Category Archives: HISD PD

Three HISD police sergeants promoted to captain

Three veteran sergeants from the HISD Police Department have been promoted to the new rank of captain, HISD Police Chief Paul Cordova announced on Thursday.

The three are Capt. Richard Morris, Capt. Artina Walker, and Capt. Robert Barbosa, and they will report to Asst. Police Chief Lucretia Rogers. Their promotions take effect on Monday, July 16.

“Each of these officers is a proven leader with a unique skill set and dedicated to our mission of strengthening our relationship with the community as we work to keep our schools and students safe,” Cordova said. “They work well together, and I’m excited to have them on the police department leadership team.”

Continue reading →

Ministers and school, community leaders partner for safe start to summer 

Local religious, school, and community leaders came together Tuesday to kick off the 28th year of Project Safe Start, a partnership aimed at preventing crime and providing additional security for students and teachers as they begin their summer vacations.

The partnership includes Houston Ministers Against Crime, HISD Police Department, Houston Police Department, Texas Southern University, the METRO Police Department, and other local school districts.

Ministers say the end of the school year is a time when students want to settle scores before summer break, and they often do so not on but near campus. Project Safe Start includes increased security on and around campuses to ensure areas surrounding schools remain safe for all students.   Continue reading →

Interim assistant chief tapped to serve as second in command of HISD PD

Interim Assistant Police Chief Lucretia Rogers

Lucretia L. Rogers selected as HISD Police Department Assistant Chief

Interim Assistant Police Chief Lucretia Rogers has been selected to serve as the second in command of the Houston Independent School District Police Department.

A former detective, Rogers has been serving as interim assistant chief since February 2018. She permanently assumes the role on May 22.

Rogers was selected by HISD Police Chief Paul Cordova, who also was recently named to his position. Both Cordova and Rogers have been tasked with building a new culture within the police department while also improving the agency’s reputation and strengthening its relationships with the community. Continue reading →

Sharpstown HS officer puts focus on community outreach

Each school day at the heart of Sharpstown High School is a bubbly campus officer whose contagious smile and positive attitude reflects on the students she waves to.

“Hey Michelle. How did you do on your test?” Community Outreach Officer Vanessa Losey says as she greets students walking between classes. “Hi ’mijo,’” — Spanish for son — “How are you doing?”

Though small in stature, Losey is known for her rapid walking pace, which, according to Sharpstown students, no one can keep up with. Every day, Losey can be found rushing between corridors and classrooms with four noisy radios in tow as she heads to her next post or assignment. Continue reading →

HISD PD dispatcher stays calm under pressure to help ensure safety

HISD PD dispatcher Raycinda Buxton

Sitting behind four large computer screens with a headset attached to her left ear, Raycinda Buxton spends her days responding to other people’s emergencies.

On any given day, the HISD Police Department dispatcher is answering 911 calls, dispatching officers, monitoring alarms and video surveillance — often all at the same time.    Continue reading →

Police officer’s service in HISD spans from helping schools to serving alongside superintendent

HISD Police Officer Brenson York

Every morning, Brenson York prepares for a day full of surprises. As an HISD police officer assigned to the superintendent’s security detail, he must be ready for anything.

“I’ve done and seen almost everything,” York said with a chuckle. “From driving the superintendent to local meetings around the city to making turn-around trips to Austin — even providing security at events, monthly board meetings, and, of course, hundreds of school visits.”

According to York, fighting Houston traffic, navigating backroads, finding detours, and waking up before sunrise for early morning meetings are just part of the gig. He also serves as the eyes and ears for HISD’s superintendent, often acting as a needed buffer for the school district chief at public events. Continue reading →

HISD Police, Risk Management join Florida think tank following school shooting

As students and teachers make their way back to classes this week in Parkland, Fla., the community is seeking normalcy and continuity through vigils, community focus groups, and a think tank made up of members from some of the nation’s largest police agencies.

As part of that think tank, the HISD Police Department and Risk Management Team joined with law enforcement officers and safety practitioners from across the country on Monday to discuss school safety issues.

The session was held in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. on March 5, and it was hosted by the Miami-Dade Public Schools Police Department. Continue reading →

Carranza, local law enforcement urge HISD community to help in preventing school incidents, threats 

In the wake of the tragedy at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza on Wednesday asked parents, students, and school staff to be the first line of defense when it comes to keeping HISD students safe.

“The best preventative measure is a well-informed school culture – a student body that feels comfortable bringing information forward,” Carranza said.

He urged students that if they “see something, say something” and report any concerns to an adult.

He also joined Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo and Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez in calling on parents to talk to their students about the consequences of making jokes or threats regarding school safety on social media, in person, or through other channels. Threats – even if considered a joke by the person who made them – are considered crimes.  Continue reading →

HISD Police Department to host ‘Coffee With a Cop’

The Houston Independent School District Police Department is building relationships with community one cup of coffee at a time.

HISD Police Department will host the first Coffee With a Cop of 2018 on Thursday, Feb. 1, from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Whataburger located on 6914 Harrisburg Blvd., Houston, TX 77011.

Coffee with a Cop is an event centered on breaking down barriers and joining law enforcement officers with their respective communities. The program gives police officers an opportunity to discuss specific community concerns, share ideas and address issues with those who live in the area they serve, while building trust and confidence.                     Continue reading →

HISD Police Department adds emergency equipment to its fleet 

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Just in time for the new year, the HISD Police Department received a donation of kayaks, rescue gear and other emergency equipment secured by District II Board Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones.

“During Hurricane Harvey, I witnessed our police department’s efforts assisting people get to higher ground using every resource we had – buses, SUVs and cars,” Trustee Skillern-Jones said.  “If we are going to be a part of rescue efforts, we need to ensure our officers are equipped with safe equipment that allows them do so.”   Continue reading →