"Welcome to the Police Department"
The Criminal Investigations Division (CID)
Three investigators are assigned to the detective division
under the direct supervision of the Captain. Two investigators
are assigned to assist the patrol division with crime scene
processing, evidence collection, follow up with investigation of
serious offenses, work with the victims, identify offenders, and
work with prosecutors to present cases for trial. One
investigator is assigned to work narcotics and vice cases in the
city. Working with other agencies in the county and state and
assisted by other Port Lavaca officers, this investigator is
responsible to identify and prosecute drug offenders in the area
and work vice investigations as needed.
Investigative Categories:
POLICE OFFICER:
Working in uniform under the direction of a patrol Sergeant,
Officers serve the needs of the public by investigating
complaints, deterring criminal activities, arresting persons
involved in criminal conduct and safeguarding the public by
performing traffic enforcement duties..
Minimum Qualifications:
Must have Basic certification through the Texas Commission of
Law Enforcement Standards and education, be a U.S. Citizen over
21 years of age with no prior criminal history. High School
diploma or GED required with a valid drivers license and a good
driving record. Prior experiences in law enforcement or related
college courses are preferred. Be in and maintain good physical
condition.
www.tcleose.state.tx.us
Manpower:
Fourteen officers are assigned to the patrol division. These
officers work on a twelve (12) hour schedule maintaining patrol
responsibilities. Each shift includes a patrol sergeant
supervised the daily duties of officers. Senior officers may
attain the rank of Corporal. All officers are expected to work
with citizens to further the goals of Community Policing.
Communications:
Enhanced 9-1-1 service is available in Port Lavaca and the
Calhoun County area. Our 9-1-1 system includes both automatic
number identification and automatic location identification.
These enhancements display to a 9-1-1 Dispatcher the caller's
telephone number and the location from which the 9-1-1 call is
being placed. These features allow a 9-1-1 Dispatcher to call
you back and/or send help when a 9-1-1 call is accidentally
disconnected or the caller is unable to communicate.
Who answers 9-1-1 calls?
Highly trained Police Dispatchers within the Police Department's
Communications Unit answer 9-1-1 calls placed within the City of
Port Lavaca. The Port Lavaca Police Department's Communications
Unit is one of two 9-1-1 answering points in the Calhoun County
area. The Calhoun County Sheriffs Department is the primary
point of answer for 9-1-1.
Can I call 9-1-1 from a cellular or PCS telephone?
Yes. 9-1-1 is a free call from your cellular or PCS phone.
Remember that the 9-1-1 dispatcher will not receive a display of
your phone number or location when calling from any "wireless"
phone. For this reason, your 9-1-1 call from a wireless phone
may have to be transferred to another agency.
Can I call 9-1-1 from a pay phone?
Yes. No coin is needed when dialing 9-1-1.
Do they know where I am calling from when I call 9-1-1?
In our enhanced 9-1-1 system, the 9-1-1 Dispatcher will
automatically receive a computer display of the telephone
company billing address for the telephone that the 9-1-1 call is
placed from. There are some instances when this address will not
be correct. Examples include: Calls placed from cellular or PCS
telephones do not display the calling telephone number or
location (work is in progress that may allow delivery of this
vital information in the future). Calls placed from large PBX
systems such as schools and banks often will actually display
the address location or address of the main facility. For these
reasons, the 9-1-1 Dispatcher will ask callers for the specific
location at which assistance is needed. Stay on the line and
follow instructions of the 9-1-1 Dispatcher.
Are police officers, firefighters and ambulances dispatched in
the order calls are received?
No. The 9-1-1 Dispatcher will ask you for pertinent information
concerning the incident you are reporting. In all cases,
emergencies involving someone's life will take priority over
emergencies involving property only. If there will be a delay in
response to your call, the 9-1-1 Dispatcher will attempt to let
you know that a response may be delayed. In all cases, if the
situation changes before help arrives, call 9-1-1 again and
update the 9-1-1 Dispatcher with the new information. You are
encouraged to dial 9-1-1 anytime you feel a response by Police,
Fire, or EMS personnel is needed. The 9-1-1 Dispatchers that
answer your calls are trained to ask specific questions and make
decisions regarding the appropriate Public Safety response to
your call. Depending upon the situation being reported, your
call may be transferred to another agency or you may be referred
to an alternative number. In all instances, you should follow
the instructions and directions given to you by the 9-1-1
Dispatcher.
How many dispatchers does the Port Lavaca Police Department
Employ?
We employ four full time dispatchers and two part-time
dispatchers. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to
contact them at the Port Lavaca Police Department at any time.
Each is highly trained and willing to answer any question you
have. If they do not have the answer, they will get it for you
and return your call.