I would like to start by thanking the wonderful readers of the Lebanon Times for the continued support of the Houston Police Department and its officers. With sadness, we grieve a recent line-of-duty death and dedicate this article to the memory of Houston Police Sergeant Christopher Brewster, who was killed responding to a domestic violence call.
In this month’s article, I would like to highlight some of the accomplishments of the HPD Midwest Division in 2019. There were many collaborative efforts between you and the Houston Police Department. It is by working together that we create a positive impact in improving the quality of life for the citizens we serve. A special thanks from all of us to Julia and Nabil for assisting with several of our community initiatives.
The first accomplish I am proud to mentions is that we have a wonderful Arabic volunteer who comes to Midwest Division and teaches our officers conversational Arabic. The officers are very appreciative and have shown great interest in learning a new language and learning about Arabic culture.
Midwest Division hosted several events this year as a part of this community. We hosted two “Coffee with a Cop” events where citizens have the opportunity to meet and interact with officers on the beat. Many people enjoy the opportunity to ask questions and obtain a new perspective on police work and get to know the officers working in their neighborhoods.
With the support of the community, we have expanded our Midwest Division Explorer Program and now have over 20 teens participating. The Explorer Program is designed for teenagers interested in a career in law enforcement. This program serves as an opportunity to interact, train and preview opportunities that are available to them from our officers.
This year we started our Business Positive Interaction Program (PIP) to focus on issues specifically of concern to business owners. We address safety concerns, provide insight on improving site security, and discuss best-methods to work with the police in solving crime problems.
The Midwest Division Back-2-School Bash is designed to aid underprivileged families to assist in providing school supplies. This year’s event was even bigger than ever, enlisting additional community partners contributing to its success. More than400 backpacks full of school supplies were distributed, and over 600 people were fed in this festival-like atmosphere. Vendors also provided additional supplies and gifts to the attendees.
This month’s2ndAnnual Midwest Holiday Bash is anticipated to host over 500 children. Attendees will be welcomed by food, fun and games along with a visit from HPD’s Blue Santa providing gifts for everyone. Community partners have volunteered to host Face Painting, Magic Shows, a Photo Booth and more. It’s a great time for us to interact with children and their families.
The Midwest Differential Response Team (DRT) works diligently with the community to combat crime through community initiatives, like those already mentioned. They also provide crime prevention education services, like Crime Prevention by Environmental Design (CPTED). This is where officers conduct site surveys of homes and businesses and make security recommendations, like improving lighting, locks, and even landscape issues that can impact safety.
The DRT also participated in other programs, like the “March on Crime” by helping to educate citizens on how to prevent crimes in the places they live and work. Citizens received crime prevention tools and information through our Apartment Positive Interaction Program (PIP), Division PIP and numerous community meetings.
In an effort to improve the quality of life in the Midwest area, effort was given to address issues or situations that invite crime by their mere design, location or purpose. Many citations were issued for illegal dumping of trash, illegal parking, dumping of cars -some that were discovered to be stolen.
The DRT worked to ensure that nightclubs, massage parlors, and convenience stores were operating in accordance with city ordinances and state law. Some clubs were shut down for promoting criminal activities that included DWI’s, assaults, sexual assaults and weapons violations.
The Midwest Crime Suppression Team (CST) and the Midwest patrol officers have been diligent in working collectively to successfully arrest serial criminals that have been linked to multiple crimes. Our most notable arrest was a serial Burglary of a Building suspect linked to over 40 burglaries of businesses in at least three districts around the city.
As we move toward a New Year, we thank you for your continued support and look forward to continuing our partnership to fight crime and improve the quality of life for citizens in the Midwest area.
Thank you and be safe!
Contact Information: Houston Police Department-Midwest Division
7277 Regency Sq Blvd | Houston, TX 77036 | Tel: 832-394-1200