The Dallas Police Department is aware that the public is receiving phone calls from suspects who pose as Dallas Police Officers. Suspects accuse the citizen of missing a required court date or jury duty and demand the citizen obtain pre-paid cards and give the card number to the suspect or face immediate arrest.
These calls can be alarming and are meant to intimidate the citizen to the point that they don’t realize it is a scam until it’s too late.
If you get one of these calls, hang up:
The Dallas Police Department would never call or email you to demand payment for a fine you have never previously received a letter about.
The Dallas Police Department would never demand that you wire them money or pay using a specific prepaid card.
Never give out private information (your Social Security Number or account numbers) to any person who calls you.
If you are a victim of this crime, please contact the Dallas Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit at (214) 671-3517
The Dallas Police Department’s blog, the DPDBeat, is happy to celebrate its One Year Anniversary! Last year on February 24, 2014, the department announced its creation of The DPDBeat in a press conference.
Since it’s creation, 542 blogs have been posted. The blog has received 1,100,965 views. The most views of the blog occurred on June 3, 2014, with 32,754 views. The blog post “Dallas Police Search for Killer” was responsible for 29,657 of those views.
Along with the blog, the department also introduced NextDoor. This social media tool allows neighborhoods to have virtual crime watch meetings. Information can be sent from the department directly to neighborhoods regarding crime trends that occur in their community. NextDoor currently has 48,238 members that come from over 37,000 households in the city.
Social Media has become a big part of how the department disseminates information. The department’s Facebook and Twitter pages have grown to have over 50,000 fans/followers respectively. The department would like to thank everyone for their support and help in the growth of the Dallas Police Department Social Media platforms.
It’s a common misconception that when a police officer knocks on your door, it’s not a good thing; but what if the officer comes bearing gifts?
This year marks the 30th anniversary for the Dallas Police Department’s Santa Cops, a program that affords families in the community a Holiday to remember.
Since the program’s inception in 1984, the Dallas Police Department has assisted more than 10,000 families in the City of Dallas during the Holiday season. Patrol officers, along with other members of the police department, see the various needs in the community and the Santa Cops program allows the department to give back in a unique way.
During the week of Thanksgiving, members of the department identify families in need of food, clothing and toys. Officers are engaging with members of the community and listening to their needs.
The gifts are delivered on the Saturday before Christmas, this year they were delivered December 20th.
Santa Cops is one of the many ways the Dallas Police Department would like to wish the citizens of Dallas a safe and Happy Holiday season.
Critical Missing has been located and is in good condition
Andrew Savage
The Dallas Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating the above individual, Mr. Andrew Savage. Mr. Savage is a 68 year-old black male, last seen Monday, July 28, 2014, at approximately 5:30 p.m. at 9025 Harry Hines Boulevard. Mr. Savage has brown eyes, gray hair and is 5’07, 167 pounds. He was last seen wearing a dark gray shirt with diamond shapes on it, blue pants and a sky blue hat. Mr. Savage is on foot and may be disoriented. His medical conditions include dementia, and he may believe that he is in Houston.
If you know the whereabouts of Mr. Andrew Savage, please contact 9-1-1 or the Dallas Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit at (214) 671-4268.
This incident is documented on case number 181161-2014.
Every occupation has its jargon and in the City of Dallas, Air 1 is known for being our eyes in the skies. Picture this: a Dallas Police helicopter pilot soaring through the air, verbally guiding marked police vehicles as officers on the ground handle the situation at hand. This is not possible without a proper and fully functional aircraft. This is where the hard work, dedication and expertise of Chief Mechanic Karen Prevette is critical. Her skill-set is impeccable, which is why Karen Prevett received the 2014 Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) Technical Specialist of the Year award in Phoenix, Arizona Friday, July 18, 2014.
Karen is no stranger to mechanical work. She served in the United States Army from April 1983 until November 1989, where she started as a helicopter mechanic and through her persistence, she promoted to the level of Inspector.
After leaving the Army, a federal government military contractor pursued her because of her indispensable craft, at which time she accepted a position as a senior flight mechanic and ultimately again achieved the level of Inspector.
In March 1998, Karen continued her quest to excel in mechanics and sought a career with the Dallas Police Department Helicopter Unit, where relentlessly she maintains Air 1 as our eyes in the skies.
Congratulations to Chief Mechanic Karen Prevette for this prestigious recognition.
Fellow police pilots Libby Cotner, Russell Brookshire and Sergeant Todd Limerick were the driving force behind the nomination.
In the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Division territory, there were 90 laser strikes reported in 2013. Laser strike reporting for 2013 in other Texas Divisions was: El Paso – 25; Houston – 155; and San Antonio – 149. FBI analysis shows laser strikes happen most frequently between midnight and 7 a.m., with the greatest strikes occurring between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. In many cases, laser strikes are being committed by teens and adults between the ages of 35-45. Most do not comprehend the serious consequences of lasing and, in some cases, are unaware it is against the law.
The video below is from a laser strike of the Dallas police helicopter in 2013.
Yesterday, the Office of Community Affairs said goodbye to a beloved colleague – Thanh Cung. Thanh Cung retired after serving 18 years with the Dallas Police Department.
Mr. Cung was born and raised in Vietnam. He served in the South Vietnam Army and fought alongside the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War before emigrating to America and joining the Dallas Police Department. His assignments included Central Patrol, Love Field airport and the Office of Community Affairs. In his assignment in Community Affairs, he has performed tirelessly by handling the organizational side of community events. He also conducted a weekly Vietnamese radio show to share information and build a positive relationship between the police department and the Vietnamese community. In addition to his work in the community, he has also assisted the Dallas police and other local agencies by translating for them in any case involving a Vietnamese speaker.
He will be greatly missed by the police department and the community.
Additional Information on Door to Door Solicitation
City of Dallas
Solicitor’s Permit
City Ordinance #29245
Application Instructions
As of January 22, 2014 the Dallas City Council passed an ordinance requiring anyone soliciting within the city limits of Dallas to register with and obtain a solicitor’s permit from the City of Dallas. The only exceptions to this ordinance would be charitable and non-profit organizations.
A Certificate holder may conduct home solicitation between the hours of 9 a.m. and sunset, Monday through Saturday, excepting New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Solicitation may not be conducted at any residence displaying any sign which states “NO SOLICITORS OR HANDBILLS”, or any similar notice indicating the occupants do not wish to be bothered, disturbed, or have commercial printed matter left on the premises.
The City of Dallas issued permit card must be conspicuously worn by the solicitor and visible at all times.
The applicant for a Solicitor’s Permit must complete an application form. If the applicant is a company, the application must include;
o the company’s name, address, and telephone number;
o the name, address, telephone number and title of each of its officers;
o the date and place of incorporation or establishment of the business;
o the name, address, and telephone number of each person who will be conducting a home solicitation in the city for the applicant.
If the applicant is an individual, the application must include;
o the applicant’s name, address and telephone number;
o the name, address, and telephone number of any individual or company for which the applicant is acting as an agent;
o the name, address and telephone number of each person who will be conducting a home solicitation in the city for the applicant;
o a 2”x 2”photograph of the applicant, taken within the preceding 12 months, that clearly depicts the applicant’s facial features;
o the applicant’s date of birth and driver’s license number (with the state of issuance) or, if the applicant does not have a driver’s license, the number from another government-issued personal identification card containing the applicant’s photograph and date of birth;
In addition, all applicants must provide;
o the names of other communities in which the applicant has worked as a home solicitor in the past 12 months and, if the applicant was an agent of different companies in the other communities, the names of those companies;
o the nature, character, and quality of the goods or services to be advertised, offered for sale, or delivered as part of the home solicitation;
o whether the applicant, upon obtaining an order for goods or services, will demand, accept, or receive payment or a deposit of money in advance of final delivery of the goods or services;
o the dates, times, and locations for which the applicant proposes to conduct home solicitations in the city;
o an outline of the method or methods to be used in conducting the home solicitations;
o whether the applicant has been convicted of any of the following criminal offenses which are disqualifiers for obtaining a permit:
o criminal homicide (Chapter 19 Texas Penal Code)
o kidnapping (Chapter 20 Texas Penal Code)
o a sexual offense (Chapter 21 Texas Penal Code)
o an assault offense (Chapter 22 Texas Penal Code)
o Robbery (Chapter 29 Texas Penal Code)
o Burglary (Chapter 20 Texas Penal Code)
o Theft (Chapter 31 Texas Penal Code) committed against a person with whom the applicant came in contact while engaged in a home solicitation business
o Fraud (Chapter 32 Texas Penal Code) committed against a person with whom the applicant came in contact while engaged in a home solicitation business
o Weapons violations (Chapter 46 Texas Penal Code) punishable as a felony
o Criminal Attempt to commit any of the offenses listed above
o Proof that the applicant possess all licenses or permits required by this code or by state or federal law for the operation of the business;
o If the applicant is an agent of an individual or company, proof of the applicant’s authority to represent the individual or company;
The applicant will bring all application materials and submit them in person, with a non-refundable fee of $50, to the Dallas Police Department, 1400 S. Lamar, Dallas, Texas between 8am-3pm Monday-Friday. Payment must be made by cash, credit (Visa or Mastercard only), debit card and money orders. The Chief of Police will issue and send (by US Mail) the Certificate of Registration (identification card) to the applicant within 30 days unless a disqualifying circumstance is found. In that event, the Chief of Police will notify the applicant in writing of the denial. Applicants who are denied a Certificate of Registration have the right to appeal the action with the Permit and License Appeal Board in accordance with Section 2-96 of the City Code. The applicant must file a written appeal to the permit and license appeal board with the city secretary within 10 calendar days after the date of receiving notice of the denial.
If there are questions regarding the application process or ordinance please contact Major Paul Stokes paul.stokes@dpd.ci.dallas.tx.us or 214 670-8594
The City of Dallas recently passed a new city ordinance regarding door to door solicitation. As of January 22, 2014, any individual or company wishing to solicit door to door will be required to obtain a solicitors permit from the City of Dallas.
The Solicitation Permit will allow soliciting between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to sunset, Monday through Saturday; except on major Holidays. At no time will soliciting be permitted at a residential premise where a sign is displayed prohibiting home solicitations. The only exemptions are people soliciting for a noncommercial purpose, including but not limited to a charitable, educational, civic, patriotic, philanthropic, political or religious purpose.
To obtain a solicitors permit you can go to the City of Dallas Website www.dallascityhall.com or the police department’s homepage at www.dallaspolice.netto complete the Solicitor’s Permit application. You will be required to bring the application to Dallas Police Headquarters at 1400 S. Lamar Street along with the following items:
A valid state or government ID
Two passport size photos
$50.00 Application Fee – Payment must be made by cash, credit (Visa or Mastercard only), debit card and money orders.
Violation Penalty for offenses under Chapter 42 of the City Code is punishable by a fine of not more than $500.
For a new twist on our “Chief on the Beat” events, join us for our first ever “K9 Chief on the Beat” at Samuel Grand Park and Recreation Center at 6200 E. Grand Avenue on May 3, 2014 from 10am to 2pm.
There will be hot dogs – traditional and real hot dogs because the weather is going to be sunny and dogs are always wearing their coats. There will also be low cost vaccinations for you dogs! Over 30 vendors will be in attendance to provide you with information on topics ranging from crime prevention to health and wellness.
Bring your dog! What? Don’t have a dog? We can fix that too with pet adoptions available on-site!
Neeha Curtis
The Dallas Police Department’s Canine Squad will also be on hand (note you may not adopt any police canines). As if that weren’t enough to get you there, we’ll also have a canine costume contest and the event will be hosted by local television celebrity Neeha Curtis!
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