Written by Shannon McFarlin

April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month and a time to focus on a crime that happens almost every two minutes in the United States (that means an average of 207,754 victims a year according to the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Crime Victimization Survey). The goal of Sexual Assault Awareness Month is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence.

Sexual violence is a serious public health problem in the United States. Statistics underestimate the problem because many victims are afraid to tell the police, family, or friends about the violence.

Sexual violence is any sexual activity where consent is not freely given. This includes completed or attempted sex acts that are against the victim’s will or involve a victim who is unable to consent. It also includes abusive sexual contact and non-contact sexual abuse (such as sexual harassment). Child sexual abuse is also considered sexual violence.

This type of violence can be committed by a current or former intimate partner, a family member, a person in position of power or trust, a friend, an acquaintance, or a stranger.

Sexual violence impacts health in many ways and can lead to long-term health and emotional problems. Victims may experience chronic pain, headaches, and sexually transmitted diseases. They are often fearful or anxious, and may have problems trusting others. Anger and stress can lead to eating disorders, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.

Sexual assault is a most intimate crime, and when it happens in our most intimate sanctuaries—our homes—the trauma is devastating and difficult to escape. Healing from sexual violence can only happen on a foundation of safety and safety starts with home

The goal of Corpus Christi Police Department’s Victim Assistance Program is to raise the community’s awareness about sexual violence and to educate our community on how to prevent sexual violence. It is also important to learn how as a community we can be allies to survivors of sexual violence by believing and supporting them.

What can you do to help? For starters, educate yourself on the reality of sexual assault in our society today. Here’s a quick review in order to help:

Definitions:

Sexual assault: Forced sexual intercourse, including vaginal, anal, or oral penetration. Penetration may be by a body part or an object.

Acquaintance assault: Involves coercive sexual activities that occur against a person’s will by means of force, violence, duress, or fear of bodily injury. These sexual activities are imposed upon them by someone they know (a friend, date, acquaintance, etc.).

Incest: Sexual contact between persons who are so closely related that their marriage is illegal (e.g., parents and children, uncles/aunts and nieces/nephews, etc.). This usually takes the form of an older family member sexually abusing a child or adolescent.

Consent: Consent occurs when both partners freely and willingly participate in sexual activities.

The legal definition of rape includes any sexual contact without consent. Consent cannot be legally given, in most states, if a person is:

– Under 17

– Mentally incapacitated

– Drunk or high

– Coerced

– Forced

Additionally, the absence of “no” does not mean “yes.” So, even if a person does not fight back or explicitly say “no,” they still are not necessarily giving consent.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact the Victim Advocates at the Corpus Christi Police Department:

Shae McFarlin (361) 826-2950           Laura Munoz (361) 886-2851

Sarah DeLeon (361) 826-2952           Debra Garcia (361)  886-2674

The Phoenix Police Department’s newest Police Chief was born and raised in Corpus Christi and hails from a family with a strong tradition in law enforcement. On Monday March 26th, Phoenix City Manager David Cavazos named Daniel V. Garcia as Police Chief for the City of Phoenix.  Daniel V. Garcia is the brother of Corpus Christi Police Department Assistant Chief J.V. Garcia.  The Garcia family tradition of community service doesn’t end there.  Two other brothers are also Texas Police Officers; Luis Garcia is a Detective with the Houston Police Department, while Ruben Garcia is a Detective with the CCPD.

“I think it is fantastic,” said CCPD Assistant Chief Garcia.  ” Daniel is a good cop,  a great supervisor, and even better administrator.   I am confident that he will move the Department in a positive direction.   With a strong work ethic and a commitment to duty, Daniel will quickly demonstrate to the citizens of Phoenix what a good choice they have made.  He is a true professional.”

Daniel V. Garcia is a 33 year veteran of the Dallas Police Department, and served as an Assistant Police Chief alongside newly appointed Corpus Christi Police Chief Floyd Simpson.  “Daniel “Danny” Garcia and I have been friends for more years than I can remember,” said Chief Simpson.  “He has always conducted himself in a moral and ethical manner. He is an extremely knowledgeable police practitioner that will serve the City of Phoenix well. On behalf of the men and women of the Corpus Christi Police family I wish Chief Garcia much success.”

The Phoenix Police Department has approximately 3,055 sworn officers and a budget of over $500 million. Garcia will begin his new assignment in May.

http://www.phoenix.gov/news/032612policechief.html

Occurred March 23, 2012  12:00pm    3122 Leopard    Officers Promotion

Corpus Christi Police Chief, Floyd Simpson, promoted officers Raymond Harrison, Mary Helen Leal, and Jason Rhodes to the rank of Senior Officer Friday.

            

Pictured above: Mary Helen Leal and Chief Simpson;  Jason Rhodes promoted by Chief Simpson       

The officers on the Corpus Christi Police Department must complete 60 months of work experience to apply for promotion. The applicants for promotion must then pass a proficiency examination at city hall in order to advance in grade to the rank of Senior Officer.

Chief Simpson pinned the rank onto the new senior officers in a ceremony with an audience that included City Council At Large David Loeb, State Representative for District 32 Todd Hunter, District 4 Councilperson Chris Adler, and a host of fellow Police Officers.

Chief Simpson gave comments which included the point that he has toured the department and he likes what he has seen. Chief Simpson said the department organization will change in a progressive manner and good officers will be recognized and elevated.

Chief Simpson said he has a priority to outfit the officers with the needed supplies to do the work tasked to them. Chief Simpson said he intends to improve the safety of the work environment for the officers and to the public very quickly in ways which include the placement of road flares and fire extinguishers in the patrol cars.

Chief Simpson answered questions from the audience and then closed by recognizing the accomplishments of the officers that were promoted to the rank of Senior Officer.

Planning Committee Seeks Relatives of Fallen Officers

On Monday May 14th, the Corpus Christi Police Department, Nueces County Sheriff’s Office, and the Port of Corpus Christi Police Department will gather to host the sixth annual Regional Peace Officers Memorial Day Ceremony.  This year’s event once again will be held at the Solomon P. Ortiz International Center Outdoor Pavilion, 402 Harbor Drive, Corpus Christi.   The ceremony is a tribute to all Peace Officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, specifically recognizing those officers from the Coastal Bend who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their community. Keynote speaker for this year’s Ceremony will be Chief of Police Floyd Simpson. The public is cordially invited to attend.Members of the Peace Officers Memorial Day planning committee are seeking current addresses for family members of the fallen officers so they can be invited and properly recognized during the ceremony.  If you are a family member, or can provide the address for a family member of any of these fallen officers please contact:

 

Executive Assistant to

Chief Floyd Simpson

Teri Barrera

(361) 886-2603

TeriB@cctexas.com

 

Commander Todd Green

(361) 826-2984

ToddG@cctexas.com 

Corpus Christi City Marshal Elias Mussett Jr.

END OF WATCH: May 6, 1892

 

Corpus Christi Police Officer Luther B. Prather

END OF WATCH: September 14, 1919

 

Corpus Christi Police Officer Joseph L. Moon

END OF WATCH: June 10, 1938

 

Corpus Christi Police Officer Roy N. Smith

END OF WATCH: April 20, 1953

 

Corpus Christi Police Officer John W.  Sartain

END OF WATCH: August 20, 1971

 

Corpus Christi Police Officer Ruben T. Almanza

END OF WATCH: July 27, 1984

 

Corpus Christi Police Officer Joseph D. Bock

END OF WATCH: September 9, 1987

 

Corpus Christi Police Officer Juan R. Prieto

END OF WATCH: February 2, 1993

 

Corpus Christi Police Officer Matthew Thebeau

END OF WATCH: January 20, 2008

 

Corpus Christi Police Officer Stuart J. Alexander

END OF WATCH: March 11, 2009

 

Port Of Corpus Christi Police Officer James Saavedra

END OF WATCH: December 19, 2007

 

Nueces County Sheriff’s Deputy Thomas Nolan

END OF WATCH: August 13, 1860

 

Nueces County Sheriff Matthew Nolan

END OF WATCH: December 22, 1864

 

Nueces County Sheriff Dennis J. Kelly

END OF WATCH: June 13, 1870

 

Nueces County Sheriff’s Deputy Thomas Shaw

END OF WATCH: September 1877

 

Nueces County Sheriff’s Deputy Alexander S. Downs J.

END OF WATCH: October 16, 1932

 

Nueces County Sheriff’s Deputy Irvin M. Brown

END OF WATCH: February 13, 1995

 

Nueces County Constable Pct 1 Patrick 2. Freely

END OF WATCH: March 25, 1917

 

Nueces County Constable Pct 1 R.R. Bledsoe

END OF WATCH: July 5, 1925

 

Nueces County Constable Pct 1 Carl M. Bisbee

END OF WATCH: July 6, 1925

 

Nueces County Constable Pct 6 Patrick S. Runyon

END OF WATCH: February 7, 1981

The Corpus Christi Police Department will have some computer maintenance conducted Thursday, March 22, 2012 which will affect the public.

No open records requests will be completed on Thursday as a result of the computer service.  Also, no copies of Police Reports will be given out on Thursday as a result of this maintenance. 

The requests for records and reports will be back to normal on Friday, March 23, 2012 during normal business hours.

The Police Department regrets any inconvenience this may cause and the upgrades are necessary to improve police service to the community.

Occurred March 9-19, 2012          Spring Break 2012 Statistics

The Corpus Christi Police Department had several goals to promote a safe environment for Spring Breakers in 2012. The Emergency Operations Center was activated to serve as a central communications post for area emergency responders, there was an emphasis on the safe transit of motorists on the roadways, and there was an emphasis on beach safety.

The Corpus Christi Police occupied the Emergency Operations Center to employ the use of the video cameras that view the beach, the roadways, and certain areas of town. The police officers sent twitter and facebook updates about the beach traffic and conditions. The use of the Emergency Operations served as an exercise for regional emergency responders for familiarization and practice to prepare for any large emergent event.

The Corpus Christi Police Department emphasized the safe transit of motorists by providing increased traffic patrol on densely traveled roadways in the city. The Corpus Christi Police issued 867 citations on Padre Island between March 9 and March 19 for this effort. Only 161 citations were issued for speeding. Most of the citations (282) were for an expired vehicle registration or expired inspection. The other citations were:  41 for uninsured motorists, 24 for not having the proof of insurance available, 52 for disregard a barricade, 61 for unlicensed drivers, 4 for driving with a suspended license, 122 Adults without seatbelts, 59 Children without seatbelts, 6 Minors in possession of alcohol, and 1 violation of curfew. There were 7 vehicle crashes reported on the beach and 24 vehicles were taken to the city impound lot.

The police officers patrolled the crowds on the beach and effected arrests only when necessary in the matter of safety. The Corpus Christi police Department recorded 50 arrests on the beach which were:

23 for Public Intoxication;

11 for Possession of Marijuana;

9 for Warrants for arrest;

1 disorderly conduct;

And 6 other arrests.

There were two individuals on two different days for the duration of this Spring Break that arrived at area hospitals for treatment of injuries they said originated on the beach (Case numbers 1203160036; and 1203140008). Police were not made aware of the injuries until the persons revealed themselves at the hospitals for treatment.

The Corpus Christi Police Department provided an added emphasis on safety on the public roadways by an increased effort to apprehend intoxicated drivers. The Corpus Christi Police made 25 arrests city-wide for the time period of March 9 through March 19. There were 19 arrests for a first Driving While Intoxicated offense; 2 arrests for Driving While Intoxicated as a 2^nd offense (1 previous conviction for D.W.I.), 1 Driving While Intoxicated as a third offense (at least 2 previous convictions for D.W.I.).  There were 3 drivers arrested for driving intoxicated while under the age of 21.

The Corpus Christi Police Department continues the commitment to work as an equal partner with the community to reduce crime, reduce the fear of crime, and enhance public safety.

Corpus Christi Police Chief Floyd Simpson conducted several “Meet and Greet” events this week which included the Black Chamber of Commerce on Friday, March, 16, 2012.

Girl Scout Troop 9631 opened the event with a flag ceremony and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Chief Simpson was introduced by the President of the Corpus Christi Black Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Ann Tryon, on the 6th floor of the City Hall.  The Chair of the Corpus Christi Black Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Geraldine Johnson provided a welcome to the gathering and the Assistant City Manager, Troy Riggs provided opening statements to introduce Chief Simpson.

Mayor Joe Adame watched from the side as Chief Simpson shared comments about the city. “I plan to be here a long time.” Chief Simpson said. “This is not a fly-by-night operation for me. I saw the good progress the city team started in this city and I wanted to get on board before we reached the finish line.”

City Councilman Mark Scott, District 32 State Representative Todd hunter, Nueces County Sheriff JIm Kaelin, Corpus Christi Fire Chief Robert Rocha, and District 34 State Representative Connie Scott were among those in attendance for Chief Simpson’s welcome by the Chamber.

             

              

The new chief of the Corpus Christi Police Department, Floyd Simpson, was sworn into his position Monday in a ceremony at the police main headquarters. The Honorable Jose Longoria, Judge of the 214^th District Court, swore in Chief Simpson in front of the command staff at 9:00 o-clock in the morning on the chiefs first day.

Chief Simpson is a native of Chicago Illinois. Chief Simpson was the assistant chief of police in the Dallas Police Department where he was employed for the past 25 years. Thursday, March 8, 2012, Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and Dallas Chief David Brown said their farewell to Chief Simpson. Monday, March 12, 2012, Chief Simpson was welcomed by Corpus Christi Mayor Joe Adame.

Chief Simpson is 48 years old and his wife of more than 20 years, Tanya, stood by Chief Simpson’s side as Judge Longoria swore in the new chief of police.

The 70^th Police Academy Class for the Corpus Christi Police Department stood in the back of the room to watch Chief Simpson’s ceremony. Chief Simpson took the time to shake every cadet’s hand and introduce himself.

“We share a special bond,” Chief Simpson said to the Academy cadets, “since we start in this department together at the same time.”

                Chief Simpson announced from the podium his intention to waste no time to begin business.

Chief Simpson made a short simple comment as all eyes were on him and ended his comments with the announcement; “It’s time to get to work.”