Thursday, March 28, 2024

Southlake Police Department Celebrates Sgt. Blas Hernandez

The Southlake Police School Resource Officer Program continues to shine as a world-class SRO Program, locally and nationally. On March 20, 2023, Sgt. Blas Hernandez was recognized as the 2023 L.E.A.D. Instructor of the Year Award. Law Enforcement Against Drugs (L.E.A.D.) is a non-profit organization, supported by dedicated police officers, committed to protecting youth and communities from the proliferation of drugs, drug-related crimes, peer-to-peer/cyber bullying and violence.

In 2020, Sgt. Hernandez and Matt Petrie, a retired SRO and former DARE Officer, began the quest for educational programs that specifically target drug safety in schools. While steeped in research, Sgt. Hernandez discovered the L.E.A.D. program while completing his master’s degree in Criminology.

When asked why a program like L.E.A.D. is important to have in our schools, Sgt. Hernandez said, “The first 5-weeks of the curriculum focus on character building and I chose L.E.A.D. because it focuses more on developing confident and resilient kids as well as equipping them with the tools needed for drug resistance. After reviewing several drug safety programs, L.E.A.D. was my top choice.”

In 2022, with overwhelming support from the City of Southlake Crime Control Prevention District board members, SPD purchased its first L.E.A.D drug resistance education curriculum which is currently offered as an elective course available to 4th, 6th and 8th grade students in Carroll ISD.

Police Chief and Deputy Director of Community Services Honored for their Work

Deputy Director of Community Services David Miller and Police Chief James Brandon were recently honored by their City of Southlake colleagues as Deputy Director of the Year and Outstanding Strategic Performer of the year, respectively.

“David and James reached for and achieved excellence in their departments,” said City Manager Shana Yelverton. “Their work is outstanding — strategic and effective.”

David Miller began his work with the City of Southlake in 2020. He was previously the Director of Strategic Initiatives with the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Texas and a Master’s degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

“David had an immediate impact on our organization,” said Yelverton. “Since coming to Southlake he has strengthened our parks and recreation programs in so many ways because he is willing to tackle any challenge. He has also established himself as an executive who works across departments and with his colleagues for the benefit of the whole organization. We are fortunate to have him on our team.”

James Brandon began his career in Southlake as the Assistant Police Chief before promoting to Chief of Police in April 2015. He previously held various positions within the Corpus Christi Police Department and has even served as a correctional officer.

Chief Brandon earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Midwestern State University and a Master’s of Business Administration degree from the American Military University.

“Southlake’s Police Department is one of the best law enforcement agencies in the nation, holding the highest level of accreditation possible from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies,” noted Yelverton. “We enjoy a very high level of professionalism due to Chief Brandon’s outstanding leadership.”

Q&A with Jeff Paul, Who’s Celebrating 38 Years of Service

Meet Cpl. Jeff Paul. He has served on the police force for the City of Southlake for 38 years. We had to ask, what’s the secret to his success?

 

1.What have you learned about yourself professionally during your time at Southlake?

I’ve learned that I have the ability to be a true professional with the opportunities that Southlake has given me for career development and other training on ethics in the workplace. I’ve learned that I am quite capable of owning my mistakes and I can move on, learning from the mistakes. None of us are perfect, but I know the end game.

 

2. What have you learned about the City during your tenure here?

The City has a lot more history to it than most people realize. The City was incorporated in 1956 but the area’s history, what now is Southlake, started decades before that. The City has grown from a rural, farming and ranching community of 2,800 when I started, to this modern city that has attracted large, major corporations to its portfolio of businesses with a population of over 32,000 – having started out as a “General Law” city and eventually becoming a “Home Rule” city with a city charter. Southlake has high standards for development which has contributed to it being the crown jewel among cities in Tarrant County.

 

3. Why do you like working for Southlake?

The City is run as a well-oiled machine. This makes it a great place to work. With over 500 employees, it still feels like family. Employees work together well with the common goal of taking care of the citizens by providing professional services that are expected in this community. I can say from personal experience, that the Police Department and Human Resources has supported me during very personal times in my life as an employee.

 

4. If you had advice for new employees what would that be?

Know the City’s core values and understand why they exist. Understand that you work for the citizens of Southlake and it is a privilege to work here. You should come to work each day with that in mind in order for you to be successful. Take advantage of training opportunities, as the City provides ample opportunity for career development at the City’s expense.

 

Interested in joining our world class team? Visit www.CityofSouthlakeJobs.com.

A Message From the Southlake Police Department Regarding a Post Card

Southlake residents may have received a postcard in the mail recently talking about a City of Southlake app. We want you to know that the City of Southlake HAS NOT approved this postcard and has not partnered with any organization to produce the app or the postcard.
While we haven’t yet confirmed the intent of those who mailed out these unauthorized postcards, the Southlake Police Department is currently investigating the matter. In the meantime, don’t download this suspicious app!
If you have already downloaded the app, delete it, and monitor your personal information to ensure it is not used fraudulently in the future. If you notice any suspicious activity involving your personal information, contact the Southlake Police Department.
Phot of Post Card under investigation Photo of Post Card under investigation

Mayor’s Alliance and Southlake Police Department Answer Your Questions During Virtual Town Hall

The Mayor’s Alliance for Unity and Culture hosted a Virtual Town Hall on July 29 with the Southlake Police Department to ask and answer questions Southlake residents have about the Police Department.

Watch the event recording and follow-up video here.

Mayor Laura Hill was joined by Alliance members and Southlake residents Anthony Shelton and Elisa O’Callaghan to host and moderate the event. Acting Police Chief Ashleigh Casey answered questions along with Captain Randy Thomas, SRO Sergeant John Stokes, SRO Corporal Blas Hernandez, SRO Frank Rogers (Carroll Sr. High School), SRO Cory Rattan (Carroll High School), SRO Brett Roberson (Carroll Middle School), and SRO Anthony Pate (Dawson Middle School).

“The Alliance filled a complete calendar of incredible events for our citizens to experience during 2020 and had to be canceled due to COVID-19,” Hill said during the event. “They were quick to pivot this summer, especially after the murder of George Floyd. We came together and made the decision to give our citizens an opportunity to speak to us and ask us their questions.”

During the event, the Southlake Police Department answered questions that were submitted ahead of time by Southlake residents. Casey and her team answered questions relating to police policies, training and education, the School Resource Officer program, equipment and other policing matters. Though questions were not taken during the event, all questions asked were tracked and after the event Casey answered those questions.

Look for more virtual events from the Mayor’s Alliance coming this fall. Have an idea for a Mayor’s Alliance event? Submit it here.

Mayor’s Alliance to Host Virtual Town Hall with the Southlake Police Department on July 29

The Mayor’s Alliance for Unity and Culture invites residents to a virtual Town Hall with the Southlake Police Department. Alliance members will be joined by Southlake Mayor Laura Hill, Assistant Police Chief Ashleigh Casey and members of the Southlake Police Department.

“The Alliance’s mission is to build community unity in Southlake,” Southlake Mayor Laura Hill said. “We know that building strong relationships starts with bringing everyone to the table to have a conversation. Through this event, our citizens will be able to get answers to their questions and share their concerns with the Police Department.”

The virtual Town Hall will take place on Wednesday, July 29 from 6 – 7 p.m.

Questions should be submitted to the Mayor’s Alliance by Tuesday, July 28 at 12 p.m., using this form. The Mayor’s Alliance members moderating the forum will ask questions as time allows and reserve questions for a future Town Hall, if needed.

To attend the Town Hall, visit: https://bit.ly/72920SLKMAUC. This Town Hall will be recorded and available on the City’s video on demand within 48 hours of the event.

For more information about the Southlake Police Department, please visit the City’s website.

Peaceful Protest to Take Place Saturday In Town Square

The City of Southlake and the Southlake Police Department are aware of and are in regular contact with the organizers of a student-led protest scheduled to take place in Town Square this Saturday at 2:00 p.m. in response to the death of George Floyd.

The students have coordinated with the Police Department personnel so they understand what they can expect and, they have also been assigned a Southlake Police Officer Liaison for any questions they might have.

“The right to gather and peacefully protest is a right we support and ensure day-in and day-out,” said Assistant Police Chief Ashleigh Casey. “In each case, our goal is to maintain a peaceful environment while supporting freedom of speech and expression. In this instance, there are extra safety concerns since there are supposed to be young students involved.”

The Police Department has a strong operational plan and a commitment to maintaining order. “Southlake is considered a safe place, and we don’t want our well-meaning students negatively affected by unlawful activity,” Chief Casey added.

Community Conversations

“We have heard from many people with differing opinions about the protest,” said City Manager Shana Yelverton.  “First amendment rights are paramount, but safety is also a big concern, and we are doing what we can to let people know about what to expect on that day so they can make an informed decision.”

Conversations about the protest have also taken place between the City and the management of Town Square and other surrounding commercial properties.

Streets Closed

Certain streets surrounding Family Park in the front of the square will be closed to traffic to help support a safe demonstration. Town Hall will also be closed to the public for the weekend.

City of Southlake Wins PRSA Silver Anvil Award

The City of Southlake is the recipient of the Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) Silver Anvil Award for the Most Effective Campaign $5,000 Or Less, Government.

“I am so proud of Southlake DPS and the City for their amazing efforts,” said Southlake Mayor Laura Hill.  “They have taken a humorous yet effective approach to ensure the safety and security of the people who live, work, and drive in Southlake. I love how they went about it.”

In early 2018, the Police Department set a goal to “Humanize the Badge” and to eliminate the “cop talk” that often tended to be formal and uninviting.

What replaced it?  A fun, pop culture driven social media strategy that would help cement the public’s trust with a nationally accredited Police Department that protects, is compassionate, and engages with the people they serve.

“The innovative and unconventional approach took a leap of faith,” said City Manager Shana Yelverton. “But we felt the risk was worth it to get important messages to the public in a form they could digest and enjoy.”

“We had a good following on the Southlake DPS Facebook accounts,” said Police Chief James Brandon.  “But with our change in strategy, we saw a 285% increase in Facebook followers, which was important to achieving a crowdsourcing approach to ensuring safety and security.”

As the following grew, the posts focused on three main areas: sound police management practices and protocols, the officers’ professional training, and their relationship-building activities.  But make no mistake, the approach was anything but ordinary.

People started noticing after a Facebook and Twitter post called “GURL CALL ME.”

The post was a “letter” written to a woman suspected of identity theft. The letter was much more than the usual, “we are looking for this criminal” narrative, as it used emojis and “teen girl talk” to give facts about the case and also signed off with the now infamous phrase GURL CALL ME. With this post, the Southlake DPS Facebook page saw its following double in less than 24 hours, reaching more than 3.1 million people and 1.7 million engagements.

The person behind the video, memes, and fun writing is Officer Brad Uptmore. His Baylor University film degree along with 12 and half years of police experience, was put to work to make the strategy come alive. Since that first viral post, Uptmore has created more than several dozens of videos including the popular Pumpkin Spice Citations video and the Use Your JAR JAR BLINKER when driving on Star Wars Day video.  He’s also created dozens of memes including the long-standing joke/reminder to drive 30mph on Randol Mill since it’s a road construction zone.  But despite the light-hearted demeanor, Officer Uptmore is all business when it comes to safety and security.

“It is such a privilege to do this job,” said Officer Uptmore. “Chief Brandon’s willingness to let me try different ideas to help people be safe and make safe choices as well as get to know our officers? It’s a win-win!”

Since 1944, PRSA has awarded Silver Anvil Awards annually to organizations around the world for outstanding strategic public relations programs. According to the PRSA website, judges look for programs or campaigns “that incorporate sound insights and analysis, planning, execution, and evaluation. They must meet the highest standards of performance in the profession.”

The Silver Anvil Award for the Most Effective Campaign $5,000 Or Less, Government is the City of Southlake’s first PRSA Silver Anvil Award.

Southlake Deputy Fire Chief Kurt Hall Becomes Designated CEMSO

Southlake Deputy Fire Chief Kurt Hall successfully completed the International Designation Process for “Chief EMS Officer” CEMSO, making him one of 134 CEMSOs Worldwide.

This Designation was recently granted by the Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC), a program that provides guidance and career planning assistance to enhance the professional development of fire and emergency service personnel.

The Designation program is voluntary and is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate their excellence in seven measured components. They include: experience, education, professional development, professional contributions, association membership, community involvement and technical competence. The program also considers broad professional accomplishments and recognizes lifelong career excellence and achievement.

“By accomplishing this designation, Deputy Chief Hall has set a standard for his peers and has displayed he understands the importance of the knowledge he received from this designation,” said Chief Mike Starr, “This achievement signifies Hall’s commitment to his career in the fire and emergency service.”

CEMSO’s must have a minimum of 10 years emergency medical services field or system experience as an Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, Registered Nurse, Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner or Physician. They are also required to identify a future professional development plan.

For more information, please visit the Center for Public Safety Excellence.