Chief Floyd Simpson today announced the promotion of Captain John Houston to the position of Commander, effective Monday May 28th. Houston fills the vacancy created by the recent promotions of Commanders Mark Schauer and Mike Markle to Assistant Chief, and will join current Commanders Heidi Frese, Santiago Escalante, and Todd Green. Captain Houston is a 32-year veteran of the CCPD and is currently in charge of the Department’s Training Division. Captain Houston has extensive experience within the department, serving as a patrol officer, narcotics investigator, and on the DEA task force. As a supervisor, Captain Houston has served in the Uniform Division as a Field Lieutenant and District Captain, as Uniform Division Executive Officer, as Criminal Investigation Division Executive Officer, and as Narcotics Vice Investigations Division Executive Officer. He is scheduled to graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in June from St. Leo’s University, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, one of the country’s most prestigious training schools for Police Managers. A promotion ceremony will be held at 8:15 AM Tuesday May 29th in the Chief’s Conference Room at Police Headquarters.
Coinciding with his announcement of Captain Houston’s promotion, Chief Simpson today unveiled the department’s new organizational structure. As previously outlined by Chief Simpson, this new organizational structure divides the Department into three separate Bureaus; Operations, Investigations, and Administration, each commanded by an Assistant Chief. Assistant Chief Jesse Garcia will be in charge of the Operations Bureau, Assistant Chief Mark Schauer will supervise the Administration Bureau, and Assistant Chief Mike Markle will head up the Operations Bureau. This structure groups units with similar functions and goals under the same command and will ensure that important operations such as recruiting and training will are given the attention they deserve. The new organizational structure takes effect Monday June 4th, in order to provide everyone with sufficient time to transition into their new positions. Effective on that date, Commander Frese will take over the Uniform Division, Commander Escalante will assume command of the Criminal Investigations Division, Commander Green will transition to the Commander of Support Services, and Commander Houston will take charge of the newly created Personnel Development Division. Chief Simpson stated that he strongly believes this new organizational structure will maximize the talents of the department’s work force, provide for consistent, cohesive leadership, and ensure accountability at all levels of the organization.
With what could be another scorching summer season just over the horizon, most of the public looks forward to the end of the school year, summer holidays, sunny days spent at the beach, and long leisurely vacations. For many police departments across the country, however, the rising temperatures often lead to an increase in violence, property crimes, auto thefts, and traffic accidents. With that in mind, the Corpus Christi Police Department today announced its first ever Summer Crime Initiative, dubbed “Operation Safe Summer”, a program designed to keep crime numbers from rising along with the thermometer.
Virtually every division of the Corpus Christi Police Department will take part in the initiative. Enlisting the help of several city departments and numerous local law enforcement agencies, the focus of the initiative will be on disrupting any of the three elements of the “crime triangle” ,while at the same time seeking to increase community engagement.
Crime Triangle
Beginning on Friday May 25th, Memorial Day weekend, and ending Labor Day, Monday September 3rd, the Operation Safe Summer will target juvenile crime, burglary, auto burglary, auto theft, graffiti, gang crimes, and traffic safety. The program relies on the identification of “Hot Spots” of increased crime, identified through timely intelligence and crime analysis, followed immediately by the rapid deployment of all available resources to suppress the crime, and verified by relentless follow-up to ensure the problem has been resolved.
Among the strategies designed to reduce juvenile crime, patrol officers will adopt a zero tolerance policy for curfew violators, while working in close cooperation with the Juvenile Assessment Center. The Narcotics/Vice Division will combat underage drinking by identifying and raiding minor parties, and conduct “stings” to reduce the number of establishments furnishing alcohol to minors.
Auto Theft Task Force Detectives will deploy the “bait” vehicle in those areas identified as having high levels of auto thefts and auto burglaries, while patrol officers will employ saturation patrol and conduct driver license checkpoints in those same areas to deter crime. Criminal Investigation Detectives, Crime Analysts, and Uniform Officers will work closely together and with Adult Probation and Parole and Juvenile Probation to identify repeat offenders and apprehend absconders.
Gang Unit officers will continue to target the most active gangs and gang members for enhanced enforcement efforts. Additionally, Gang Unit officers will work alongside Narcotics/Vice Investigators and TABC Enforcement Officers to conduct bar inspections at those locations where gang members congregate.
Traffic Division officers will continue to focus on the Enhanced Traffic Initiative citywide, targeting speeders on the city’s freeway system at all hours of the day. Additional targets include reducing late night “racing’ on Ocean Drive, increased DWI enforcement, Insurance checkpoints, and participation in the statewide “Click it or Ticket” campaign.
These are just a few of the strategies that officers will employ to ensure that as temperatures go up, crime stats do not rise along with them. Another very key component to “Operation Safe Summer” is increasing community involvement, especially in those neighborhoods traditionally hit hardest by crime. One of the methods the department will use to gauge attitudes about crime is the use of Community Engagement Forms. Officers will “fan” out in targeted neighborhoods, asking residents to complete the Community Engagement Form, which asks a simple series of questions about neighborhood crime, code issues, etc. At the same time, the department hopes to collect phone numbers and e-mail addresses in order to form neighborhood crime watches or to publicize future neighborhood meetings, warn residents of significant crime trends, or offer crime prevention tips.
Citizens are encouraged to follow the CCPD on Twitter, FaceBook, and CCPD Blotter.com. Emergency notifications such as major traffic wrecks, robberies, weather hazards, road closings, etc. are distributed to the community through Citizen Observer. Anyone interested in researching the crime trends in their neighborhood can do so by logging onto CrimeReports.com. Citizens can assist with this Corpus Christi Police Department Initiative by providing crime tips to Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS, or logging onto www.888TIPS.com. For those with iPhones or smartphones with Android Operating Systems, Crime Stoppers now offers a free TipSubmit mobile phone application. With this app, users can text anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers using their mobile phone. Of course, in the case of an emergency, citizens should call 911.
The goal of the Summer Crime Initiative is foremost to reduce crime, reduce the fear of crime, and enhance public safety, but just as important is to refocus our efforts in addressing overall quality of life issues within our community. Working together with our local and state partners we can all have an enhanced positive impact not only on crime, but also on a variety of issues that impact our community.
Partner Agencies
Texas Department of Public Safety
Nueces County Sheriff’s Office
Nueces County Community Supervision & Corrections Department
Texas Department of Criminal Justice Parole Division
Nueces County Juvenile Justice Center
Corpus Christi Independent School District Police Department
Occurred on 5/19/2012 02:49am 4500 Adkins Auto Burglary 1205190038
The owner of a late-model Ford Pickup residing in the 4400 block of Jansen Street, told the investigating officer that he noticed the dome light to his truck was on, so he walked outside to investigate. When he checked the truck, the owner discovered that someone had rifled through the glove compartment and strewn papers about the cab, but nothing appeared to be missing. The man told officers that when he walked to the truck, he saw a dark-colored Mitsubishi Eclipse that was parked one house away drive off at a high rate of speed. The officer began searching the neighborhood for the suspect vehicle and spotted a black Eclipse stopped near several parked cars in the 4900 block of Trinity Street. When the officer approached, the Eclipse suddenly sped away; running a stop sign at Mt. Vernon. The Officer then pulled the car over in the 4900 block of Lavaca Street, which was occupied by two men in their late teens. In the rear seat of the car, the officer noticed a black backpack containing a pill bottle. Also inside the backpack were a black IPod, five pocket knives, and a pair of sunglasses. The name on the prescription didn’t match either of the teens and returned to an address on the 4500 block of Adkins Street. Officers contacted the homeowner on Adkins, who told them that someone had stolen the pill bottle from the cab of his late-model Ford Pickup, along with his IPod, two pocket knives, and a pair of sunglasses. The man then identified the IPod, pocket knives, and sunglasses that were found inside the backpack as his. Both men, Christopher Garza (DOB: 10-8-1993) and Rafael Soliz (DOB: 4-12-1993), were then arrested and charged with Auto Burglary and possession of a controlled substance.
Two CCPD Officers patrolling the 10,100 block of SPID spotted a Toyota pickup stopped in the left lane of traffic, partially upon the grassy median. When the officers stopped to investigate further, they observed Dustin Garcia (DOB: 5-12-1986) passed out behind the steering wheel, with the engine on, the car in drive, and his foot on the brake pedal. When officers attempted to rouse Garcia,who exhibited several signs of intoxication, he merely pulled away and cursed at them. Officers then forcibly removed Garcia from the vehicle, which began to roll forward before one of the Officers could jump into the driver seat and put the car in park. Garcia continued to struggle and resist handcuffing and was, as a result, Tasered. Officers then handcuffed Garcia, who was charged with DWI and Resisting Arrest; Garcia was then booked at the City Detention Center.
Two CCPD Officers patrolling the 6000 block of Holly Road observed a tan colored Infiniti in front of them commit several traffic violations before turning onto the 2100 block of Nodding Pines. When officers attempted to stop the car, the driver continued on and turned into a small apartment complex, speeding up in the parking lot and striking a silver BMW. The Infiniti continued to evade officers, speeding toward the rear of the complex, where the driver jumped from the vehicle while it was still in motion. The car then crashed into the rear of a parked pickup truck, while the driver fled on foot. Officers pursed the man, who jumped a fence and continued to run down the 6000 block of Wilderock and into a second housing complex. Officers finally apprehended the man after he unsuccessfully attempted to force his way into one of the townhomes. Thomas Stevenson (DOB: 7-11-1983) was arrested for Evading Arrest in a vehicle and on foot. Officers later discovered that he had one outstanding warrant for criminal mischief from Nueces County, and two outstanding warrants from Travis County for possession and delivery of a controlled substance. He was booked at the City Detention Center after being medically evaluated due to the traffic crash.
Occurred: 5/16/2012 2:34 AM Assault/ Stolen Vehicle/Evading Arrest 1205160012, 0016, and 0021
Four juveniles are in custody at the Nueces County Juvenile Detention Center after they were arrested by police following a short pursuit of a stolen SUV early Wednesday morning. At about 2:30 AM Wednesday morning, Patrol Officers responded to Port and Tarlton Streets to investigate a reported assault. Two men in their early twenties told officers that they were assaulted by four teenage boys in a black Nissan Rogue. The victims told officers that they were standing in the parking lot of a convenience store in the 3000 block of S. Port Avenue when the four teens drove up in the Nissan, got out of the vehicle and began punching the two men. The four then got back into the vehicle and fled the area prior to police arriving. Officers checked the license plate given by the victims and discovered the Nissan had been reported stolen on May 5th.
Officers searching for the Nissan later spotted it in the 700 block of Duncan Street. When officers attempted to pull it over, the driver led them on a short pursuit that ended in the 2900 block of Marguerite Street where the vehicle crashed into a parked Ford Escort. All four occupants then fled on foot, but were quickly rounded up by responding officers. The four teens face a variety of serious charges including Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Evading Arrest, and Assault. The two victims of the assault were not seriously injured and did not require medical attention.
If you think you’ve seen an increase in traffic enforcement on the city’s major thoroughfares in the past weeks, your eyes are not deceiving you. Corpus Christi Police Department Traffic Officers are focusing traffic enforcement in those areas where speeding and other traffic violations have resulted in rising crash numbers.
Following the same Comp Stat philosophy that attempts to identify increased crime trends and patterns and then directs officers to those neighborhoods; the increased traffic enforcement initiative is directing traffic officers to those areas of the city where officers have identified an increased number of accidents, multiple complaints from the public, or just obvious visual evidence of speeding, such as the freeway system.
Newly appointed Chief Simpson became alarmed at the high number of speeders and traffic fatalities soon after taking over. Just driving around town to familiarize himself with the city, Chief Simpson noticed a high number of drivers obviously exceeding the speed limit, tailgating other drivers, changing lanes without signaling and committing other dangerous traffic infractions-the type of infractions that frequently lead to crashes. Simpson noted that the 35 traffic fatalities last year far exceeded the city’s total number of homicides.
Crash statistics from the first three months of this year support Chief Simpson’s position. Compared to the same three-month time period, total crashes are up approximately 7%, from 2224 in 2011 to 2378 in 2012. Although alcohol related crashes are down 14% from the same time period last year, the percentage of alcohol related traffic fatalities is currently at 37%, up from 29% last year. DWI arrests, however, show a 15% decrease since last year, from 318 to 270.
Based on these numbers and his own anecdotal evidence, Chief Simpson directed his Traffic Division to come up with a plan to bring the numbers down. The increased traffic enforcement initiative includes several tactics, including enlisting the assistance of patrol officers to conduct traffic enforcement on their beats for short periods, increased radar enforcement on the freeways during rush hours, and the use of “decoy” cars to slow traffic. Officers will continue to change tactics to nab speeders until the crash and fatality numbers begin to show a significant, long-term decline.
This is only the beginning of a long-term sustained plan to reduce the number of traffic fatalities and crashes on our city’s streets. Traffic and Patrol Officers have been directed to take a “zero tolerance” approach to speeders and motorists committing moving violations. The best way to avoid being cited is to simply slow down, watch the speed limit and obey all traffic laws. The Corpus Christi Police Department reminds you to “Slow Down. The life you save may be your own.”
Corpus Christi residents have experienced an almost 25% increase in building burglaries during the first five months of 2012. While analyzing these crimes, Corpus Christi Police Department burglary Detectives have identified several significant trends.
Storage units have accounted for a large number of these burglaries. The Corpus Christi Police Department recommends you ask the following questions if you currently rent a storage unit, or are considering storing your items in a storage facility:
Does the facility have controlled access and video surveillance?
Does the facility secure units that are not currently rented?
Most importantly, do the units have gaps that allow thieves access from the outside, or from inside the storage unit to yours.
Remember to utilize a high security lock and check your unit often. Secure serial numbers to valuable items in a safe place other than the unit. Prospective renters can go to www.crimereports.com to see crime statistics for any location.
Outside storage sheds at homes and businesses are also frequently targeted. Make sure outside sheds are secured with a lock. Have serial numbers for mowers, weed eaters, blowers, etc. Permanently mark all items, especially tools, with some identifying mark unique to you. Tools are a frequent target of Burglars/Thieves.
By following these simple tips, residents can do their part to keep their valuables secure and help Keep Corpus Christi Safe.
Chief Floyd Simpson presents Chief Schauer and Chief Markle with their Certificates of Promotion
Chief Floyd Simpson today promoted Commander Mark Schauer and Commander Mike Markle to the position of Assistant Chief during a short ceremony at Police Department Headquarters Schauer and Markle join current Assistant Chief J.V. Garcia as the Corpus Christi Police Department’s second highest ranking police officials. Both men were presented with a Certificate of Promotion and their Assistant Chief badges by Chief Simspon in front of a standing room only crowd in the Police Department auditorium.
Assistant Chief Mark Schauer is a 30 veteran of the police department and had served as the Commander of the Support Services Division since January of 2011. Schauer has also commanded the Uniform Patrol and Narcotics/Vice Divisions. Schauer is a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy, the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT) and holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, where he teaches criminal justice classes as an adjunct professor. Chief Schauer, who was named Texas Peace Officer of the Year in 1997, has supervised in almost every division in the Department, including Training, CID, MetroCom, Narcotics/Vice, and Traffic. In addition, Chief Schauer is in charge of the City’s Public Integrity Team, a specialized group of Police Department and City Officials who are assigned to investigate complaints of public corruption by city employees, and was recently tasked with overseeing the reorganization of the City’s Animal Control center. Chief Schauer will be heading up the Police Department’s Administration Bureau.
Chief Mike Markle is a 22 year veteran of the CCPD, having served as Commander of CID since January 2011. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Saint Leo University and has served most of his career (17 years) in the Uniform Division. He spent 7 years on the SWAT team, has served as a Field Training Officer and was a member of the Police Department Honor Guard. Markle has received a Lifesaving Award and a Community Service Award from the Housing Authority. In his previous role as a Captain in Support Services he played an important role in the updating of the Department’s 911 system, upgrading the dispatch area, and assisted in obtaining a federal grant to remodel the outdated communications center. Chief Markle will oversee the CCPD’s Investigation Bureau.
Despite another very large crowd on hand to take in the festivities, Corpus Christi Police and Texas Department of Public Safety troopers working the Buccaneer Parade reported relatively few problems Saturday night. There were no major incidents reported along the parade route during this year’s event, and only two minor injuries sustained by parade goers. One spectator was transported to a local hospital following what appeared to be a seizure in the city hall parking lot. A female participant sustained a minor injury when a truck ran over her foot during the parade; she declined medical treatment.
Although they described the crowd as well behaved, officers reported making the following arrests along the parade route:
CCPD Blotter 
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