Interagency Cooperation Sgt. Jim Turner | Houston Police Department

Common hazards hazmat pandemic terrorism tornado winter heat wildfire hurricane flooding storms

Other Area Departments Sometimes, size matters Houston Police Department Other Area Departments The largest law enforcement agency in Texas and fifth largest in the United States Include county sheriffs, constables, municipal police, and school districts 5,200 sworn law enforcement officers are responsible for protecting more than two million people over 654 square miles  Range from 2,500 deputies in Harris County Sheriff’s Office to smaller departments with as few as one part-time officer Substantial tax base = more resources Generally, less resources Frequent “significant events” warrant specialized training, equipment, teams Fewer incidents = less return on investment for specialization

Specialized capabilities Bomb Squad Air Support SWAT Canine

Specialized capabilities Marine Unit High Water Dive Team Technology

Memorandum of Understanding Types of agreements Memorandum of Understanding Contract Agreement details each agency’s responsibilities. No penalties. Easily modified or canceled. May be called a Memorandum of Agreement. Formal, legally binding agreement. Requires City Council approval. Usually involves money. Mutual Aid Agreement Interlocal Agreement Agreement between two governments to send personnel and equipment to help in emergency situations. Typically outlines cost reimbursement. May be referred to as a Disaster Agreement. Can be executed before or after the incident. Agreement between two governments. Requires City Council approval. Often involves money.

Examples Partners include: Investigative support Emergency response Aldine Independent SD Alvin Police Department ATF Baytown Police Department Bellaire Police Department Brazoria County Sheriff Childrens Assessment Center Coast Guard Conroe Police Department EPA FBI Galveston County Sheriff Harris County DA Harris County Sheriff Houston ISD PD METRO PD Pasadena Police Department Texas DPS Examples Investigative support Fatality crash investigation Homicide investigation Emergency response Bomb Squad SWAT Dive Team Air Support Active shooter response High water rescue Training Technology Digital Sandbox Gang Tracker

Questions? Ask me anything.

Sergeant Jim Turner Houston Police Department Office of Planning 713-308-9104 james.turner@houstonpolice.org