2022 04 26 BPAC Minutes MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BAYTOWN POLICE ADVISORY
COMMITTEE OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
April 26, 2022
The Baytown Police Advisory Committee (BPAC) met in a Meeting on Tuesday, April 26, 2022,
at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chamber of the Baytown City Hall, located at 2401 Market Street,
Baytown, Texas with the following in attendance:
Yulanda Braxton Committee Member
Lt. Rodney Evans Committee Member
Dr. Marissa Moreno Committee Member
Dr. June Stansky Committee Member
Richard Hunsinger Committee Member
Cpl. Steve Ocanas Committee Member
Eric Bolenbaucher Vice Chairperson
Angela Jackson Assistant Secretary
John Stringer Police Chief
Jerris Mapes Legal Counsel
Vice Chairperson Eric Bolenbaucher convened the April 26, 2022, Baytown Police Advisory
Committee(BPAC) Meeting with a quorum present at 6:00 P.M., all members were present.
1. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
a. Consider the election of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson.
Before proceeding with the election of officers and on behalf of the committee, Vice Chairperson
Bolenbaucher expressed his appreciation for Pastor Raphael Montgomery for chairing the
Committee for the past year and for his commitment; however, he expressed that at this time,
Pastor Montgomery was unable to continue to serve on the Committee.
Vice Chairperson Bolenbaucher noted that the committee had two vacancies: the Mayor's
representation as well as Council District 6's. Furthermore, there were two individuals on the
Committee that were ineligible to serve as chair or vice-chair: Committee Member Cpl. Ocanas,
the City Manager's representation, and Committee Member Lt. Evans, the Police Chief s
representation.
Assistant Secretary Angela Jackson relayed the instructions of how the voting would commence.
Committee Member Dr. Stansky inquired if they could make nominations. Ms. Jackson answered
the committee could proceed with one of two ways: 1) the Committee Members could make a
nomination and vote accordingly, or 2) the Committee Members could vote via paper.
A motion was made by Committee Member Dr. June Stansky and seconded by Committee
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Member Yulanda Braxton to nominate Committee Member Dr. Marissa Moreno as Chairperson.
However, the vote was taken through the nominations written on paper.
Ms. Jackson inquired for any other nominations. Vice Chairperson Bolenbaucher sought
clarification on the vote not having to be a voice nomination, but could be a written nomination.
Committee Member Dr. Moreno offered they could do both. Therefore, the committee members
wrote down their nominations for Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.
For Chairperson, Ms. Jackson relayed the votes were as follows:
• Dr. Marisa Moreno, 3 votes
• Eric Bolenbaucher, 4 votes
A motion was made by Committee Member Richard Hunsinger and seconded by Committee
Member Lt. Rodney Evans to accept the vote of Pastor Eric Bolenbaucher as the Chairperson to
the Baytown Police Advisory Committee, as read by Assistant Secretary Angela Jackson. The vote
was as follows:
Ayes: Vice Chairperson Eric Bolenbaucher, Committee Member Yulanda
Braxton, Committee Member Lt. Rodney Evans, Committee Member Dr.
Marissa Moreno, Committee Member Dr. June Stansky, Committee
Member Richard Hunsinger, and Committee Member Cpl. Steve Ocanas
Nays: None
Approved
For Vice Chairperson, Ms. Jackson relayed the majority vote was for Dr. Marisa Moreno.
A motion was made by Committee Member Dr. June Stansky and seconded by Committee
Member Lt. Rodney Evans to accept the vote of Dr. Marisa Moreno as the Vice Chairperson to
the Baytown Police Advisory Committee, as read by Assistant Secretary Angela Jackson.The vote
was as follows:
Ayes: Chairperson Eric Bolenbaucher, Committee Member Yulanda Braxton,
Committee Member Lt. Rodney Evans, Committee Member Dr. Marissa
Moreno, Committee Member Dr. June Stansky, Committee Member
Richard Hunsinger, and Committee Member Cpl. Steve Ocanas
Nays: None
Approved
Chairperson Bolenbaucher and Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno congratulated each other and
preceded over the meeting assuming their titles.
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2. MINUTES
a. Consider approving the minutes of the Baytown Police Advisory Committee Meeting
held on March 22, 2022.
A motion was made by Committee Member Richard Hunsinger and seconded by Vice Chairperson
Dr. Marissa Moreno to approve the meeting minutes of the Baytown Police Advisory Committee
Meeting held on March 22, 2022, as submitted. However, there was discussion prior to the vote.
Committee Member Dr. Stansky wished to have a discussion over the minutes to thank the new
transcriber for an excellent job on the minutes. Assistant Secretary Angela Jackson thanked
Committee Member Dr. Stansky and noted she was Records Technician D'Ozlynn Valdovinos.
The vote for the motion on the table was as follows:
Ayes: Chairperson Eric Bolenbaucher, Committee Member Yulanda Braxton,
Committee Member Lt. Rodney Evans, Vice Chairperson Dr. Marissa
Moreno, Committee Member Dr. June Stansky, Committee Member
Richard Hunsinger, and Committee Member Cpl. Steve Ocanas
Nays: None
Approved
3. CITIZEN INPUT
a. Receive citizen input concerning police outreach, community policing, officer
training, as well as policies and procedures.
Chairperson Bolenbaucher announced that Mr. Don Aikey had signed to speak on the item, and so
he gave an overview of the process and procedures of how Mr. Aikey would proceed.
Mr. Aikey wished to discuss a problem that occurred in March 2015. He had called 911 about an
incident at his house regarding his divorce and the custody of a dog. Mr. Aikey refused to turn the
dog over to a third party who then proceeded to beat at the front of his house. Subsequently, Mr.
Aikey called 911 to remove that party from his house.The officer came out and stated in his report,
"Contacted when ex-husband Don failed to turn over their dog according to custodial paperwork."
Mr. Aikey noted that was a civil matter and had nothing to do with criminals. He called the police
about a crime and the police officer never put the third party's name on the report. In his divorce,
the judge had believed the report stated the police were contact by his ex-wife;however,Mr. Aikey
stressed that he had been the one to call 911.
Moreover, Mr. Aikey came to City Hall and spoke to Deanie King and Karen Horner from the
Legal Department. They had advised Mr. Aikey to take the matter to internal affairs. Internal
Affairs had then sent the officer back to his house. When the officer arrived, he stayed at the end
of the drive way and crudely informed Mr. Aikey that he would not change the report. As of that
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day, the report was wrong—even though Legal had told him he was screwed in the deal—and the
police officer still worked at the Baytown Police Department("BPD"). Mr.Aikey commented that
if he had jury duty and a city officer gave testimony, he would not believe what they say.
Chairperson Bolenbaucher thanked Mr. Aikey and requested, if he had time after the meeting, to
converse with Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno, himself, and Police Chief John Stringer to see if
maybe there were some details that may be able to be looked at. Mr. Aikey was okay with that and
gave a few more comments. He clarified he was not saying bad things about any policeman in
Baytown, except one. If good cops did not have the nerve to sit there and police their own people,
they had to realize the whole police force would be stained.
Again, Chairperson Bolenbaucher expressed appreciation for Mr. Aikey and his words.
Chairperson Bolenbaucher noted their Advisory Committee was put together to try to resolve any
ongoing situations. Mr. Aikey thanked the committee and noted he had spoken with his local
advisory representative Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno, who requested he attend the meeting and
tell his story.
4. BUSINESS ITEMS
a. Discuss and consider priorities and recommendations for the Baytown Police
Advisory Committee's buckets of concern to include, but not limited to Mental Illness,
Transparency and Accountability, Training and Development, and Positive Engagement.
Chairperson Bolenbaucher recalled at their last meeting the BPAC Members had wanted to look
at their buckets of concern. He believed the BPAC had done an excellent job of looking at those
concerns—specifically in mental illness with the Clinician and Officer Remote Evaluation
(CORE)Program and their mental awareness stickers. However, several Committee Members had
brought up some items the BPAC needed to consider. So, Chairperson Bolenbaucher would like
the committee members to have a discussion on the dais about some of the things they felt needed
to be addressed and maybe have some work items they could look at in the coming meetings.
Chairperson Bolenbaucher noted Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno had a significant concern to
discuss.
Training and Development
Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno wanted to discuss training and development. She had spoken,
specifically, about cultural diversity training at their last meeting. Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno
wished to go back to that as she still reserved concerns about the Texas Commission on Law
Enforcement (TCOLE) and the current cultural diversity training that was being done. She
acknowledged that Police Chief John Stringer had mentioned the possibility of finding online
trainings, yet she felt like the Baytown Police Department should consider having something more
face-to-face. Whereas with online, there was not really an interaction when it came to cultural
diversity.
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Additionally, while Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno respected the things being done with the
Hispanic population, she made note of Baytown's African American, Caribbean American, and
all the other areas that needed to be considered when considering the word"cultural."Chairperson
Bolenbaucher asked Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno on what she envisioned would be different than
what was currently available through TCOLE. Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno clarified that her first
question about TCOLE was if it was only offered at the beginning of the officers' training, or was
that something officers had to do every two years?
Chief Stringer explained that was their academy which was essentially a college. On a side note,
one of the things he wanted to delineate was the idea of militarization. Chief Stringer sought to
eliminate from their vocabulary the word"civilian"because they were all civilians, sworn or non-
sworn. Regarding Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno's question, Chief Stringer replied officers
continued to get that training on a regular basis in the TCOLE cycle. Yes, the Police department
did have a lot of online trainings; however, Chief Stringer stressed there were very detailed
questions. He assured if an officer did not pay attention, they would not pass the course. Did
officers need more face-to-face? Chief Stringer responded absolutely—that included the ability to
ask questions and have an instructor be able to put the officers in a situation where they would
have to consider themselves from another culture's perspective.
Chief Stringer would also argue that while they were reaching out to Baytown's Hispanic culture,
BPD made all of their personnel aware of different cultures and ethnic groups. Yes, at the moment
BPD's primary focus was the majority of Baytown's population—the Hispanic community—
because they had recognized the need to be able to build trust in those communities. Chief Stringer
gave the statement that a well-educated department was a more open-minded department.
Therefore, if they were thinking about being culturally sensitive and aware of peoples' diverse
background, it would translate in general. That was what Chief Stringer hoped for.
Then, Chief Stringer listed some of the online classes officers took on a regular basis, such as:
• Implicit Bias Training
• Anti-Bias for Law Enforcement
• Intermediate Cultural Diversity(An 8-hour course)
• Intermediate Suicide Prevention
o Discussed De-Escalation as well as the "Suicide by Cop" Phenomena
• Addressing the Homeless Population
With the homeless population, Chief Stringer added the homeless were another group BPD
contacted on a regular basis that he believed officers needed to have a different perspective on.
Chief Stringer relayed that the homeless tended to group together and develop their own street-
level culture that officers needed to be aware of too. He clarified that did not necessarily make
them criminal, but that it tied in to mental illness.
The last course Chief Stringer mentioned, was the Intermediate Human Trafficking course. Chief
Stringer shared that course made officers very aware of diverse cultures as well—especially with
migrant workers from various backgrounds. Chief Stringer noted in taking that course, bringing
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his own biases to the training, he had never thought about males being victims of human
trafficking. Those were some of the things that had opened Chief Stringer's eyes.
Furthermore, Chief Stringer believed BPD needed to continue looking for people to give good in-
class trainings. Chief Stringer had reviewed a document from the Cop's Office for the Department
of Justice("DOJ")on how to serve diverse communities. He relayed the document had some good
ideas and resources. Typically, one could go through their Bureau of Justice Assistance ("BJA")
Office, or local office, and arrange a training, a lot of which were actually free. Now that there had
been some restructuring in the department and with Assistant Chief Mike Holden over the bureau
with the training academy, Chief Stringer wished to discuss how they could begin to bring people
in to have those one-on-ones. So, officers not only had discussions, but documented trainings as
well. While Chief Stringer believed they needed to continue to have those discussions, he further
believed officers needed to continue to get out in to the neighborhoods. Also,when that came from
the governance of the department, it would become a serious part of the culture for officers to hold
each other to those standards.
In regards to the diversity training, Chairperson Bolenbaucher noted there had been a recognition
for BPD. So, was BPD meeting or exceeding state standard, or were they meeting or exceeding
the norm for that recognition. Chief Stringer believed they were exceeding, but to what degree?
That was why Chief Stringer believed it was important to work with some of Baytown's local
educators from diverse backgrounds. Chief Stringer would like to, over the next year, reach out to
those individuals—that were maybe at Lee College—to help BPD with a curriculum. He suggested
maybe they go out and spend time with the police officers so that it would not be one-sided. Thus,
people would understand what police officers were doing,what their role was,what BPD's mission
was, and what BPD was genuinely trying to accomplish. Chief Stringer hoped they could integrate
that in to a class that would help officers incorporate that knowledge in to what they do.
Of the classes Chief Stringer previously listed, Committee Member Dr. Stansky had a question
over how many of those online classes did each officer had to pay for each year. Chief Stringer
answered he would have to take a look at that to be sure, but that they received it on every two-
year cycle. Committee Member Dr. Stansky additionally asked if officers had to do all of those
trainings every two years. Committee Member Lt. Evans answered not all of those, but cultural
diversity was required.
Committee Member Cpl. Ocanas commented he had been with BPD for twenty-five years and that
the training programs have improved. Back when he started, officers got forty hours every two
years and it was up to them to do it. Committee Member Cpl. Ocanas noted a lot of officers did
not do it, and that was what had improved. Now, officers were required to go to block training for
a whole week. Committee Member Dr. Stansky asked if that was a live training. Committee
Member Cpl. Ocanas answered with a yes. He added they also improved the online classes.
Officers received online classes throughout the year and could not proceed until they had read and
answered the questions.
In addition, Chief Stringer regularly signed approvals and reviewed requests for classes from
across the department for officers to take classes offsite that were being offered by other agencies
and institutions. As long as they had the money, the trainings were pertinent, the trainings would
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help BPD with their mission to serve and protect, and would help build those relationships in the
community—Chief Stringer stated they would give those trainings to the officers. Committee
Member Cpl. Ocanas noted some of those classes required officers to get a certificate. Vice
Chairperson Dr. Moreno wondered if that was tied to money or stipend. Committee Member Cpl.
Ocanas answered officers did get a little raise. Chief Stringer took a moment to share an example
of what he learned about the Hispanic culture in their Spanish class. He concluded that, even
though he may butcher the language, making that effort could start making connections.
Chairperson Bolenbaucher asked Chief Stringer what could the committee assist in communicating
with the Baytown City Council and Mayor to be able to help them move towards a better diversity
understanding for the BPD? Chief Stringer replied with continuing to make contact with
Baytown's citizens and educators to help BPD develop their own curriculum. Chief Stringer
further suggested one of their TCOLE certified instructor work on that to present it to TCOLE and
ask for that class to be included for TCOLE credit. Chairperson Bolenbaucher noted that would
help if they were moving towards establishing their own Baytown Police Department Full Basic
Academy.
Moreover, Chairperson Bolenbaucher queried if they could partner with Harris County or the
Houston Police Department. Chief Stringer loved partnerships and spoke over wanting to begin a
regional—for Western Chambers County and Eastern Harris County—intelligence-sharing group.
The point being, BPD was developing those relationships outside the police department to maybe
get together on those trainings and combine their resources;therefore,Chief Stringer believed they
could.
Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno relayed the reason why she had been impressing on the matter was
because it was important for them to be transparent. She believed the BPAC Members asking these
questions, in terms of training and development and to change the perspective of police officers,
was super important. That was part of the committee's charge, to show the collaboration. Vice
Chairperson Dr. Moreno stated she was going to continue to ask these questions to make sure they
were recorded for people to hear Chief Stringer and have access to understand that he was moving
in a different direction. If Chief Stringer so wanted to,there was a Chief Equity Officer now at Lee
College. If that was something he was interested in learning, Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno shared
the college was in a movement where they were doing a lot more work in diversity, equity, and
inclusion. That was not only cultural diversity, but also all different types of people that came
through their campus.
Chief Stringer wished to take it a step further with that as he did not believe anybody should be
marginalized regardless of who they were, which included the LGBTQ community. Those were
the things BPD needed to consider in the 21 s` century and that their officers needed to be exposed
to, for officers to be sat down and have a class to expand the officers' experience as well as
enlighten them on a different perspective as everyone was a stakeholder in their community. Not
only did they have to be heard, as that was part of procedural justice, but that officers took an oath
to protect and serve all people. As they start looking at training schedules, Chief Stringer relayed
they may have to do an even-odd year system. If they continued to do that, Chief Stringer hoped
it would constantly be there. It would be loaded mentally so officers would always be thinking
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about it which was important in search and seizures, inclusivity, cultural diversity,or whatever the
case may be.
In moving forward, Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno asked Chief Stringer if at some point he would
let Lee College know how they can start moving in that direction—if that was in fact the way he
wanted to go. Chief Stringer stated he would reach out to the training academy and see what they
needed. Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno suggest in the next month Chief Stringer could tell the
college where those holes were and if there was anything they could do to fill in those holes. He
did not know if it would be exact, but that they would have an idea.
Continuing on the topic of training and development, Chief Stringer wanted to share his Doctrinal
Publication for the Baytown Police Department just like military organizations had a doctrine
that established how they operate, what they do, and what their basis was. The learning culture
stated the Baytown police officer was a professional practitioner of police services. There was a
professional expectation that the Baytown police officer, at all levels, engaged in continuous
learning. Supervisors had the responsibility to be teachers and mentors in the appropriate direction
according to the values and the mission of BPD. He believed that a police department that had a
culture of learning, officers became more open-minded and considered things differently from a
different perspective. In agencies that had mandated higher education standards where they may
also be in areas with high violent crime, their use of force tended to be lower. Chief Stringer had
anecdotal conversations with supervisors from those areas. In conclusion, the Doctrinal
Publication was something he would like to do in the future with BPD and get everybody involved
in it to be able to push the doctrine out once a year or every two years. The doctrine would be the
tenants for BPD and their pillars, so to speak.
Committee Member Dr. Stansky inquired if whether it would be helpful if the BPAC were to
review the doctrine to give their opinions on it and make it possibly something that the Committee
could recommend, and Chief Stringer stated he would be open to that. That was part of procedural
justice,not only would citizens get input,but the officers would too,and while that may not change
the outcome of the discipline, they would be given an opportunity to be heard.
Given that all of the previous discussion regarded diversity training and the learning culture as a
whole fell under the training and development bucket of concern, Chairperson Bolenbaucher
inquired if there was anything more to add to their buckets of concern that could be their focus, or
did the BPAC Members want to expand on diversity training to be its own bucket. Chairperson
Bolenbaucher requested a sense of direction from the BPAC so that it would be a more actionable
item. Committee Member Dr. Stansky opined it definitely needed to stay in a bucket and she
suggested the BPAC possibly receive a report of what percentage of officers were taking their 40
hours compared to 60 hours and so on. It would be interesting to know what percentage of officers
were getting the bare minimum compared to those taking extra training and seeing how that would
advance their career with the department. Committee Member Dr. Stansky explained she was
trying to find a way to measure the matter.
Committee Member Cpl. Ocanas countered that could be lopsided because some officers were
assigned to special units that go to a two-week course. Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno presumed
such officers may not be able to do those trainings. Committee Member Cpl. Ocanas confirmed so
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and gave the example that he, as a DARE Officer, got 40-hour trainings ever year whereas a patrol
guy would not get nearly the hours he received. Committee Member Dr. Stansky commented they
would love to have them encouraged to get more hours. Chief Stringer interjected to inform that
they were. BPD expected and required those officers assigned to special duties to have training
and education that was above and beyond. Chief Stringer further explained their need to be better
at differentiating training and education. Education would give them the ability to make decisions
in real time based on the training when variables were thrown at them because they would have a
depth of knowledge. Officers would not be robots acting according to trainings.
For that reason, Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno believed training needed to be its own separate
bucket. She liked Chief Stringer's approach which could change systemic issues that had happened
in the past. In looking at the training and development bucket, questions had come up and the
doctrine that Chief Stringer was creating could answer many of those questions. Vice Chairperson
Dr. Moreno also liked Committee Member Dr. Stansky's idea of looking over the doctrine in terms
of making sure the BPAC Members were there with Chief Stringer to support it.
Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno's only other question was if the training was tied to annual
evaluations and Chief Stringer answered, at that time, it was not, which baffled Vice Chairperson
Dr. Moreno because she did not understand how officers were being evaluated. Chairperson
Bolenbaucher recalled that the former Interim Police Chief Mike Holden specified that there was
almost a daily evaluation of response. Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno questioned if that was
documented. Chairperson Bolenbaucher replied it was. Chief Stringer relayed there was ongoing
conversations and correction with a chronology report they kept on their officers. He further
detailed the other areas they look to discuss with officers for career development.Vice Chairperson
Dr. Moreno recapitulated that was then something Chief Stringer was looking to do in the future.
Chief Stringer confirmed so, and Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno noted that would be part of
development.
Chairperson Bolenbaucher sought clarification in that Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno wished to put
diversity as its own bucket, or, for it to be within training and development and just expand that
out. Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno noted Chief Stringer mentioned all the different types of
trainings—which Chairperson Bolenbaucher believed that expanded on training and development.
Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno agreed, however, Chief Stringer was creating a doctrine. She asked
whether that doctrine would encompass all of that. Chief Stringer answered absolutely and
discussed how training had to be holistic. Aside from the courses he mentioned, fundamental
training was important as well. It reduced liability. For example, Chief Stringer would love to have
a larger training campus with a driving tack considering officers drove every single day.
In regards to Chairperson Bolenbaucher's question, Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno did think it
should be its own separate bucket. At the same time, she had asked how Chief Stringer would
improve the cultural diversity training from 2009, which Chief Stringer said he would reach out to
other people to see what they had. Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno mentioned it would be great to
see what they were offering and how Chief Stringer would insert it. Chief Stringer added he would
also love help from Lee College. Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno agreed absolutely. Regarding
reaching out,there were a lot of good stuff the Department of Justice("DOJ")offered and anything
coming from the DOJ would be vetted. Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno believed it was great for
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BPD to cerate their own curriculum because who would know the community more than the people
who live in the community.
Chairperson Bolenbaucher inquired for any other comments on the diversity subject. Committee
Member Dr. Stansky stated just that it be continued every year. Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno
recapped that next month Chief Stringer would provide the information for them to then determine
how the committee members could help him. Committee Member Dr. Stansky noted their city
person could possibly distribute Chief Stringer's draft. Chief Stringer replied he was not ready for
that yet. Separate from diversity, Chairperson Bolenbaucher inquired if there was any other subject
matter or item the BPAC Members needed to look at on the buckets of concern in order for them
to start having actionable items moving forward.
Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno believed it was important to go back to what Chief Stringer said
about development and how they could grow from a leadership perspective. She asked whether
that would be a part of the doctrine as well in terms of training. Chief Stringer replied that would
be something different. Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno would, therefore, be interested in looking at
that. Whether that should be a separate bucket, she did not know. Chief Stringer opined where they
had it was in an appropriate place. With that, Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno noted she would
definitely want to see the development and evaluation process.
Positive Engagement
On to a different bucket of concern, positive engagement, Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno requested
an update; however, Chairperson Bolenbaucher informed that would be done on Item 3.b. Moving
forward, Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno recalled they had discussed data at some point. Committee
Member Dr. Stansky believed they had asked for a breakdown of the people that were arrested and
if certain police officers arrested a higher percentage of a certain ethnic group. Chief Stringer
recalled his response to that was certain officers were assigned to different zones. Certain zones
were primarily of a certain ethnicity: therefore, the numbers would be skewed. It would be a
statistical syllogism, so Chief Stringer did not believe that it would be a fair representation of those
officers. Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno thought Chief Stringer's point made sense.
Regarding data once more, Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno shared that Lee College looked at the
percentage of faculty in comparison to their student population. She asked what percentage by
demographic, or by certain ethnicities, was the percentage of police officers and Chief Stringer
explained the demographic representation of the department to the community was something he
would have to look at to tell the BPAC Members.
Chairperson Bolenbaucher agreed with Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno in that the data would be
something of interest when considering the importance of recruitment. While they wanted to hire
the best qualified individuals, Chairperson Bolenbaucher wanted—as Vice Chairperson Dr.
Moreno and Committee Member Dr. Stansky previously noted—to make sure the ratio was not so
skewed that it may infringe on liberties or anything of the sort. Chief Stringer agreed they did not
want adverse impact in hiring.
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In regards to recruitment, Chief Stringer relayed BPD was continuing to develop a professional
recruitment team. Chief Stringer had asked for more money in the budget that year for recruitment.
BPD planned to expand their recruitment efforts beyond their immediate area,including those who
were getting out of the military. Also, Chief Stringer had asked their recruitment team to look at
non-traditional police recruiting venues. For example, BPD may do a better job of recruiting
females by going to female collegiate athletic programs and recruiting there. Chief Stringer
acknowledged it would not change overnight,but BPD would have a vision/goal and would move
in that direction.
Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno summed up for the positive engagement bucket that Chief Stringer
would get the BPAC the demographics of the police. Chief Stringer confirmed so.
b. Receive a report and discuss the status of police outreach,community policing,officer
training and policies and procedures.
Police Chief John Stringer introduced Lieutenant Rene Hinojosa who recently received a
promotion to lieutenant. Regarding promotions, Chief Stringer noted promoted officers now
received a charging document from Chief Stringer of what their expectations were with leadership
and setting the example.
Lt. Hinojosa proceeded to report they were trying to work towards bridging the gap between the
Hispanic community and the Baytown Police Department("BPD"). BPD had reached out to other
police departments to see what they were doing. They had found that Plano Police Department,
along with others, had a program called "Unidos"—or, united. BPD met with them and received
their permission for BPD to borrow their program. Lt. Hinojosa then proceeded to recite the
reference guide that stated the following:
"The Unidos mission statement was to provide an opportunity for police agencies to partner with
their Spanish-speaking residents and serve as a resource for creating an improved quality of life
for the entire community... Unidos was a community program geared toward improving the
quality of life for Spanish-speaking residents. That was accomplished by providing assistance in
areas of relevance to the Hispanic community and focusing on being a resource center to meet the
needs of residents whose first language was Spanish."
What Lt. Hinojosa had found in his 25 years of working for BPD, was that the Spanish-speaking
community rarely called the police because they did not trust them. Lt. Hinojosa relayed the police
did not like to get involved where there was no trust. If there was any way to bridge that gap and
earn that trust, Lt. Hinojosa was all for it.
BPD had their first community outreach even that past Sunday. Patrol officers had gotten off that
morning to later set up a booth at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church at their annual
church bazaar. Lt. Hinojosa noted Hispanic kids were told growing up they better act right or else
their parents would call the police, so many youngsters were reluctant to come up to their booth.
However, after a while, their booth had a major line of kids and their parent. Also, Lt. Hinojosa
had been recruiting and had a great time,
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April 26,2022
Page 12 of 16
Lt. Hinojosa mentioned a few things he was working on to identify his group. As of that moment,
he had eight bilingual officers. For the future, Lt. Hinojosa invited Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno
to help with their town hall meetings once a quarter to come up with different ideas and issues in
their community to discuss. Lt. Hinojosa noted BPD would be inviting guest speakers. Moreover,
officers would sit in the crown with residents to visit, get to know each other, and be able to give
those residents resources.
In summary, those were the things to come. Lt. Hinojosa hoped BPD would have a community
outreach event towards the end of the year. The following year, BPD would have one every three
months every quarter—along with any type of community engagement event that might come up.
Chairperson Bolenbaucher inquired for any questions from the BPAC Members for Lt. Hinojosa.
Committee Member Hunsinger would like to see the BPAC move from behind the dais to one of
those community meetings.Thus,the BPAC would hold their meetings in the community and give
them an opportunity to see, talk to, and work with the BPAC Members. Committee Member
Hunsinger suggested they discuss the matter and try to put that on the agenda to figure out when
that would be appropriate. Chairperson Bolenbaucher noted that was one of the items he missed
on their previous business items. He ensured they would go back to that in a moment.
In regards to marketing, Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno wondered Lt. Hinojosa would put banners
where? Lt. Hinojosa stated BPD would hand out flyers and would go to social media. When they
have their event, they would have their banners for the Hispanic community to see. Lt. Hinojosa
assured those banners would be bilingual, Spanish and English. Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno
requested those flyers be brought to Lee College and to the school district so people were made
aware—especially elementary schools and their PTO meetings.
On another note, Chairperson Bolenbaucher shared that the census for Baytown stated the Latino
population was somewhere in the neighborhood of 40%, and roughly half of the population of
Baytown was Spanish-speaking as a first language. Chairperson Bolenbaucher wondered if the
city had updated information for 2020. Chief Stringer believed the last estimate was closer to 51%
now. Chairperson Bolenbaucher further questioned how much of that 51% was Spanish as their
first language. Chief Stringer did not remember, but the current estimate coming up on the next
census was 51% Hispanic-Latino. Chairperson Bolenbaucher noted the BPAC would need to be
aware of how the demographics were shifting. Chief Stringer shared that was one of the reasons
why BPD was working so hard with the Hispanic Community and cultural diversity because that
would make the biggest impact in their community on crime and the quality of life.
To Lt. Hinojosa, Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno inquired how the BPAC could be involved in his
committee. Lt. Hinojosa repeated he had a committee of eight officers and that they were just
starting. He welcomed any ideas from the BPAC. Lt. Hinojosa offered he could come back to show
the BPAC their banners, the reference guide, and everything else for them to see and figure out.
Chairperson Bolenbaucher noted on July the 4th at Bicentennial park there would be a bilingual
church activity, and that Liliana Gallegos from "Sabor of Mexico" was looking for booth spaces.
With that, Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno requested to have Lt. Hinojosa on the agenda to come
back and give another update.
•
Baytown Police Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
April 26,2022
Page 13 of 16
Next, Chief Stringer took a moment to touch on transparency. On BPD's website, Chief Stringer
was looking at a couple of programs that could be beneficial to put their policies and procedures
online for anybody to see. Of course, certain things would be inappropriate to publish for officer
safety and noted that would be procedures versus policies. Continuing on the note of publishing
policies and procedures, there was a Policy Document Management System with a forward-facing
side that the public could access a read-only version online. Chief Stringer supposed that might be
something BPD could do in the future as they worked with Information Technology and Services
(ITS)and other technology.The positive thing about using a program like that was that BPD would
not overlook anything they replace or revise because as soon as they would publish a new
document, it would archive the old one. In the case of a lawsuit that popped up under a certain
version of a policy an officer worked under, it would have been recorded and could be pulled
easily. Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno wondered if that was something Chief Stringer could show
the BPAC Members. Chief Stringer answered he should be able to get them some agencies that
used the program next time.
Committee Member Dr. Stansky discussed that she had talked to her patients who would love to
see more interactions with the police—not necessarily with the officers sitting in their cars.
Whether it was an apartment complex or low-income neighborhoods, Committee Member Dr.
Stansky suggested officers could go out in pairs and talk to people. Planned events were great,but
it would be great for officers to get out in to the community and talk to people. Chief Stringer
assured there were officers that did that. Every once in a while, somebody would send a picture
and BPD would post it online. For example, BPD's Street Crime Unit had bought basketball goals,
set them up, and played with the kids. Chief Stringer noted part of that was tied to recruitment to
fill in empty spots. A lot of the times, officers were pulled over on the side of the road writing
reports on their mobile data terminals as they were running to their next call. Chief Stringer relayed
a few scenarios,he stated not as an excuse,but to note those were the things BPD was pushing for.
Committee Member Dr. Stansky suggested a way to possibly monitor officer interactions was to
track how much gasoline a car burned. In burning almost no gasoline, that would mean an officer
was probably out of their car and interacting with the public. Chief Stringer did not know if that
would be the best measure for them as their cars tend to keep running because officers had so much
in them. Chief Stringer mentioned equipment that would keep the engine idling.
Lt. Hinojosa expanded on Chief Stringer's point from the prospective of a shift commander on the
evenings. He relayed from 6:00 P.M., Wednesday through Saturday, officers received call after
call until 3:00 A.M. or 4:00 A.M. However, Lt. Hinojosa noted they still got out and talked to kids.
With culture diversity, officers that asked for somebody to translate would be handled by himself
or other Spanish-speaking officers on shift. Lt. Hinojosa assured officers engaged the community
a lot more than what was visible. If an officer was idling in a patrol car, they were usually doing
the synopsis or the cover page of their report. Lt. Hinojosa relayed officers had an average of four
to eight reports a night depending on the shift. Chairperson Bolenbaucher remarked reports could
be anywhere from 250 to a thousand-words. Lt. Hinojosa ended on the note that they were very
busy, but that their roll calls were built around training, dignity, and respect.
c. Discuss and consider the presentation of the Baytown Police Advisory Committee's
quarterly report to the City Council in May 2022.
Baytown Police Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
April 26,2022
Page 14 of 16
The date, as relayed by Assistant Secretary Angela Jackson, in which the BPAC would give their
quarterly report to the City Council was May 26`h. The next BPAC Meeting would be May 24`h
Mrs. Jackson proceeded to hand out copies of previous reports to the BPAC Members as
Chairperson Bolenbaucher introduced those reports. Chairperson Bolenbaucher's
recommendation, following the election that night, was that he and Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno
build a template. Given their BPAC Meeting was on May 24th, he and Vice Chairperson Dr.
Moreno would have time to put together a review of their past quarter. Thus, their preliminary
presentation would be presented to the BPAC on May 24`h in preparation for the May 26th meeting.
Chairperson Bolenbaucher asked the BPAC Members if there were any items of the utmost
importance they would need to bring up for their next meeting in preparation for their presentation.
Committee Member Dr. Stansky recommended the new trainings of the Baytown Police
Department (BPD) as well as their Hispanic outreach. Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno requested if
the BPAC Members thought of anything else after the meeting, to email them.
Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno wondered if the BPAC ever showed Council the decals. Chairperson
Bolenbaucher relayed when he did the presentation, he did not have it on the PowerPoint.
Although, the decals had been emailed to all of the Council Members. Vice Chairperson Dr.
Moreno sought clarification on if they were then done with mental illness at that point.Chairperson
Bolenbaucher believed mental illness did not necessarily needed to go away, but that they needed
to indicate that the BPAC had covered it very well and would move forward.
Mrs. Jackson interjected to note that any emails the BPAC Members sent to please send those to
the City Clerk's Office. Chairperson Bolenbaucher expanded on Mrs. Jackson's point to remind
the BPAC Members they had to abide by the State of Texas' Open Meeting Rules.
5. NEXT MEETING
a. Consider setting date, time and location for the next Baytown Police Advisory
Committee meeting, along with any related tasks and processes.
Chairperson Bolenbaucher stated the reason why the specific meeting date was not put on the
agenda was due to their regularly scheduled meetings were for the last Tuesday of each month.
One of the things that had been talked about that was never on the agenda was the possibility to
meet outside of City Hall, in places such as: churches, civic centers, etc. While they set their next
meeting for May 24th, Chairperson Bolenbaucher wished for the BPAC Members to consider if
meeting on a monthly bases was not enough time to get enough information from their respective
districts, should they meet bi-monthly to connect with their constituents? On the contrary,
Chairperson Bolenbaucher did note meeting too often could be counter-intuitive. Thus, the item
was brought up so the BPAC Members could consider looking at other options.
Police Chief John Stringer noted in preparation for the BPAC Meetings, they may not be ready in
one month. Chief Stringer discussed how the Baytown Police Department (BPD) did not have
additional personnel for that to be their sole mission at that time. Thus, Chief Stringer requested
the BPAC Member consider meeting every other month.
Baytown Police Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
April 26,2022
Page 15 of 16
Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno inquired when was their term over as she felt as though the BPAC
had lost three months. Committee Member Dr. Stansky opined the BPAC should definitely meet
before their City Council presentation, and then maybe meet every other month at City Hall. In the
months they did not meet there,the BPAC could meet with the community in a church or wherever
they decide. To Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno's question, Assistant Secretary Angela Jackson
noted September 30th was the end of their term. The BPAC Member further deliberated their
meeting location and schedules.
Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno was interested in what Committee Member Hunsinger had said
about meeting in June with Lieutenant Rene Hinojosa's committee of officers at whatever location
they so wish. Lt. Hinojosa was fine with that. Chairperson Bolenbaucher asked Lt. Hinojosa if that
would be enough time to publicize the meeting, secure a venue, etc. Lt. Hinojosa, for a town hall
meeting, did not believe that would be enough time. Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno wondered if
their BPAC meeting could be to meet with Lt. Hinojosa's committee of officers and provide
feedback as she felt that was a charge within their parameters. Committee Member Dr. Stansky
clarified they would then not have a whole community, but just Lt. Hinojosa's committee.
Chairperson Bolenbaucher asked Mrs. Jackson and Legal Counsel Jerris Mapes if they would be
able to have any type of working sessions where it was still the committee, yet they could have
discussions that was not necessarily in an open forum. Ms. Mapes answered they could, but it
would be difficult if those topics were not known in advance. In other words, if the BPAC
Members could be very specific about the topics on the agenda, that would be great. However, if
somebody from the audience wished to speak on a topic that was not on the agenda, they were not
able to discuss it then. Ms. Mapes suggested the members be good about breaking down the topics.
For example, in a topic about how they could improve relations with the police department, they
could not specifically talk about programs.
Chairperson Bolenbaucher thought if Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno and himself could get some
of those agenda items,then by their next meeting they were able to nail down some of those things
that could be brought back to the BPAC. Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno first wanted to make sure
if Lt. Hinojosa was okay with the agenda items as the BPAC would be going to his committee. Lt.
Hinojosa stated in their program, they did need city leaders and the BPAC Members involved.
Thus, that would not be a problem.
Chief Stringer reminded the BPAC that their meetings were for advisement and not governance.
He relayed BPD needed to know what the community had for them beyond the opinions in the
room—which he fully respected and appreciated. That being one of the reasons Chief Stringer
approached Lt. Hinojosa, to do that for BPD. For Lt. Hinojosa to get out there and find out what
BPD was missing. What BPD needed from the BPAC, was who they would bring to BPD that
could stand and talk about some things they would like to see. Also, identify people in their
community who would love to volunteer with BPD.
In closing, Chairperson Bolenbaucher proceeded to set their next meeting for May 24, 2022. He
requested Lt. Hinojosa to let them know as soon as possible when he was ready for that gathering
with his team. Ms. Mapes added that as long as the BPAC Member did not have a quorum, two or
Baytown Police Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
April 26,2022
Page 16 of 16
three of them could go to events with Lt. Hinojosa. If the BPAC Members happen to end up with
a quorum, they could not discuss city business.
A motion was made by Committee Member Dr. June Stansky and seconded by Committee
Member Yulanda Braxton to have the next BPAC Board Meeting on May 24, 2022, at 6:00 P.M.
The vote was as follows:
Ayes: Chairperson Eric Bolenbaucher, Committee Member Yulanda Braxton,
Committee Member Lt. Rodney Evans, Vice Chairperson Dr. Marissa
Moreno, Committee Member Dr. June Stansky, Committee Member
Richard Hunsinger, and Committee Member Cpl. Steve Ocanas
Nays: None
Approved
Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno clarified in terms of meeting every other month,the BPAC Members
did not agree on that. Chairperson Bolenbaucher stated he and Vice Chairperson Dr. Moreno
would need to work on that with Mrs. Jackson.
6. ADJOURN
With there being no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Committee Member Dr.
Stansky and seconded by Committee Member Richard Hunsinger to adjourn the April 26, 2022,
Baytown Police Advisory Committee Meeting at 7:35 P.M. The vote was as follows:
Ayes: Chairperson Eric Bolenbaucher, Committee Member Yulanda Braxton,
Committee Member Lt. Rodney Evans, Vice Chairperson Dr. Marissa
Moreno, Committee Member Dr. June Stansky, Committee Member
Richard Hunsinger, and Committee Member Cpl. Steve Ocanas
Nays: None
Approved
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Angela Jac on, Assistant Sec tare 4 City of Baytown 1 ,, A *
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