Texas System Police Association News

University of Texas Police Safety Courses

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 18:09:37 GMT

December 15 & 19, 2025: General Campus Safety (In-person & Virtual)
Schedule [utph.org]

Hands-On Workshops at Campus Safety Conference

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 18:09:07 GMT

Topics include:

Lockdown communication strategies
School climate and security culture
Emergency tabletop exercises

Workshop details [campussafe...gazine.com]

PoliceTraining.net Texas Courses (December 2025)

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 18:08:38 GMT

Examples:

Dec 8–12: Tactical Team Leader – SWAT (McKinney, TX)
Dec 15–16: Street Survival Seminar (Houston, TX)
Dec 17–18: Advanced Interview & Interrogation (Little Elm, TX)

Browse full list [policetraining.net]

LEMIT Programs (Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas)

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 18:07:53 GMT

December 2025 Highlights:

Dec 1–5: Command Staff Leadership Series – Huntsville, TX
Dec 9–10: Basic Internal Affairs – Huntsville, TX
Dec 15–17: Public Information Officer Training – Huntsville, TX

Full calendar [lemitonline.org]

ALERRT Conference – Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 18:07:25 GMT

ocation: Texas State University, San Marcos, TX
Focus: Active shooter response and dynamic scenario-based training for campus and municipal law enforcement.
More info [alerrt.org]

Texas Association of Campus and University Police Administrators (TACUPA) Annual Conference

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 18:06:36 GMT

Date: 2025 (specific dates TBD)
Location: Texas (venue announced closer to event)
Focus: Training, networking, and leadership development for campus law enforcement professionals.
Details [tacupa.org]

Campus Safety Conference 2025

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 18:05:58 GMT

Dates: July 21–23, 2025
Location: Hilton Austin, Austin, TX
Focus: Campus safety strategies, emergency management, law enforcement collaboration, and technology solutions. Includes hands-on workshops like lockdown communication and emergency tabletop exercises.

PUBIC SAFETY OFFICER APPRECIATION WEEK

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 11:46:18 GMT

PUBIC SAFETY OFFICER APPRECIATION WEEK

The Executive Board of Directors of the Texas System Police Association paused to celebrate and appreciate UT System Police Public Safety Officers. The association held this event at Ojeda's Mexican Restaurant in Desoto, Texas, on Sept. 23, 2023. The association presented the following awards to the following members:

The TSPA John Mulloy Leadership Award was awarded to campus police employees or officers in leadership positions who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment to service through deeds, resulting in a measurable benefit to their peers, service, and community.

Public Safety Officer Supervisor Quentin Booker
Public Safety Officer Supervisor Eboni Ross

The President of TSPA presents the TSPA Distinguish Shield Award to members of the association whose morals and ethical values have displayed positivism, compassion, trustworthiness, honesty, respect, and responsibility. This person has kept a positive attitude in the present and toward the future of any situation, assists peers and others to their abilities, and always does so with great attitude and selflessness.

Public Safety Officer Merbel Anaya
Public Safety Officer Micheal McLemore
Public Safety Officer Benedicto Carrion
Public Safety Officer Tiskal Cambell
Public Safety Officer Jithesh Mukundan
Public Safety Officer LaWanna Briggs
Public Safety Officer Alejandra Zavaleta-Melara

The Meritorious Service Award recognizes association members for honorable service in campus law enforcement and is usually issued at retirement.

Public Safety Officer Merriell Williams
Public Safety Officer Tommy Wolfrum

Cert. of Commendation is an award issued to TSPA members whose actions deserve to be commended for an outstanding act while performing their duties.

Public Safety Officer LaWanna Briggs
Public Safety Officer Tiskal Cambell
Public Safety Officer Merriell Williams

Museum Dedicated to Oldest Law Enforcement Agency

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 00:18:30 GMT

New museum dedicated to telling story of nation's oldest law enforcement agency

Throughout the museum, guests will learn the full story of the Marshals, which dates back to the ratification of the U.S. Constitution

Today at 6:00 AM

By Sarah Roebuck
Police1

FORT SMITH, Ark. — A new interactive museum in Arkansas is dedicated to telling the story of the Marshals, the nation's oldest law enforcement agency, the Thinkwell Group announced.

The U.S. Marshals Museum is an interactive experience located on the historic banks of the Arkansas River. The Thinkwell Group, a design and production agency, was responsible for the design, production and delivery of the experience.

Throughout the museum, guests will learn the full story of the Marshals, which dates back to the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

"The story of the U.S. Marshals is the story of America – of struggling to live up to the ‘glorious promise’ of the Constitution,” Cynthia Sharpe, Senior Principal at Thinkwell and Executive Creative Director on the project said. “We had to create a space in which guests could engage with some really challenging moments in the nation's history, but also balance it with the fun and larger-than-life stories of the U.S. Marshals Service."

Look at Video

https://youtu.be/bak1lI6sZHY

Duty Death: Jessica Ebbighausen - [Rutland, Vermont]

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 00:10:10 GMT

Vt. officer, aged 19, killed after suspect crashed into police cruiser during pursuit

Rutland PD Officer Jessica Ebbighausen, a part-time officer, was scheduled to start training in August at the Vermont Police Academy to become a full-time officer

Duty Death: Jessica Ebbighausen - [Rutland, Vermont]

End of Service: 07/07/2023

Today at 11:26 AM

Associated Press

RUTLAND, Vt. — A Vermont police officer was killed and two other officers were injured when a burglary suspect crashed into two police cruisers pursuing him, Vermont State Police said.

Rutland City Police Officer Jessica Ebbighausen, 19, was killed on Friday afternoon. The crash happened as police chased a vehicle driven by Tate Rheaume, 20, a suspect in an attempted break-in at a house, state police said.

Evidence indicates that Rheaume crossed the centerline and collided head-on with Ebbighausen's cruiser, police said. The suspect's truck also hit another police cruiser.

Ebbighausen was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other officers and Rheaume were taken to Rutland Regional Medical Center for what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries, police said. Rheaume was transferred to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington.

State police said they are investigating the role impairment and speed played in the crash and are working with the Rutland County state's attorney on potential charges. It was not immediately known if Rheaume is being represented by an attorney.

Ebbighausen, of Ira, Vermont, started working with the Rutland Police Department in May as a part-time officer, state police said. She was scheduled to start training in August at the Vermont Police Academy to become a full-time officer, police said.

Ill.Police Department Unveils Juneteenth Themed Squad Car

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 23:12:52 GMT

Ill. police department unveils Juneteenth-themed squad car

Aurora Police Chief Keith Cross said he hopes the vehicle will serve as a community engagement tool

Today at 6:00 AM

By Megan Jones
The Beacon-News, Aurora, Ill.

AURORA, Ill. —The Aurora Police Department, in conjunction with the city's African American Heritage Advisory Board, unveiled a special custom-wrapped squad car Wednesday in honor of Juneteenth.

Aurora Police Chief Keith Cross said he hopes the vehicle will serve as a community engagement tool.

"Not only will it spark interest and conversation between our officers and members of the community, but also highlight our efforts to embrace and highlight various cultures," Cross said.

Mayor Richard Irvin said Aurora Police Officer William Whitfield and other Black officers brought the idea for the car to the city as a way to educate and unite residents through conversations over the Juneteenth holiday.

"I did not hesitate to approve it," Irvin said. "This is not a solution to easily fix a generations-old problem, but it's a good step to keep us moving in the right direction."

Whitfield said he hopes the design helps break a barrier between the Black community and police officers.

The wrap was designed and paid for by the advisory board and will be on the car for the next two weeks, Cross said.

The car will be featured in a Juneteenth Car Parade hosted by the Community Advocacy Awareness Network with a lineup starting at 2:15 p.m. Saturday at the Phillips Park entrance on Smith Street in Aurora. The Kane County Sheriff's Office has provided traffic control for the event for the past three years.

The parade will begin at 3:15 p.m. and will travel from Smith Street to Fifth Avenue, then to Farnsworth Avenue and to Grand Boulevard before ending at Martin Luther King Park, 42 N. Farnsworth Ave., for the city's Juneteenth celebration. The celebration in the park will go until 7 p.m.

Aurora Chief Communications and Equity Officer Clayton Muhammad said the police car design is a wonderful movement in the right direction.

"It is a statement of what happened here in this nation and how to are attempting to right wrongs and rectify and balance and level the playing field," Muhammad said.

"We know challenges lie ahead of us as we continue," Whitfield said. "We are prepared to continue fighting to bring equality and diversity to our community."

Aurora Chief Communications and Equity Officer Clayton Muhammad said the police car design is a wonderful movement in the right direction.

"It is a statement of what happened here in this nation and how to are attempting to right wrongs and rectify and balance and level the playing field," Muhammad said.

"We know challenges lie ahead of us as we continue," Whitfield said. "We are prepared to continue fighting to bring equality and diversity to our community."

IACLEA 2023 Annual Conference

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 21:43:07 GMT

Registration - 2023 IACLEA Annual Conference & Exposition (cvent.com)

2023 Victory Over Violence Run/Walk

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 19:43:27 GMT

The Victory Over Violence event on April 15, 2023 includes a 5K walk/run as well as a 1K fun run through Trinity Park in Fort Worth. We are proud to be celebrating our 26th annual race!

This event exists to raise funds in support of The Women’s Center’s services that empower survivors of sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and other violent crimes. More than that, we hope to raise awareness about how these issues affect women, men, and children in our community.

This family-friendly event features a dedicated Kids’ Zone area and K-12 school teams. This race is a favorite among cause-focused organizations in Tarrant County, with many corporate teams and community partners participating year after year.

Adults: $20

Children: $15

Minimum number of team members REQUIRED for TSPA: 10

https://mytspa.org/event-4944138

ODOP to Chiefs Update #2022

Sat, 12 Nov 2022 15:26:09 GMT

BPOC #105 continues forward-Starting with 23 cadets the class is now at 21 with one cadet unable to participate due to a physical injury which occurred during off duty exercise; and a second cadet making a career change decision;

2. Speaking of the Academy, Inspector Ken Baptiste is back from his year+ tour of duty with the Texas Air National Guard as part of Operation Lone Star at the border-We are blessed to have Ken with us again!

3. And, as discussed briefly at the chiefs' conference in September, ODOP continues to work with Chancellor Milliken on a prospective new UTSP Police Academy and Training Center initiative--Sr. Inspectors Bobby Harper and Rey Trevino are doing the heavy lifting on this for us;

4. Inspector Geoff Merritt was able to return to the Academy and teach a class to BPOC #105 as Geoff continues his recovery-It's always a blessing to have Geoff in the classroom!

5. On the replacement Police Inspector position at ODOP downtown (Paul Maslyk's former position): we had 24 applications before closing the job posting with 14 initial interviews and three finalists selected for a second interview; we should have this position filled before Thanksgiving;

6. On the new FTE Police Inspector position at the Academy: We have 15 applications and will be closing the job posting this week in order to begin interviews;

7. On the Administrative Associate position (new FTE) at the Academy: the job posting remains open but is expected to close before Thanksgiving;

8. We have a Board of Regents meeting on 16-17 November;

9. I know I speak for all of us when I say thanks again to Chief Don Verett and his staff at UT Austin PD for the marvelous job they did with our 2022 chiefs' conference-Bravo!

10. The policy on facial hair has been issued and minor changes to policies on outer load bearing vests and sexual assault record-keeping are in the queue; my thanks to A/C Glenn Cole, UT Arlington PD, for the stylistic and formatting changes he recommended to our Code of Conduct policy-We will be adopting those as recommended to update the policy language and narrative;

11. Sr. Inspector Angel Lemmonds successfully completed the Senior Management Institute for Police hosted by the Police Executive Research Forum in Boston, the first ODOP Inspector to ever attend;

12. Inspector Ken Baptiste will be ODOP's next participant in the FBI National Academy program and we applaud him for his interest;

13. We have DAV training scheduled for 11/16 with Sr. Inspector Harper coordinating that effort;

14. The next meeting of the Academy Advisory Board is scheduled for 11/29/22 at the Academy-My thanks to Chief Parks as the Chair and Inspector Ashley Griffin for coordinating the meeting-We will have some rotation on the AAB with Chief Zacharias retiring, Chief (retired) Robert Dahlstrom stepping down and some movement in the public members;

15. For perhaps the first time in UTSP history, we will have two police chief searches underway at the same time-I am working with the senior leadership at both UT Austin and UT Dallas to facilitate both of these searches;

16. My hope is to have the 2021 Use of Force and Pursuit reports finalized and posted shortly as well as the annual 2021 UTSP/ODOP report-Short staffing has simply slowed all of those production efforts;

17. After the first of the new year, A/D Ruben Puente will take a fresh look at moving forward on a new UTSP recruiting video production;

18. My thanks to A/D Puente for a highly successful Internal Affairs training class and special thanks to Sr. Inspector Charlie Dunn, UT Houston PD, for his partnership in making that class happen;

19. High praise to Chief Adan Cruz and Chief Mike Parks for making the transfer of policing responsibilities at the UT Center at Laredo from UTHSC SA PD to UTRGV PD a complete success;

20. Chief Ken Adcox and A/C Jay Tillerson have forwarded their recommendation regarding retirement system changes that began with our discussion at the chiefs' conference--I have asked Faye Godwin, UTS Employee Benefits, to review and then begin to run the numbers; thanks to Ken and Jay;

21. The policy on the Peer Support program should be forthcoming shortly and is being coordinated by Inspector Ashley Griffin;

22. My thanks to COS David Ferrero and Inspector Griffin for changing their schedules and working essentially continuously at the Academy for BPOC #105 to backfill for our staffing shortage there; and thanks to Sr. Inspector Rey Trevino and Inspector Robert DeRohn for stepping up to instruct additional classes for the BPOC-We should all be proud of this Academy Team (Rey, Ashley, Geoff, Ken, Robert and David) making it happen for Class 105;

23. Given the integration of the UT Health Center Tyler with the University of Tyler to create a single institution over a year ago, Chiefs Robert Cromley and Mike Medders continue to work in partnership and with ODOP to finalize the transition from two institution police departments into a single PD-Kudos to both Robert and Mike for their hard work and investment of time for this initiative-ODOP is working closely with the UTT senior leadership to assist;

24. COS David Ferrero continues to work closely with the state grant folks on our UTSP application for ballistic grant funding-At their recommendation we have reduced the request to shields only and deleted the additional costs of cases and wings-This should put us back on the active for consideration list;

25. ODOP sent Sr. Inspector Angel Lemmonds, Inspector Ashley Griffin and Sr. Administrative Associate Lydia Navarro to the recent TCOLE conference in Corpus;

26. Lydia Navarro does incredibly crucial work on behalf of all of us day in and day out here at ODOP but rarely gets the credit that she deserves for her work with TCOLE on a daily basis and supporting every UTSP licensed person throughout the year-Please join me in congratulating Lydia on her promotion to Senior Administrative Associate! Thank you, Lydia!

27. A/D Ruben Puente is managing the racial profiling program with the retirement of Inspector Paul Maslyk;

October TSPA Meeting

Sat, 12 Nov 2022 15:20:36 GMT

Texas System Police Association Executive Board of Directors held its monthly meeting on October 29, 2022 to discuss the association's business. Topics of discussion were:

Texas System Police Association Banquet
Texas System Police Association June Meeting and Training Conference
TSPA Store.
TSPA Website
Victory over Violence Walk/Run

______________________________________________________________

The Executive Board will move the TSPA Banquet to June 2023, to be a part of the June Membership Meeting and Training Conference. The TSPA Executive Board of Directors and the TSPAF Board of Directors have agreed to schedule the event for June 9-10, 2023. The location selected is at the Aloft Hotel at 2333 W. Mockingbird Lane in Dallas, Texas.

A board member asked should the association continue to sell products online. The Executive Board decided it would ask the TSPAF Board of Directors to control the sales of association and foundation merchandise online.

The association has employed a web designer to create a better functioning and looking website for our members. The Executive Board of Director has signed the contracts for service. Because of the importance of a functioning professional website, the Executive Board moved the date from January to November.

Texas System Police Association will attend the Victory over Violence Walk/Run. The board is planning to ask the membership and others to register a member of team TSPA for the walk/run. The event will be posted soon.

The Executive Board is now researching companies that will give discounts to the association's membership. Also, a motion was made to purchase and sell TSPA coins. The motion asked for the new coins to have the association seal on the front of the coin and the foundation seal on the back of the coin.

The Executive Board will create a plan to increase membership in TSPA. The plan will be created and the Executive Board will be briefed at the next board meeting.

Items still of the agenda for the TSPA Executive Board:

Mediation for campus police officers

CLEAT’s bill concerning TRS retirement

Other benefit TSPA can offer to its members

NEW Phone Number

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 18:47:25 GMT

The Texas System Police Association and Texas System Police Association Foundation both have a NEW telephone number. We have moved to an upgraded system which provides a TOLL FREE number for our members. Our automated system will make sure your call is routed to the appropriate person.

Make note of our NEW number, although it is EASY to remember.

1-877-4MY-TSPA or 1-877-469-8772

Public Safety Officer Appreciation Week

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 03:31:48 GMT

Each day, UT System Public Safety Officer helps to maintain safe and secure UT campus and communities, to providing students, staff, and employees with a peace of mind. To recognize their commitment to our safety, the Texas System Police Association will recognize the National Security Officer Appreciation Week on September 18–24, 2022. In celebration of this week, we invite all to submit messages of thanks to the Pubic Safety Officer in your area.

MEET and Greet

Sat, 28 Aug 2021 13:26:23 GMT

MEET and GREET

Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 11am

Location: Fuzzy's Taco Shop - 4740 W. Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, Tx

Come meet with your TSPA Board Members and learn more about our association. We welcome potential members to join us, ask questions, and become members of our association. Remember.... we are here to support YOU when YOU need it most. As a CLEAT affiliated association, we have additional support that will back us when needed.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AT 11:00 am AT FUZZY'S TACO SHOP!

Re-Opening!!

Sun, 27 Jun 2021 15:51:44 GMT

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!!!

The Texas System Police Association has officially re-opened following COVID-19. We are excited about upcoming opportunities throughout the next year. We have also officially established the Texas System Police Association Foundation which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

44th Annual CLEAT Conference

Sat, 12 Sep 2020 14:39:11 GMT

Here is the link of the conference. TSPA was officially ratified as an affiliated association.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_prjktqewY&feature=youtu.be

UTSW PD Members

Sun, 12 Jul 2020 23:19:20 GMT

7/12/2020

To the members of TSPA who are employed by the UTSW PD,

Members of the TSPA Executive Board were approached concerning the many issues within the UTSW Police Department. As a result, an emergency meeting was called according to the association bylaws. A formal document was prepared and presented to the Executive Board of Directors advising them of our members complaints and concerns. During the meeting, the executive board was briefed and it was decided that a member of the Executive Board would launch a job satisfaction survey to further understand the problems within the UTSW Police Department. The survey was launched on May 26, 2020 and concluded July 6, 2020. Prior to the completion of the survey, members of the Executive Board contacted Chief Marcus Lewis to request a meeting. The meeting was approximately a two hours long meeting, which members of the Executive Board shared information with him. The board also offered him help in troubleshooting problems inside his department, which he gratefully accepted. Members of the Executive Board further explained to Chief Lewis that the TSPA Job Satisfaction Survey would be closed soon. He was also told that he would be given a complete copy of the survey. He was informed that the TSPA Executive Board would like to schedule a meeting with him to discuss the results of survey. On 07/06/2020, Chief Marcus Lewis was given a complete copy of the TSPA Job Satisfaction Survey by TSPA President Troy Mondine. TSPA Executive Board of Directors will now give Chief Lewis time to review the survey. He further explained that he would contact the board in the third week of this month to discuss further the results of the survey. In our conversation with the Chief Lewis, the contact was pleasant, and we are hopeful for a new and better UTSW Police Department. I will keep the membership posted on the events as they occur.

Troy Mondine

TSPA President

C.L.E.A.T. Statewide Zoom Meeting

Sat, 27 Jun 2020 08:00:47 GMT

C.L.E.A.T President Todd Harrison and Executive Director Charley Wilkinson called a meeting of the C.L.E.A.T Board of Directors (affiliated local association presidents or their designees) on Thursday, June 18, 2020. The meeting was held via Zoom at 10am. The meeting was a way for C.L.E.A.T to interact with affiliated local association leaders in trying times in order to keep them up to date on what they are doing, and to also obtain feedback from each local association on today’s issues. Also, because of the incredibly fast moving changes in current affairs, the C.L.E.A.T. executive director and their legislative lobby team will be holding an early legislative workshop to begin work for the next legislative session. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 29th in Austin, Texas. C.L.E.A.T. has invited TSPA President Troy Mondine, or a designee of the TSPA Executive Board of Directors, to attend the meeting. Communication has already been sent by Mondine that TSPA will be represented at the meeting.

On June 18th at 10 am, all of the C.L.E.A.T local affiliated presidents were asked to join a zoom call to hear from President, Todd Harrison and Executive Director, Charley Wilkison. See below for a summary of the information that was shared with local leadership:

1. Reminder that C.L.E.A.T is hosting a legislative workshop on July 29th at the ATT Conference Center in Austin from 8am-3pm. They encourage our local presidents to attend as they continue to strategize for the upcoming legislative session. State Representative James White will be the keynote speaker.

2. Given the current situation, C.L.E.A.T has adjusted its outlook for next session and realizes that we must fight for our core values and leave everything else at the door. This is not a time for enhancing criminal penalties or addressing peripheral issues such as bail, task forces, or asset forfeiture, but it is instead a time to ensure we maintain all benefits currently held by Texas peace officers. C.L.E.A.T. will be heavily focused on the following items this session:

1. Collective Bargaining / Meet and Confer
2. Civil Service (CH 143) and maintaining professional standards
3. Retirement / Pensions
4. Qualified Immunity

Cops take on dirty job so medical workers can leave the coronavirus behind

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 03:36:18 GMT

“Medical personnel were there for us on 9/11 and we want to be there for them today,” said Officer Eric Brozek

Today at 12:42 PM

By Larry Higgs
NJ Advance Media Group, Edison, N.J.

HACKENSACK, NJ — When Port Authority police officers asked how they could help doctors, nurses and paramedics on the front lines of the coronavirus fight, they might not have expected to become a cleaning crew.

But this is a dirty job being done with love.

On Friday, off-duty Port Authority police officers spent the gray day decontaminating ambulances, paramedics’ trucks and even the boots and pants of emergency medical service workers after they delivered patients to Hackensack Hospital.

“Medical personnel were there for us on 9-11 (at the World Trade Center) and we want to be there for them today,” said Officer Eric Brozek, who works at the Holland Tunnel police command.

The job is important to make sure the COVID-19 virus goes no further. Officers use spray equipment to decontaminate ambulance interiors, and outside door handles, while EMS crews are in the hospital. They treated stretchers when they returned, Brozek said.

Officers are also offering to decontaminate employee shuttle buses and doctors’ and nurses’ personal vehicles, so they don’t have to worry about taking coronavirus home to their families, he said.

“We will do whatever it takes to help the medical professionals courageously battling COVID-19 on the front lines,” said Paul Nunziato, President, Port Authority Police Benevolent Association. “They are saving lives. They have never let us down. It is our duty, desire and citizenship to come to their aid.”

Port Authority police are about to get some back-up from Bergen County Sheriff’s Officers, who plan to decontaminate medical workers’ cars Saturday morning as they leave from working the third shift or arrive for the morning shift, said Derek Sands, a Sheriff’s Office spokesman.

“We decided this was a way to give back to the medical community. They have families and they don’t want to bring the virus home with them,” he said. “This is our thank you.”

Starbucks teamed up with the officers to provide coffee for the medical workers to drink while their vehicles are being decontaminated.

If it works out, Sheriff’s officers plan to expand the effort to other Bergen County hospitals, he said.

Happy Birthday TSPA!!

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 22:56:51 GMT

Happy Birthday to the Texas System Police Association! We have made it 10 YEARS!!! 2-10-2020. We could not have done it without the support and dedication from our members. We have always supported our members and we pledge to continue our mission in Campus Policing. Thank You for the support and here is to the next 10 years and beyond.

New TSPA Merchandise in our store

Wed, 09 Oct 2019 03:21:22 GMT

We have NEW TSPA branded merchandise in our online store. Check out the new items and help support the Texas System Police Association. https://mytspa.org/Store

CLEAT Affiliation

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 12:00:36 GMT

We are excited to announce that the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, CLEAT Executive Board approved our Affiliation request at the Annual Conference.

While at the conference, our Executive Board Members received quality training to better our association and move us forward. More info coming soon about the benefits!

Public Safety Officer Appreciation Week - September 16-20, 2019

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 11:52:54 GMT

The Texas System Police Association (TSPA) recently commemorated the week of September 16-20, 2019 as Public Safety Officer Appreciation Week. Our Public Safety Officers are hard-working, highly trained individuals who are often our state’s first responders on the campuses of most Universities, College Campuses, and ISD Campuses. These individuals deter crime, lead evacuations, work closely with campus law enforcement officers, and are consistently vigilant int heir efforts to keep faculty, staff, and students safe in schools across Texas.

Today, a security presence has become the expectation, thus the great work of our Public Safety Officers across the country can easily be taken for granted. Therefore, recognizing our Public Safety Officers are so important. Public Safety Officer Appreciation Week should be used to recognize their contributions and profile the many roles Public Safety Officers fill.

UT System Director of Police Michael Heidingsfield offered a note of appreciation regarding the week.

“I applaud the initiative of the Texas System Police Association in their efforts to not only recognize the critical work of our Public Safety Officers every day of the week, but to establish the week of September 16, 2019 – September 20, 2019 as Public Safety Officer Appreciation Week. On a regular basis I am impressed by the work of our Public Safety Officers who not only serve as our ambassadors to the campus communities they serve, but also detect criminal behavior, save lives, and assist in campus security.

The partnership between our sworn and civilian staff members is an acknowledgement of the combined efforts we bring to our commitment to ensure public safety. Thank you all!”

Should masks be banned at protests?

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 05:29:01 GMT

Following violent protests, the chief of police in Portland suggested that the city ban the wearing of masks during protests

Aug 9, 2019

Following violent protests that left several people injured—including a conservative journalist who was badly beaten by protesters, the chief of police in Portland, Oregon suggested that the city pass a law that bans the wearing of masks during protests. Citing the fact that other states have laws prohibiting the wearing of masks during the commission of a crime, Portland Police Chief Danielle Outlaw suggested that the city institute the restrictions on masks at protests and demonstrations.

The Oregon ACLU opposes the proposal—they do tend to side politically with the people who tend to wear masks at rallies—but others in both government and private sectors see some benefit to the idea. In this podcast segment, Jim and Doug discuss whether or not such a proposal would even pass in the City of Roses.

'I'll be back': Off-duty sergeant shot in Baltimore speaks in new video

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 05:19:48 GMT

It marks his first public appearance since being shot multiple times outside his home

Yesterday at 11:52 AM

By Phil Davis
The Baltimore Sun

BALTIMORE — The off-duty sergeant who was shot multiple times near his home in Northeast Baltimore on Thursday is awake and speaking, saying in a new video, “I’ll be back.”

Appearing in a YouTube video, Sgt. Isaac Carrington, 43, speaks only briefly from his hospital bed, telling the audience “I love you all” before saying the police code signal “10-8,” meaning he is an in-service officer.

Video: https://youtu.be/nNIPYs-Ta1M

“I’ll be back,” Carrington says, before waving at the camera.

It marks his first public appearance since being shot multiple times outside his home in the 5600 block of Summerfield Ave. in Frankford.

Baltimore police said Carrington was shot around 3:30 p.m. Thursday while he was off-duty and hanging out in front of his home with a neighbor.

The department said a car pulled up in front of the two and at least one masked man carrying a gun tried to rob them. Police said Harrington and his neighbor ran in opposite directions and the masked man chased after Carrington, shooting him multiple times.

The sergeant was taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center in critical condition as police scoured the city in search of the suspects.

The Baltimore City Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 3 tweeted just after noon Saturday that his condition had been upgraded to “stable” and that he was able to squeeze the hands of hospital staff.

Police took two people into custody Saturday after the department said a vehicle similar to the one used by the suspects was located in southwest Baltimore County.

However, in the video, Police Commissioner Michael Harrison says the department is still looking for the shooter.

“He still has a long way to go, but our prayers have been answered," Harrison said. “And now we all have to rally around getting him healed and making sure we find who did this to hold them accountable.”

National Police Week 2019

Thu, 06 Jun 2019 05:10:13 GMT

Tanika Turner

TSPA Representative

Every year in Washington D.C. officers from all of over the United States and Canada gather to celebrate the memory of police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. National Police Week is in their 38^th year of operation. This year, thee gathering kicked off May 12, 2019. A series of events led to the finale, the memorial service with President Donald Trump as the keynote speaker.

The events begin with the 5k race. Walkers and runners of all ages join together at the capitol to complete the race in honor of fallen law enforcement. The 5k race is hosted by the Officer Down Memorial Page. On this page you are able to view officers who have passed away or report officers who have passed.

The next day is the Law Enforcement United Bike Ride which began in Alexandria, Virginia. Their slogan “We Ride for Those Who Died” stresses the main purpose of the ride is to raise awareness to fallen officers. The organizations second goal is to raise money for the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial and museum. According to the Police Unity Tour website they were able to donate $2.6 million this year to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

The Candlelight Vigil has been a tradition that has been going on for 31 years. The street is corded off by a trail of motorcycles. People in both uniforms and plain clothes walk toward the National Mall. With the Washington Monument as a backdrop, it creates a dramatic picture. Books are given out that show the breakdown of ceremonies, with the ending being the calling of names that are being added to the memorial.

This year, Texas had 11 officers killed in the line of duty. As each name was read, the gong of a bell could be heard. The crowd, originally lit by large lights is now lit by thousands of white pillar candles. Fathers hold their children closer and women comfort each other.

As you sit back and look at the lit candles and all of the people holding each other, it is visual proof that the brotherhood is real. Officers, family of officers and blue supporters all come together at one spot at one time to honor the memory of those who gave the greatest sacrifice.

One of the traditions during National Police Week is the exchange of patches. Police from all over bring their police department’s patches and trade them with other agencies. The most sought after patch is at times the patch where the largest incident has occurred.

The hangout spot of choice is Tent City. There you can listen to music, enjoy great food or buy drinks with your friends. With over 80 vendors, you can find almost all the police gear you would like. With operating hours of 11:00 a.m. until 2 a.m., it is a safe place to have fun and hang out with all of the new law enforcement you have met.

The D.C. Fraternal Order of Police provide a shuttle from their lodge to the vigil, the navy yard metro station, tent city and the Kelly’s Irish Times bar.

The 38^th National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service is the last event of police week. Officers, all dressed in class A uniform, stand together with their departments as speeches are given. On the west front of the United States Capitol, Donald Trump addresses the crowd.

“Your loved ones were extraordinary and selfless Americans who gave everything they had in defense of our communities, our children and our nation.” Trump said.

Trump went on to tell the crowd that he will always support the brothers and sisters in blue. Trump vocalized his condemnation of anti-police rhetoric. He said that those who file false police reports should face legal consequences.

After the tribute to officers, Trump spoke of Corporal Singh, an officer who was killed around Christmas time during a traffic stop by someone who crossed the border. The president then used that time to talk about immigration.

NPW provides a time of bonding for all officers involved. If ever you wanted a reminder of why you do the job you do, it is laid out for your eyes to see the entire week.

WEBSITE UPDATE

Fri, 15 Mar 2019 02:27:26 GMT

UNDER CONSTRUCTION!!

Our New Website and New Membership software database is currently under construction. Please pardon our mess as we are still replacing our fillers with our current information.

Local Charters Issued

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 21:43:20 GMT

Local Charters for TSPA have been formed at UT Southwestern and UT Houston!

We are currently in the process of creating and issuing local charters at all campuses where TSPA is represented. Since TSPA is spread throughout the State of Texas, this process will take some time, but we will get it done. Local charters will better allow TSPA to represent the specific department and enable the local membership to target specific items that need to be addressed.

Please send us an e-mail if you are interested in a position as a local board member of the local charter.