminded to membership the benefit for Officer Thomas “Gene” Young will be Saturday, June 29th, 1-9pm at “2 A Days” in Pearland.
Joe reminded to membership that the Bike Relay send off will be June 25th at 9am at the HPOU.
Joe advised the membership that our first family fun event will be June 25th, 9am, here at HPOU.
Joe reminded the membership on upcoming ATO event. Next event will be on Saturday, July 27th featuring Blue October. For more info visit assisttheofficer.com.
Joe informed the membership that Officers who work club EJ’s will be assigned a body camera.
Joe reminded the membership that it is important to follow the HPOU on social media sites. There is power in numbers, and by retweeting/sharing HPOU posts we can control the narrative. Joe stated there are several instances where he has been able to turn a negative story about an Officer into a positive one through social media posts. Joe informed the membership to quickly advise him about controversial news stories.
Joe advised the membership to help share information by following him on Twitter (@JoeGamaldi) or following and retweeting the HPOU (@HPOUTX).
Joe reminded the membership that city emails and city phones are considered open records. Be cautious with the information and content you share on city emails.
Joe informed the membership that they only have 30 days to add a new baby to their insurance policy. If the paperwork is not submitted within 30 days, you must wait until open enrollment. Joe asked the membership to remind new parents about this policy.
Joe reminded the membership that a 4% raise will be given in the first full pay period of July.
Joe reminded Officers to take the physical agility test. If passed, Officers who were hired prior to 03-30-2011 receive $800 dollars and those hired after that date receive 40 PD hours.
Joe reminded the membership starting July 2019, the PAT will be available for $1,000 dollars, until the budget runs out. Once the budget runs out, members will get PT days: 5 days for Officers and 4 days for supervisors. The agility test is no longer necessary.
Joe informed the membership that the monthly cookout will be held on Thursday, June 27th at the Northeast station.
Joe informed the membership that qualifications will now be on duty.
Joe informed the membership that if they need a personal injury attorney to contact Williams/Khirker law firm.
Joe advised the membership that if they need a will done to contact Fulton Broemer who will make you one for free.
REMINDERS
Joe reminded the membership to download the HPOU application which is now available through Google play and the Apple store.
Joe advised the membership that HOPA, the peer support group, is live at 832-200-3499.
Joe advised officers that if they know of anyone who needs assistance to please encourage them to contact HOPA.
Public Safety Financial Group (PSFG) –Thinking of retiring go see PSFG for a free financial analysis. The analysis is valued at approximately $500 and there is no obligation to join PSFG. Contact PSFG at 832-200-3440 for an appointment.
The next meeting will be on Thursday, August 1st. No meeting in July.
NEW MEMBERS
All of academy class 240. Luis Menendez makes a motion to accept the new members of class 240. Christian Dorton seconds. Motion carries.
DOOR PRIZES
Joe Gamaldi announced the door prizes.
ADJOURNMENT
Mark Gomez made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Gilbert Ruther seconds the motion. Motion passed by a majority of membership.
Minutes prepared by: Rhonda Wilson