Category Archives: Community Outreach

Community Outreach

Corpus Christi Police Raise Funds For Special Olympics

Corpus Christi Police Officer Billy Browning talks with customer Amber Schkade about how she can help the Special Olympics

Occurred Thursday, July 26, 2012, 2029 South Padre Island Drive

Local Law Enforcement participated in the statewide “Tip-A-Cop” annual fundraiser Thursday night at the Texas Roadhouse in Corpus Christi to raise funds for the Special Olympics Texas athletes.

Corpus Christi Police Officers greeted customers then served water and tea. The officers volunteered their time to talk to the customers at the Texas Roadhouse about the Olympics. All the tips earned by the officers were donated to help special needs athletes for the Special Olympics.

Alice Fulton-Garza is the area director for the Special Olympics South Texas Area-2 and she was on site to coordinate the athletes and volunteer officers that participated in the Thursday fundraising event. Volunteers are considered the lifeline of the Special Olympics Texas program. More than 47,000 volunteers in Texas currently dedicate their time to Special Olympics. These volunteers serve as coaches, officials, committee members, competition assistants, speech coaches and much more.

Special Olympics Texas is a registered 501(c)(3), non-profit organization supported by private donations from individuals, corporations and organizations throughout the state. The funding supports year round training and competitions for 32,240 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in Texas.

Anyone interested to get involved with Special Olympics Texas can contact the organization at 1-800-876-JOIN or http://www.specialolympicstexas.org.

Special Olympics volunteer coordinator Kathryn Pattillo holds a Law Enforcement Torch Run t-shirt for sale at the fundraiser at the Texas Roadhouse
These envelopes were distributed for the “Tip A Cop” event Thursday

 

Community Outreach

Police Offer Solutions at CCAL Meeting

The Corpus Christi Police Property Crimes Investigator supervisor, Lieutenant James Garrett, offered a new process to file shoplifting cases from local stores the monthly Corpus Christi Against Loss meeting hosted by the The Corpus Christi Police Department at the La Palmera Mall Wednesday.

The Corpus Christi Against Loss monthly meetings are held every third Wednesday at 10:00am at the La Palmera Mall. The meetings are attended by the loss prevention representatives, district managers for local businesses, and by Corpus Christi Police supervisors. The purpose of the meetings is to disseminate and exchange information about property crime trends and identify criminals.

Lieutenant James Garrett provided envelopes to the loss prevention representatives that outline needed material and evidence in order to successfully prosecute shoplifting cases. Lieutenant Garrett said this effort to streamline information will provide speedy trials and successful prosecutions for those arrested for theft. The checklist of items required for prosecution is printed on the outside of the envelope so that the items are to be placed inside the envelope for the district attorneys presentation in court.

The items required in the envelope for prosecution include store video and receipts which the police officers are unable to access without assistance from store employees. This checklist on the envelope is a system to prevent mistake or incomplete packages of information that delays and reduces the prosecution of offenders.

District Attorney Skurka made an appearance this Wednesday to provide the district attorneys office perspective on the new process to file criminal cases against those that commit theft. All in attendance agreed that the goal is successful prosectutions of all offenders.

Adam District, Community Outreach, Patrol Division

Many Attend “Operation: Safe Return”

The Corpus Christi Police Department hosted an event called, “Operation: Safe Return” at West Guth Park Saturday to help prepare the children in the community to safely return to school.

The event was organized by police officers Brenda Garza and Emily Perez and had a variety of information about health and safety available for those who attended. Senior Officer Emily Perez did not have any estimated numbers of attendants, but said the event began at 10am and there were 750 bracelets given to children before noon.

The bracelets were provided to permit children to the pool at no charge. The Operation Safe Return provided free school physical exams, free school supplies, nutrition information, anti-bullying information, vision screening, and $10 immunizations among other benefits to participants.

Officers Garza and Perez said they were pleased with the response from the community and thank all the vendors that donated time, services, and products for the back to school event. A second event is in the planning stage that will be held on the south side of Corpus Christi in late August.

Officer Brenda Garza and Senior Officer Emily Perez organized “Operation: Safe Return” to promote school safety. A second event is planned for late August.
Community Outreach

Corpus Christi Police Host “Women In Policing” Seminar

Senior Officer Denise Pace stands next to patrol officers Maria Pici, Olga Flores, and Imelda Benevides at the start of the Women In Policing seminar.

The Corpus Christi Police Department’s Training Division hosted a “Women in Policing” Seminar on Wednesday July 18, 2012 from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at the Police Departments Training Center.

This seminar gave prospective female applicants an opportunity to hear from successful female officers and ask questions about how they juggle family life and a law enforcement career. Topics of discussion included; the application process, the police academy, career opportunities with the C.C.P.D. and other topics.

The Corpus Christi Police Department’s Training Division will host a second “Women in Policing” Seminar on Wednesday, August 1, 2012 from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at the Del Mar College West Campus/ Emerging Technologies Building 4101 Old Brownsville Rd. Corpus Christi, TX 78405 Room # ET105.

Please join us for an evening to explore an exciting career in law enforcement and hear from women who have very successful careers with the Corpus Christi Police Department.

For additional information please contact Maryann Carrillo at (361) 826-4071.

Adam District, Community Outreach

Join Us for “Operation Safe Return”

The Corpus Christi Police Department and Parks and Recreation Department would like the parents and children in the areas of West Oso, Tuloso-Midway, and Calallen School Districts to join us in the 1st Annual “Operation Safe Return.”  This event will provide safety information, health information, and various services free of charge.  Commander A. Frese has announced a second “Operation Safe Return” will be scheduled in August 2012 for Corpus Christi Independent School Department and Flour Bluff schools.

Visit with our SWAT Team, Gang Unit, Crime Stoppers, Crime Prevention Advisor, and Crime Victim’s Advocates for safety information on Anti Bullying and Gang Information Prevention.  We will also be offering “Prints for Life.”

The Nueces County Health Department will provide immunizations for a $10 fee.  Dr. Daniel Roberts, the Police Department’s SWAT Team Medic will be offering free Back to School physicals.  Wal-Mart Optometrist Dr. Casey Ryan will be offering coupons for eye exams.

Mike Shaw Toyota has donated free school supplies which will be handed to participants while they last.  The Corpus Christi Police Athletic League has also donated 5 bicycles which will be given away during the event. 

Children must be accompanied by an adult and once participants have visited designated information booths they will be allowed free admittance to West Guth Park pool.  Please see the flyer for additional information.

Community Outreach, Criminal Intelligence Unit, Delta District

“Delete that Text?” You Didn’t Win a Target Gift Card Scam Alert

The Corpus Christi Financial Crimes Unit and the Better Business Bureau would like to alert the community about a new scam in which mobile phone users are  receiving suspicious messages.  The text messages are purported to be from Target and announce you as a winner of a free gift card.  The drawing is a scam and your information is obtained by the scammers. 

Do not reply or visit the website, just simply delete the text.  For more information, please visit http://www.bbb.org/blog/top-scams-of-2011.html for the Top Scams of 2011.

Remember, if it’s too good to be true, it’s not true.  If you believe you are a victim of a scam, please call the police at 886-COPS.  If you would like a presentation on Identity Theft or Senior Safety please call Crime Victim Advisor Brenda Moreno at 361-886-2765.

Community Outreach

Accept the Challenge! Join Corpus Christi Police as they Host Applicant Fitness Workshops

 

The Corpus Christi Police Department will continue to host Applicant Physical Fitness Preparation Workshops from July 18th through August 9, 2012. The workshops will be 2 hours in duration every Wednesday and Thursday evening at 5 pm and four hours on Saturday morning beginning at 9 am. The workshops will allow prospective applicants to run the actual physical fitness test to assess individual needs for improvement.

The Corpus Christi Police Department’s Training Staff will answer questions and provide information to all prospective applicants about how to prepare for the physical fitness test. It is the responsibility of each individual to utilize the information to train themselves to achieve the best possible score on the day of the test.

The workshops will be held at the Corpus Christi Police Department’s Training Center located at 4510 Corona Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78411

The workshop dates are as follows:

  • Wednesday, July 18, 2012 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
  • Thursday, July 19, 2012 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
  • Saturday July 21, 2012 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Wednesday July 25, 2012 5 p.m.-7p.m.
  • Thursday, July 26, 2012 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
  • Saturday July 28, 2012 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Wednesday August 1, 2012 5 p.m.-7p.m.
  • Thursday, August 2, 2012 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
  • Saturday August 4, 2012 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Wednesday August 8, 2012 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
  • Thursday, August 9, 2012 5 p.m.-7 p.m.

NO WALK-INS YOU MUST REGISTER TO ATTEND!

To register you can call or e-mail:

Maryann Carrillo
Senior Staff Assistant, Training Division
(361) 826-4071

Sgt. Travis Pace
Defensive Tactics Coordinator, Training Division
Travisp@cctexas.com

Anyone interested in a career in the Corpus Christi Police Department are encouraged to send an email of interest to CCPDRecruiter@cctexas.com.

Charlie District, Community Outreach

Man Arrested In Connection with Passing Counterfeit $100 Bills, Two Others Sought

Hector Arthur Ruiz

Occurred on 7/8/12, 3:30 pm   Forgery     5400 SPID Moore Plaza     1207080090/1207080097/1207080100/1207080106/1207080113 

Officers responded to World Market at Moore Plaza for counterfeit money being used.   Upon their arrival, Officers located the unoccupied suspect vehicle in the Marshall’s parking lot.  Officers set up on the vehicle and waited for the suspects.  Shortly thereafter, Hector Ruiz (08/13/1985) was seen driving away in the vehicle and pulled him over.

Further investigation revealed, Ruiz along with his two accomplices were involved in passing forged $100 bills to several stores in the Moore Plaza shopping center.  Officers were able to confirm World Market, Rue 21, Kirkland’s, Pets Mart, and Bed, Bath and Beyond were victims of the counterfeiters.  Several other business in the shopping center have been contacted as possible victims.

Ruiz was arrested and charged with five counts of Forgery of a Government Instrument/Money/Securities along with Manufacture with Intent to Sell Counterfeit Instruments.  Each charge is a 3rd Degree Felony and punishable by up to 10 years and a fine up to $10,000.  During their impound inventory, Officers found a laptop, printer and scanner along with store merchandise inside the vehicle.  His two accomplices are still outstanding.  The second suspect is described as a Hispanic female, 24 years of age, 5’2″ feet tall with black hair and brown eyes.  The third suspect is described as Hispanic male with designs on one side of his hair and dressed in black.

The Corpus Christi Financial Crimes Unit along with the United States Secret Service who handles counterfeit money crimes will be working closely together to conduct a thorough investigation.  They recommend you visit the Secret Service website at http://www.secretservice.gov/money_detect.shtml to guard yourself against counterfeiters.

Anyone with any information on this crime is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS or login online and submit a tip.  Callers will earn a cash reward if the suspects are charged with a crime.

Community Outreach, Narcotics/Vice Division

10 Women Arrested for Prostitution

Rachel Ann Montoya
Valerie Ozuna
Linda Cano
Shauntel Rangel
Tymika Lashawnda Llanos
Quanisha Denise Heyward
Velma Ann Rodriguez
Cheryl Kelley
Kara Cantrell

On 06/29/12 the Corpus Christi Police Department Narcotics and Vice Investigations Division (NVID) with the assistance of Patrol Officers conducted a prostitution “Jane Sting” in the North Central region of the city.  The undercover operation aimed at curbing prostitution.  Ten women were taken into custody after agreeing to exchange sexual favors for money. 

The Narcotics/Vice Division whenever possible will enhance prostitution charges on repeat offenders as noted below.  Officers made the following arrests:  

  • Cynthia Llamas (09/15/67)~Prostitution (BM)   1206290123
  • Valerie Ozuna (08/14/75)~Prostitution (BM), Possession of Controlled Substance (SJF), Parole Warrant   1206290059
  • Shauntel Rangel (01/17/84)~Prostitution (SJF), Possession of Controlled Substance   (3F)   1206290110 
  • Tymika Lashawnda  Llanos (08/05/76)~Prostitution (SJF), Probation Warrant   1206290064
  • Quaneisha  Denise Heyward(07/23/83)~Prostitution (BM)   1206290088 (Arrested within City Hall Initiative boundaries)
  • Linda Cano (06/29/61)~Prostitution (BM)   1206290068
  • Rachel Montoya (11/10/77)~Prostitution (AM)   1206290075
  • Velma Ann Rodriguez (12/14/64)~Prostitution (AM)   1206290106
  • Cheryl Kelley (03/02/63)~Prostitution (AM)   1206290084 (Arrested within City Hall Initiative boundaries)
  • Kara Cantrell   (05/18/81)~Prostitution (SJF)   1206290119

Prostitution is a Class “B” Misdemeanor punishable up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.   If the suspect has one or two prior convictions for Prostitution, the charge will be upgraded to a Class “A” Misdemeanor and is punishable up to  a year in jail and a $4,000.  Three or more convictions will upgrade the Prostitution charge to a State Jail Felony and is punishable by up to two years in a state jail and a $10,000 fine.

Community Outreach

City Police and Fire Gear Up for July 4th Festivities

Independence Day celebrations include cook-outs, picnics, or a day at the beach with family and friends. In an effort, to make this July 4th Holiday safe, the Corpus Christi Police Department announces the July 4th crackdown on drunk drivers by designating it a “No Refusal” holiday.  The Nueces County District Attorney’s Office will be sponsoring a trained phlebotomist beginning Tuesday, July 3rd through Saturday, July 7, 2012 to assist in the collection of blood specimens from suspected intoxicated drivers. 

If you plan to drink please designate a sober driver before the celebrating begins.  If you’ve had too much to drink, call a taxi, a sober friend or family member to get you home safe. Remember, The Choice is Yours, Drive Sober!

Zero tolerance will also be given to the celebratory discharging of firearms into the air and fireworks within the Corpus Christi city limits.  A person found guilty of discharging a firearm can serve up to a year in jail and be fined up to $4,000.  Both Corpus Christi Fire and Police are again teaming up and will be out enforcing the City’s ordinance against the use and possession of fireworks.  Fire Officers and Police Officers will monitor firework stands, and seize illegal fireworks brought into the city.  Citations will be issued to violators who can be fined up to $2,000 for each package of fireworks.  If fireworks are being set off in your neighborhood, please avoid calling 911, but do call 886-COPS. 

The City of Corpus Christi will be hosting a “July 4th Big Bang Celebration” throughout the day, with the Corpus Christi Police and Fire  Department vehicle display at the FunDay KidZone  and culminating with the H-E-B Independence Day fireworks celebration on the USS Lexington, beginning at 9:30 pm.  For further information please visit the City of Corpus Christi website at http://www.cctexas.com/july4/.

Additional Officers will be assigned throughout the city and area beaches concentrating on DWI enforcement, monitoring the traffic flow at the intersection of Zahn Road at S.H. 361, and both sides of the beach alongside the Packery Channel.  Officers will also be responding to calls and actively looking for traffic violators.  Also working in conjunction with the Police Department are several Nueces County Adult Probation Officers who will team up with Patrol Officers to facilitate the arrest of a probationer violating their probation.

All of these efforts will be focused to ensure the citizens and vacationers visiting our city and beaches this July 4th Holiday will have a safe and enjoyable experience.

The attached maps will assist in providing directions for different routes to and from the fireworks display at the USS Lexington.  Traffic Officers will be providing traffic control and they recommend that you arrive early, be patient, and obey all traffic directions.

july4maps,jhg