Email: gonzalezr@laportetx.gov

                  
     

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School Resource Officers 

 The Officers pictured below are all Patrolmen for the La Porte Police Department and are contracted to the La Porte Independent School District as School Resource Officers (S.R.O.'s).  Each Officer is assigned to a specific campus and works directly from their respective school.  During holiday periods or any other time of year when school is not in session, the Officers return to the Patrol Division and carry out specialized tasks for the police department.  Each Officer possesses an extensive ammount of knowledge regarding juvenile law, school district policies, patrol operations, and various investigative techniques.


Officer Clarence Persails
S.R.O. Assignment: La Porte High School
Email: persailsc@laportetx.gov


Officer Brian Larkey
S.R.O. Assignment: La Porte High School
Email:larkeyb@laportetx.gov


Officer Matt Parsons
S.R.O. Assignment: La Porte Junior High School
Email: parsonsm@laportetx.gov


Officer Matt Novosad
S.R.O. Assignment: Lomax Junior High School
Email:novosadm@laportetx.gov


Officer Paul Whitchurch
S.R.O. Assignment: Dewalt Alternative School
Email: whitchurchp@laportetx.gov
 

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There is an Advanced class offered upon completion of the basic CPA. The advanced classes are held on Tuesday nights also from 7:00pm until 10:00pm. The advanced class is ten consecutive Tuesday nights. These classes are more in depth of our special divisions and how we can utilize the information to assist law enforcement as well as benefiting our day to day lives.

Each class has a Graduation ceremony on the last night. Certificates and awards are given to each participant. There is no charge for either class. All class materials will be issued notebooks, paper, pens, handouts, etc.

The requirements are very basic. Participants/Students must be at least twenty years of age with a clear criminal history, meaning no convictions of any felony charge, not currently on probation, bond, or wanted list. A short entrance application will need to be completed prior to first night. A modified background check will be conducted. To be recognized as a graduate no more than four classes can be missed. And no more than three of the advance class. We ask that all participants either live or work in the city but exceptions have been made.

The previous graduating classes have formed the La Porte Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association. Any person graduating from the basic academy is eligible. There is no requirement to join the association.

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Neighborhood Watch

Neighborhood Watch is exactly that, watching over your own neighborhood and assisting the police as additional eyes and ears, reporting unusual activity to the police. You should know more about what is going on in your neighborhood than anyone else.

This is not a 'patrol your neighborhood' program.

This is not a program that takes hours of time to do.

La Porte Neighborhood Watch ask that you take one minute as you walk out to, or from your car to look around and look for those things that look out of place, dangerous or unusual. We urge you to talk to your neighbors, to know what is unusual or different at their home. Your neighbors can also watch for problems at your home. Many other opportunities can come from being a better neighbor.

The La Porte Police Department P.A.R. Officers can instruct any La Porte organization or resident how to deter crime in their own neighborhood or business. Your safety begins in your own home. The right type of doors, windows and proper locking devices may improve the security of your home and make you eligible for insurance discounts. Insurance discounts for monitored alarm systems are also available.

Or if you would like to start a Neighborhood Watch Program on your street, contact the Crime Prevention Division of the La Porte Police Department.

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Operation I.D.

Operation Identification is a citizens burglary prevention program for use in homes and businesses. The Operation ID program involves marking your property with an identifying number as a means of discouraging burglary. In communities where it has been properly implemented, Operation Identification has shown dramatic results in its ability to reduce burglaries.

The Operation ID program is as easy as marking your valuables with your Driver's License Number. By engraving your Driver's License Number in your valuables, your property can be easily traced and identified as yours. Therefore, making it difficult for a thief to dispose of or resell.

Operation Identification is a nationwide program designed to discourage burglary and the theft of valuables from your home or business. The Program provides a way for you and law enforcement officials to easily identify ownership of stolen property.

This is a simple and effective program. Here is how it works:

1. You permanently engrave your state drivers license or I.D. number on a permanent part of your property. (An engraver may be borrowed from your local law enforcement agency)

2. Make an inventory of your engraved property listing manufacturer and serial number and location you engraved, and purchase price. (Inventory sheets are available from La Porte Police P.A.R. Officers. Place these inventory sheets in a safe place such as copies of tax returns and insurance policies. )

3. Photograph or videotape your property. This and your inventory could help insurance claims after a burglary, fire or flood.

4. Contact your local law enforcement agency for Operation I.D. stickers for the windows of your home as a burglary deterrent.

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Insurance Home Surveys

The La Porte Police Department can have an officer inspect your home to help you meet Texas Department of Insurance Standards. The following is required to obtain insurance discounts:

1. Exterior doors are solid core doors that are 1 3/8 inches thick and are secured by dead-bolt locks. Dead-bolt locks must lock with a minimum bolt lock throw of one inch that penetrates a metal strike plate. If the door secured by the dead-bolt lock has breakable glass within 40 inches of the lock, the lock must be key-operated from both sides unless prohibited by life safety codes.

2. Metal doors are secured by dead-bolt locks as described above.

3. Double doors meet the specifications for exterior doors as listed above, have the inactive door secured by header and threshold bolts that penetrate metal strike plates, and in case of glass located within 40 inches of header and threshold bolts, have the bolts flush-mounted in the edge of the door.

4. Sliding glass doors are secured by secondary locking devices to prevent lifting and prying.

5. Dutch doors have concealed flush-bolt locking devices to interlock upper and lower halves and are secure by a dead-bolt lock as described above.

6. Garage doors are equipped with key-operated locking devices.

7. Windows are secured by auxiliary locking devices. An auxiliary locking device required by this section must include screws, wooden dowels, pinning devices, and key-operated locks. In areas in which life safety codes permit, metal bars or grating, if mounted to prevent removal, may be substituted for auxiliary locking devices. Jalousie or louvered windows do not meet specifications of this section unless they have metal grating mounted as provided for above.

An additional discount is provided for property is equipped with an electronic burglar alarm that meets the following requirements:

All exterior structure openings are contacted; the system includes an interior and exterior siren;
All equipment is U.L. approved and is monitored by a U.L. approved central station; and

Sales services, installation, and monitoring of the system are done in compliance with the Private Investigations and Private Security Agencies act

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Bicycle Security Tips

An estimated one million bicycles are stolen in the U.S. each year. This amounts to a loss of $250,000,000 each year. On the street, the value of a stolen bicycle is approximately 5-10% of the bicycles original retail value. A large percentage of bicycle theft takes place in cities where there are colleges and universities

Top 10 Worst Cities for Bike Theft

Kryptonite, the leading bike lock manufacturer, uses its anti-lock guarantee registration program and claims paid to identify the worst cities in the U.S. for bicycle theft. They have composed the following list:

• New York, NY

• Phoenix, AZ

• San Francisco, CA

• Chicago, IL

• Philadelphia, PA

• Washington, DC

• Boston, MA

• Austin, TX

• Portland, OR

• Miami, FL

Primary Reasons Why Bicycles Are Stolen:

So the thief can sell the bicycle or its parts as a source of money

For the thief's personal use

As a temporary means of transportation

Bicycle Registration

There is not a standard serial number for bicycles. An ideal system would identify the make, model, the model year, and a unique number. Currently, there is no central database to check bicycle registration. With the Internet, a nationwide bicycle registration system could work.

National Bike Registry
www.natlbike.com

Specifics about the National bicycle registration program:

Can register online or by telephone

$10.00 for 10 year coverage for an individual bike

Sent Certificate of Registration and a "tamper proof" label to attach to the bike

Bicycle serial number is written on label

NBR database can be searched by police using the serial number stamped on the bicycle

The La Porte Police Department can arrange to have your Bicycle registered locally. Call (281) 842-3184 and ask about bicycle registration.

Bicycle Protection

The owner should purchase and use a high-quality "U-Lock" Bicycle Locks Tested by Bicycling Magazine August 1994 Issue Purchase and use a heavy duty, case hardened coated or covered chain with a high-security padlock. Secure the bicycle frame and both wheels to an immovable object, preferably a good quality bicycle rack. The lock should not be near the ground. Take up as much open space within the U-portion of the lock as possible. If a U-Lock has a keyway at the end of the crossbar, position the lock with its keyway end facing down towards the ground. (It makes it more difficult for the thief)

How Bicycle Locking Devices Can Be Broken:

• Bolt cutters will cut most chains and cables

• For some U-Locks, leveraging devices can be inserted into the excess space, and the lock can be snapped open.

• A long pipe can be placed over the locking mechanism to pry the lock open.

• U-Locks can be broken by inserting a scissors-style car jack inside the U and cranking.

• Freon and some other super cold substances have been blamed for some bike thefts, but in reality this probably occurs infrequently.

• Park bikes in conspicuous, well-lighted places.

• If you park near other bikes, the chances are thieves will take bikes with the least secure locks.

• Personalize the bicycle to make it less attractive to a would-be thief and easy to identify if recovered

• Engrave an identification number on the bike

• Engrave on the underside of the frame's diagonal bar near the crank housing

• Engrave each wheel near the valve stem, the crank, derailleur, front forks, etc.

• Marking should be placed where they can be seen standing on the right side of the bicycle

• Use fingernail polish to help prevent rusting or deterioration

• Register the bicycle with either a local law enforcement agency or National Bike Registry

• Owner should make sure their bicycle is covered by their (or their families') homeowner's insurance

Bicycle Racks and Lockers:

• One style frequently used is the "Sidewinder."

• This rack is constructed of 23/8" structural steel tubing.

• They have both galvanized steel or powder coat finish.

• They are available in 3,5,7,9,11 and 13-bike capacity models for either below ground or surface installation.

• Another preferred bike rack is the Cora Bike Rack.

• This bike rack allows for the locking of the wheels and frame while supporting the bicycle frame.

Cora Bike Rack, Inc.

Some colleges and universities provide bicycle storage lockers. Such lockers are usually rented to students.

Cycle-Safe, Inc.

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Workplace Violence  

Definition
Workplace Violence is any situation that may:

Threaten the safety of an employee or business patron/visitor
Have an impact upon an employee's physical and/or psychological well-being
Cause damage to company property

How Serious Is The Problem?

Workplace violence is the fastest growing form of murder in the USA.
In the United States, 10% of men killed at work die of murder while the figure for women is 40% . It is the leading cause of workplace death for women (compared to natural causes and accidents).
According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, each year more than 1,600 people are murdered at work.
More than 2,000,000 people are assaulted on the job each year and more than 6,000,000 are threatened.

Workplace violence is an increasing phenomenon - Why?

Increasingly violent society
Domestic discord
Poor leadership and management skills
Economy - Job pressures
Influence of drugs and alcohol
Media influence
"copycats"
"15 Minutes of Fame"
Persons used to resolve their differences by talking it out. Now, they often resort to violence as an initial problem-solving technique.

Types of Workplace Violence

Third Party Intrusion into the Workplace

When a person not a member of the business or organization enters the workplace
Is the greatest potential for workplace violence
Armed Robbery is a frequent occurrence
Often estranged or recently divorced husband, ex-boyfriend or the emotionally disturbed person
Women obtaining increased number of emergency protection orders (EPO) or emergency restraining orders (ERO)

Disgruntled Employees - "Going Postal"

Usually directs their act(s) of violence towards coworkers, supervisors or managers
The motive for the act or acts of violence is usually revenge
They believe something very important has been taken away from them such as a promotion, raise, or assignment or transfer

Prevention of Workplace Violence

Third Party Intrusion Into The Workplace

Robbery
Working with their local law enforcement agency, management should develop and maintain an effective robbery prevention program.

Customer Conflict
Teach customer service orientation -may serve to diffuse the customer's anger or hostility
Teach conflict resolution skills to employees
Design of office facilities
Use of CCTV and audio monitoring
Criminal prosecution
Documentation of incident
Establish policy

Domestic Conflict
Staff Members Should Notify Supervisors of Domestic Conflicts - Employees should be encouraged to notify their supervisors whenever they experience domestic conflict involving abuse, violence or threats or when they experience misdirected affection (romantic obsession). The supervisor can subsequently be more alert to the possible intrusion into the workplace and possibly initiate proactive measures.

Notify Security Department - When an employee has obtained an emergency protection order directed toward an estranged or recently divorced spouse, ex-boyfriend, family member, etc., the company security department should be notified.

Duress Alarm - A temporary duress alarm may be installed in the workplace of the individual who is threatened. Such an alarm should be monitored by the company security department, if possible.

Cell Phone - Programs have been developed in some communities whereby cellular telephones are provided free-of-charge to persons (usually women) threatened by domestic violence.

Escorts - The person who is threatened and/or has obtained the emergency protection order may be escorted from and to his/her motor vehicle to the workplace by a uniformed security officer.

Personal Alarm - The person threatened may be encouraged to carry a high decibel personal battery powered alarm device.

Community Services - Victims of domestic conflict or discord may be referred to community social services ("Battered Women's Shelter") that may be of assistance

Law Enforcement Domestic Violence Program - Many law enforcement agencies have developed domestic violence programs to provide aid, assistance and counsel to victims.

Disgruntled Employees - Who Are They?

Profile of Attackers Involved in Workplace Homicide

Male
35 years or older
Owns a weapon or weapons
Has a history of violence against women, children or animals
Is withdrawn or a loner
Their job provides self-esteem
Has a history of substance abuse or mental health issues
Blames others for life's disappointments
Poor coping skills and resources
High probability of military service

When Are Employees Under Greatest Stress?

Loss of job
When there is a death in the family
When undergoing a divorce
During a physical move
Experiencing serious financial stress

"Red Flags" or Warning Signs

History of violent behavior
Fascination with weaponry and/or acts of violence
Carrying a concealed weapon
Verbal, nonverbal, or written threats or intimidation
Obsessive involvement with the job
Unwanted romantic interest in coworker
Paranoid behavior
Unable to accept criticism
Holds a grudge
Recent family, financial and/or personal problems
Talks about past killings/violence
Tests limits of acceptable behavior
Stress in the workplace such as layoffs, ROFs, and labor disputes
Little tolerance of others
Gets away with unacceptable job performance ratings
Fond of violent films and TV shows
Non communicator - loner
Extreme reactions to new policies - has a hard time with authority figures
Change in quality of work
Very neat or very sloppy - or sudden change
Lies, exaggerates or over reacts on a regular basis
Self-centered or aloof
Withdrawal of funds
Irrational beliefs and ideas
Expressions of a plan to hurt himself or others
Externalization of blame
Taking up much of supervisor's time with behavior or performance problems
Drastic change in belief system
Displays of unwarranted anger
Feelings of being victimized
Intoxication from alcohol or other substances on the job
Expressions of hopelessness or heightened anxiety
Productivity and/or attendance problems
Violence towards inanimate objects
Steals or sabotages projects or equipment
Lack of concern for the safety of others

At Risk Work Environment

Chronic labor/management disputes
Frequent grievances filed
Large number of injury claims
Under staffing or excessive demands for overtime
High number of stressed personnel
Authoritarian Management Approach - an aggressive style where management tells employees what and when to do everything.
Polarization between employees and managers - the relationship is one of an us verses them syndrome.
Inconsistencies between employees and managers - employees and management do not share the same work related goals. Environmental pressures - pressures from home, financial problems, work schedules or unfair work demands.
Sequence of Employer-Directed Violence
Individual suffers trauma which creates tension or anxiety
Single major event
Cumulative minor events
Individual perceives problems are unsolvable
Individual projects all responsibility onto the situation
Individual's frame of reference becomes self-centered
Self-preservation and self-protection gradually becomes sole objective
Violent act perceived as only way out
Violent act attempted or committed.

Levels of Violence

Level One
Refuses to cooperate with immediate supervisors
Spreads rumors and gossips to harm others
Consistently argues with co-workers
Belligerent toward customers/client
Is profane towards others
Makes unwanted sexual advances

Level Two
Argues increasingly with customers, co-workers and management
Refuses to obey company policies and procedures
Sabotages equipment and steals property
Verbalizes wishes to hurt co-workers and/or management
Sees self as victimized by management

Level Three
Recurrent suicide threats
Recurrent physical fights
Destruction of property
Utilization of weapons to harm others
Commission of murder, rape and/or arson

What Companies Should Do ...

Non-Harassment Policy
A clearly written company policy should be developed that prohibits intimidation and harassment in the workplace

Zero Tolerance for Weapons
Companies should have a consistent, well-publicized policy that allows zero tolerance for weapons in the work place.

Encourage Employees to Report Incidents
Employees should be encouraged to report incidents of violence, harassment, intimidation, threatened violence, etc. to their superiors and/or the company security department.

Employee Training
Employees should be trained to recognize warning signs or "red flags" in the behavior or circumstances of co-workers that may lead to workplace violence.

Evaluate Employment Procedures
Wherever possible, employment procedures should include a thorough background check of perspective employees.

Advise Employees of Counseling Services
Insure that all employees are advised of available counseling and employee assistance programs that are available.

Provide A Healthy Work Environment
Provide a work environment that includes benevolent rather than authoritarian management, predictable supervision, value for dignity of the employee and reasonable work demands or requirements.

Evaluate Security and Emergency Procedures
In cooperation with the local law enforcement agency or the company security department, evaluate access control, security and emergency response procedures.

Minimize Workplace Stress
As much as possible to do, work to minimize labor/management disputes, under staffing, unsafe conditions, excessive demands for output or any other factors that contribute to workplace stress

Provide a Threat Management Plan
When threats or implied threats are reported or made known, the company should have a team of professionals that pull together to analyze risk factors and plan a course of action. This team may vary according to the situation, but may include representatives from:

The Human Resources Department

The Company Security Department

Employee Assistance Services

Company Legal Council

Senior Company Management

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Child Safe Gun Locks

Project Child Safe is a program to help ensure safe and responsible firearms ownership and storage.

Project Child Safe is designed to reduce the risk of firearms accidents in the home and, in particular, to help safeguard children from suffering a tragic injury because of an improperly stored firearm.

Project Child Safe, which is funded through a grant from the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, has distributed 750,000 gun lock safety kits to law enforcement agencies throughout the state. As part of the program, the La Porte Police Department will distribute, free of charge, gun safety kits and 2,000 cable lock devices to community members that request them. The lock, which works like a bicycle cable lock, is threaded through the firearms action, rendering the firearm inoperable. The locks, in combination with the accompanying educational materials, are intended to promote safe handling and secure storage practices among all firearms owners.

These locks can be used on most types of firearms, including handguns, rifles and shotguns. Local residents are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to pick up free gun locks and use them to secure their firearms.

The free locks and safety pamphlets (in English or Spanish) which are being provided by Project Child Safe are available for distribution at the La Porte Police Department. Picture identification as proof of residence will be required to receive 2 free gun locking devices.

Contact a P.A.R. Officer at the La Porte Police Department for more details or to obtain your free gun lock(s).

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