The C.C.P.D.’s commitment to “Keep Corpus Christi Safe” has continued with its “Zero Tolerance No Insurance Initiative”.  

On Saturday, December 3rd, 2011, a total of 75 cars and 2 motorcycles will be auctioned at the Corpus Christi Police Department Vehicle Impound Lot located at 2600 Holly Road during our monthly auction. Approximately 10 of these vehicles are “No Insurance” impounds. On Friday, December 2nd, 2011, the general public will be allowed to register and view the vehicles to be auctioned from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There is no registration fee.

On the day of the auction, the general public can continue to register and view the vehicles from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.  The auction will commence promptly at 10:00 a.m. The vehicles to be auctioned can be viewed at www.siskauction.com. An auction list may also be downloaded from the same website.

The department’s strong stand and enforcement of this “Zero Tolerance No Insurance Initiative” will continue and all vehicles involved in accidents will be impounded and the driver cited if they are unable to provide financial proof of insurance. Driver’s license and proof of financial responsibility checkpoints will continue to be conducted at the Shift Captains’ authorization.

Officers have issued 4,943 citations for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility since January 1, 2011.

Corpus Christi Police Department Holiday Season Safety Plan 2011 

The Corpus Christi Police Department has finalized it 2011 Holiday Season Safety Plan. During the additional enforcement initiative, which begins November 25th and will continue through December 30^th, 2011, Officers from several divisions will combine resources to ensure that our citizens enjoy a safe and crime-free holiday season.  This year’s plan provides for increased traffic with enhanced DWI enforcement throughout the city.

As many as 24 additional Officers from the Uniform Division, Traffic Safety Division, Narcotics – Vice, the Auto Theft Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Division will redirect their enforcement efforts on the busiest shopping areas in town.  Among the areas targeted for increased patrol are:

• La Palmera Mall
• Moore Plaza
• Sunrise Mall
• The Promenade
• Gulf Way Shopping Center
• Saratoga Town Center
• Island Gate Plaza
• Other busy shopping areas and restaurants along S.P.I.D.

Increased Enforcement

Each day, this assignment will have Officers to supplement the normal contingent of patrol officers who work these areas.  Officers will stagger their work days to ensure adequate coverage seven days a week, with the heaviest concentration of Officers reporting on the weekends.  Shoplifting, auto burglary, auto theft, purse snatching, and robbery are the most common offenses committed by lawbreakers who take advantage of “on the go” and sometimes distracted holiday shoppers.

Officers will be conducting frequent high visibility patrol through the parking lots and be on the lookout for criminals who might choose to prey upon busy shoppers.

Five plain clothes Detectives from the Auto Theft Task Force will also randomly patrol the parking lots and busy shopping areas, attempting to spot crimes in progress.

In addition to patrolling the parking lots, Auto Theft Force Officers will also employ a patrol car equipped with an automated license plate reader.  This vehicle automatically reads thousands of license plates per hour and alerts the Officer whenever a stolen vehicle is encountered.

Traffic Control

Throughout the holiday shopping season, Traffic Officers will direct their efforts toward ensuring a safe and smooth flow of traffic into and out of the malls and other busy shopping areas.

Beginning Friday, November 25^th, a minimum of eight Traffic Officers, including four Motorcycle Officers, will be assigned to provide traffic control and enforcement at the major intersections along S.P.I.D., as well as the entrances and exits to the malls and major shopping centers.

Parking Enforcement will put two Officers out to enforce disabled parking throughout the city and will assist uniformed officers in keeping watch for suspicious subjects and events.

DWI Enforcement

Two grants will allow the Department to put additional Officers on the street to focus on DWI enforcement; the STEP grant reimburses overtime costs to hire an additional three Officers Wednesday through Saturdays from 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

In addition to the overtime Officers, the Southside District has committed to assigning two Officers each night to DWI patrol between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m.

During the Holiday shopping period between Thanksgiving and Christmas, six Troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety will be assigned to assist CCPD officers using State DWI grant monies to increase DWI enforcement. This will be coupled with the District Attorney’s Office to sponsor no-refusal weekends.

Citizens in Support of CCPD graciously funded the posters that are around town and in stores urging people to think before getting behind the wheel drunk during the holidays.

The Holiday Initiative patrols are a continued effort for the  Corpus Christi Police Department to work as an equal partner with the community to reduce crime, the fear of crime and to enhance public safety.

The Crime Prevention Division of the Corpus Christi Police Department would like to include the following safety tips :

Holiday Safety Tips 

During this holiday season, it’s important to be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.  It’s a perfect opportunity for criminals to commit their crimes. Below are a few safety tips to keep in mind for a safe and happy holiday season.

• Park in well-lighted spaces and as close to the store as possible, lock your car doors, and hide packages in the trunk or under seats.
• Do not carry large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card if possible.
• Carry your purse tightly and closely to your body.  Do not carry it by the straps as thieves can easily snatch the purse.
• Put wallets inside coat or front pants pocket.
• Do not carry excessive packages while shopping. Place them in the trunk or take them home.
• Teach your children to look for a police officer or contact a store security guard in the event they become lost or separated.
• Be aware of suspicious strangers approaching you this holiday season. These are con-artists who are planning to distract you with the intention of taking your money and belongings.
• Be aware of individuals attempting to sell you items in parking lots.  These items may be stolen goods.
• For online shopping, only shop with companies you know.
• Always keep your password private and stray away from using social security numbers or birthdates.

The C.C.P.D.’s commitment to “Keep Corpus Christi Safe” has continued with its “Zero Tolerance No Insurance Initiative”.  

On Saturday, November 5th, 2011, a total of 64 cars and 4 motorcycles will be auctioned at the Corpus Christi Police Department Vehicle Impound Lot located at 2600 Holly Road during our monthly auction. Approximately 12 of these vehicles are “No Insurance” impounds. On Friday, November 4th, 2011, the general public will be allowed to register and view the vehicles to be auctioned from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There is no registration fee.

On the day of the auction, the general public can continue to register and view the vehicles from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.  The auction will commence promptly at 10:00 a.m. The vehicles to be auctioned can be viewed at www.siskauction.com. An auction list may also be downloaded from the same website.

The department’s strong stand and enforcement of this “Zero Tolerance No Insurance Initiative” will continue and all vehicles involved in accidents will be impounded and the driver cited if they are unable to provide financial proof of insurance. Driver’s license and proof of financial responsibility checkpoints will continue to be conducted at the Shift Captains’ authorization.

Officers have issued 4,584 citations for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility since January 1, 2011.

The City of Corpus Christi will also hold a Heavy Equipment Auction on November 19th, 2011

Over the weekend, nearly 3500 people along with volunteers from area churches, law enforcement agencies, school districts, and organizations took part in the first annual Decision House Fall Festival.  The event, which was sponsored by Citizens in Support of the CCPD Police Foundation, Corpus Christi Caller Times and the Scripps Howard Foundation, and the Faith Based Services Coalition, offered people of all ages live music, games, and food.

The most popular part of the festival featured a walk through drama called, “Decision House.”  Volunteer actors profiled two teenaged boys whose decisions have devastating results, which not only gravely impact them, but their families, friends and many others.

On Friday 494 people toured Decision House , on Saturday the number increased to 826. Decision House included four scenes.  The first, a videotape featuring actors from the Police Department’s Explorer Post#133, which set up the scenario, the second, a wreck scene featuring several Corpus Christi Police Officers, the third scene, a death notification scene, and the fourth, a courtroom scene which featured several members of the Nueces County District Attorney’s Office, including District Attorney Mark Skurka and City of Corpus Christi Municipal Court Judge Maria Flores.

Before participants left the tour, they heard testimonials from three local men, who told tour groups how their bad decisions sent them to prison for many years, how difficult it has been being accepted again by family and friends and the public, gaining employment and what changes they have made to lead a more positive life.

Many participants also took advantage of an area called “Crossroads” where clergy of all faiths and professional counselors offered assistance requested by participants, from prayer to just listening.

The first annual Decision House Fall Festival was a wonderful example of how volunteers from different faiths, organizations, school districts, and area law enforcement agencies, can work together to provide a meaningful event for the enjoyment of all ages.

For more information on Decision House please visit their Facebook page.

The Corpus Christi Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration hosted the 2nd Annual Prescription Drug Take-Back-Day on Saturday October, 29 2011. throughout South Texas.

The D.E.A. released the numbers of the various medications that were collected at the ten locations with a total of 892.6 pounds. The D.E.A had five locations in Corpus Christi where they collected 711.1 pounds of pills.

The CCPD and D.E.A. would like to thank all the folks who brought in their potentially dangerous prescription drugs. A huge thanks also goes out to those who donated their locations as a drop off point.

ORIGINAL MEDIA RELEASE

DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION CONDUCTS SECOND COASTAL BEND PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY ON OCTOBER 29, 2011    “Living Drug Free Starts at Home”

(Corpus Christi, TX) –   The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), along with the Corpus Christi, Portland, Cuero, and Sinton Police Departments and the Kleberg County Sheriff’s Office, will provide the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.  On Saturday, October 29th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., DEA along with its local law enforcement counterparts will host the Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.  There will be ten Take-Back locations within the Coastal Bend Community.  Additionally, students from the Texas A&M Health Science Center – Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy will be at select locations offering complimentary blood pressure and glucose screenings. 

This initiative, “Living Drug Free Starts at Home,” addresses vital public safety and health issues.  Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.  Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high–more Americans currently abuse prescription drugs than the number of those using cocaine, hallucinogens, and heroin combined, according to the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).  The same study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.  In April of 2011, Americans turned in 376,593 pounds—188 tons—of prescription drugs at nearly 5,400 sites operated by the DEA and more than 3,000 state and local law enforcement partners.

The Prescription Take-Back service is free and no questions will be asked.

Collection Sites will be set up at the following locations:

• KIII TV                                                      5002 S.P.I.D., Corpus Christi
• Boys and Girls Club                              3902 Greendwood Drive, Corpus Christi
• HEB                                                             5313 Saratoga Boulvevard, Corpus Christi
• HEB (Flour Bluff)                                   1145 Waldron Road, Corpus Christi
• HEB (Annaville)                                     11100 Leopard Sttreet, Corpus Christi
• HEB                                                             1600 Wildcat Boulevard, Portland
• Coastal Bend College                           1814 Brahma Boulevard, Kingsville
• Kleberg County Sheriff’s Office        1500 E. King Street, Kingsville
• Cuero City Hall                                       201 E. Main Street, Cuero
• Sinton Chamber of Commerce         218 West Sinton Street, Sinton

Prescription drug disposal and the DEA’s Take-Back events are significant pieces of the White House’s Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Plan released this year by the Office of National Drug Control Policy.  Purging home medicine cabinets of neglected drugs is one of four strategies for reducing prescription drug abuse and diversion laid out in Epidemic:  Responding to America’s Prescription Drug Abuse Crisis.  The other strategies include education of health care providers, patients, parents and youth; establishing prescription drug monitoring programs in all states; and increased enforcement to address doctor shopping and pill mills.

For more information and collection sites nation-wide, please visit www.dea.gov.

The Corpus Christi Police Department’s Sex Offender registration coordinator will be accompanying the Nueces County Adult Probation Department on Halloween as they do spot checks on the registered sex offenders within our city. The Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) has a website where you can view the registered sex offenders in Corpus Christi on an interactive Google map. Sex offender locations are one of the most requested information calls into the Police Department during Halloween. The CCPD has made it extremely easy for citizens to do research on their own by using CRIMEREPORTS.com

www.crimereports.com is a web-based crime mapping system. Once on the site, enter your address along with Corpus Christi, Texas and hit enter. You will be shown the sex offenders near your home as indicated by a red and white yield sign type of symbol.  The map will show the locations, photo, address and other information of each sex offender.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has these Halloween Safety Tips that the CCPD would like to pass on to our citizens:

ALL DRESSED UP:

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
• Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.
• Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.
• When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
• If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child’s costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.
• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
• Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional. While the packaging on decorative lenses will often make claims such as “one size fits all,” or “no need to see an eye specialist,” obtaining decorative contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. This can cause pain, inflammation, and serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss.
• Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost.

CARVING A NICHE:

• Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting.
• Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin. If you do use a candle, a votive candle is safest.
• Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and should never be left unattended.

HOME SAFE HOME:

• To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
• Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
• Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
• Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.

ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL:

• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
• If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
• Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
• Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or Treaters:
• Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
• Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
• Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
• If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
• Never cut across yards or use alleys.
• Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.
• Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will!
• Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

HEALTHY HALLOWEEN:

• A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
• Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils.
• Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
• Try to ration treats for the days following Halloween.

The Decision House free Fall Festival will take place Friday, October 28, 2011 and Saturday, October 29, 2011, from 6:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., on the grounds of the Police Department. The Festival will encompass two different areas:

• An alternative to a haunted house. Scenes will be acted out by local  church groups and CCISD students,  focusing on the impact poor decisions can have on themselves, their families, and the community.  Examples of the consequences of teen alcohol and drug use, involvement in gangs, and being untruthful.
• The second area will offer live music, games, and information from local colleges, law enforcement agencies, the armed services, and other organizations. The information provided by these organizations will reinforce the concept of making the “right decision”.

Mayor Joe Adame, Chief of Police Troy Riggs, members of Faith Based Services Coalition and Citizens in Support of the CCPD Police Foundation, the Corpus Christi Citizens Police Academy Alumni, Volunteers in Police Service, along with community volunteers, will take part in an opening ceremony on Friday, October 28, 2011, at 5:00 p.m. at the Police Department, 321 John Sartain. Members of Police Explorer’s Post#133 will present the colors during the event.