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The Corpus Christi Animal Care Services has improved the comfort and environment for animals since the department transitioned management to the Corpus Christi Police Department in 2012. The Animal Care Services has a goal to meet the needs of the citizens and reduce the stray pet population.
The Department has hired a new, highly trained, staff. New staff includes the shelter veterinarian, Dr. Melissa Draper, and new Program Manager, Heather Hedrick.
The workers have acquired necessary equipment to be more effective. There are new air conditioner shells for the safety of impounded animals. Managers intend to equip the vehicles with computers to allow officers access to information in order to provide more efficient response to calls for service.
A new targeted spay and neuter program has been implemented to reduce the stray animal population. People Assisting Animal Control volunteers join community sponsors to increase the adoption rate of the facility. Relationships are growing with other community animal welfare organizations who rescue animals from the Corpus Christi Animal Care Services such as the Gulf Coast Humane Society, Heartbeats, and The Cattery.
The Corpus Christi Animal Care Services have changed the appearance of the vehicles and to the uniforms the Officers wear. This effort is to make the vehicles and workers more identifiable to the public and to promote responsible pet ownership requirements in the community. The vehicles now include the city of Corpus Christi seal and the Animal Care Services logo. Information is displayed on the vehicle that promotes responsible pet ownership, having pets spayed or neutered, vaccinate all pets, keep current registration with the city, encourage adoption and foster opportunities, and to keep dogs restrained.

On Friday, July 26, 2013, the Corpus Christi Police Department in conjunction with the Nueces County District Attorney’s Office and several non-profit community partners rolled out a prostitution diversion initiative called “Red Cord.”

The community partners consist of the Coastal Bend WELLNESS Foundation,  C2 Counseling,  I Am Blue Nation, Men’s and Women’s Health Clinic, Metro Ministries, the Nueces County District  Attorney’s Office, Nueces County Health Department,  the Rock City Church, and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.  These agencies will provide service which range from Advocacy, Case Reviews, Child Welfare Checks, Clothing, Counseling, Drug Treatment, Food, Sexual Health Education, Short Term Housing, and STD Screening.

The Narcotics Vice Investigations Division conducted a “Jane Sting” in the Northwest area of the City.  Once an arrest was made the arrested individual was taken to the Corpus Christi Police Department where an Assistant District Attorney reviewed the individuals criminal history to determine if they were eligible to participate in the “Red Cord” program.

If the offender was deemed eligible for the program they were offered various services by several partner agencies.  The services such as substance abuse treatment, health evaluation and treatment, mental health evaluation and treatment, job skills programs, education programs as well as temporary housing are provided by the non-profit partners at no cost to the offenders.

If the offender agreed to participate in the program, the prosecution of the prostitution charge is deferred pending successful completion of the program.  Once, the defendant successfully completes the program the prostitution charge will be dismissed.  Should the offender fail to comply with the program and not complete it successfully, they will be prosecuted on the original charge.

Defendants who did not qualify for the Red Cord program as result of their criminal history will still be offered services that will assist them in exiting their destructive life style.  Three offenders qualified for the program and agreed to participate.  Three more offenders who did not qualify for the program, but accepted services.  The offender that was charged with Promotion of Prostitution was not offered any services.

It is the belief of the Corpus Christi Police Department as well as our collaborative partners that it is extremely important that we work to assist these individuals in overcoming the numerous issues that have led them to be caught in a cycle of abuse and victimization.  It is our strong belief that provided with the appropriate treatment and support some of these individuals can overcome their destructive life style and become productive members of our society.

Narcotics/Vice Investigators conducted a prostitution “Jane Sting” in the North West area of the city. The following subjects were arrested during the operation:

Janet Ramirez (01/08/92) was charged with Prostitution
Christy Sauseda  (03/16/88) was charged with Prostitution,  Possession of a Controlled Substance
Sonia Marmolejo (12/03/80) was charged with Loitering for Prostitution
Marian Travis (12/12/67)  was charged with Prostitution
Paulett Lewis (03/07/78) was charged with  Prostitution
Jeffrey Collier (12/27/62)  was charged with Promotion of Prostitution
Michelle Saldua (09/23/73)  was charged with Prostitution