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Accident Investigation
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Bicycle Patrol
Clear Air Task Force
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Crime Scene Photography
Domestic Violence
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Victims Assistance
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High Tech Crimes
High Water Rescue
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Honor Guard
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K-9
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Mounted Patrol
Parks Patrol
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Regulatory Enforcement
Special Investigations
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Internal Affairs
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| Accident Investigation Unit |
The members of the Accident Investigation
Unit are specially
trained in the physics and forensics of vehicular accidents.
Some are reconstruction experts, and are able to completely
reconstruct the conditions at the time of the accident. Working
with the Crime Scene Photographers, these deputies produce
court-ready data books that concisely detail each accident they
investigate. Like the Mounted Patrol, this is a volunteer unit,
made up of regular deputies who perform these tasks in addition
to their normal duties.
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| Bicycle Patrol Unit |
The deputies currently assigned to bike
patrol
responsibilities operate as highly visible and mobile units that
can respond to special terrain or area problems that are
inaccessible to standard patrol vehicles. These units are widely
accepted and welcomed by area residents and frequent the jogging
and bike trails that have been a haven for mischief and criminal
activity in the past. The bikes are specially designed for
patrol activities and personnel have been trained in the
tactical use of the bikes for these type of specialized
operations
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| Clean Air Task Force |
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Constable Ron Hickman has established the Harris County Clean Air Task Force for the purpose of enforcing state laws, codes, rules and regulations pertaining to improper vehicle emissions and the sale or distribution of counterfeit vehicle inspection certificates. This Task force will help crack down on fraudulent, fictitious or improperly issued automotive state inspection certifications.
Vehicles that circumvent the emission laws contribute to health threatening pollution and many of the vehicles are accidents waiting to happen due to faulty brakes, bald tires or some other safety hazards. The State vehicle inspection program is designed to help keep vehicles safe to operate as well as to help reduce air pollution. Our program, which is supplanted by grant funding, consists of a two part effort. Task Force investigators will work behind the scenes to reduce the number of fraudulent, fictitious or improperly issued automotive state emission inspection certificates.
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| Crime Scene Photography Unit |
The deputies who make up the Crime Scene
Photography Unit are
trained in all aspects of crime scene photography and
videography, including night and low light photography. They
respond to any major crime scene and supplement the
investigating officer's report with photographs. Some have also
extended thier expertise into other types of evidence collection
and documentation. This is also a volunteer unit, made up of
regular deputies who perform these tasks in addition to their
normal duties.
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| Domestic Violence Unit |
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The Domestic Violence
Unit is a
specialized
division which falls under Victim's Assistance, and has similar
duties. Whereas the Victims Assistance deals with the victims of
all crimes after the fact, the Domestic Violence Unit targets
domestic violence incidents and will respond to those calls in
progress. This allows them to conduct an on-the-scene evaluation
of the situation and to assist the complainant in the filing of
protective orders, charges and compensation claims as needed.
They also offer referral to resources within the community.
Due to the alarming
frequency in Harris
County,
family violence is the number one cause of injury to women. No
one should have to endure family violence. No one. Ever. Period.
But unfortunately it does–and when it does, there is help.
The
Harris County Pct. 4 Constable's Office, Victim
Assistance/Family Violence Unit was established in 1994 to
combat this problem.
Maybe you have first
hand experience as a
victim
of domestic violence, maybe you have a friend, co-worker or
neighbor who is being abused right now. Who ever you are, where
ever you are, we want you to know that you do not have to put up
with the abuse and you are capable of living a life free of
violence.
Our goal is to intervene
where violence
has
occurred by placing a priority on victims' safety and promoting
a community wide response to reduce violence against women. The
Constable's Department approaches these concerns in several
different ways. First, with the criminal justice system by
making lawful arrests of batterers. Secondly, with the victim by
providing an immediate response and crisis intervention with
emotional support, counseling referrals, and alternatives to the
violence. Thirdly, in the community with public awareness and
education in the prevention of family violence. Family Violence
is a criminal offense and prosecuted like any other violent
crime!
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| Victims Assistance Unit |
| Our liaisons, trained in direct on-scene
contact and
victimization, assist victims of violent crimes and domestic
abuse by directing victims through the compensation application
process, intervening on behalf of the victim and their families
to employers, and by keeping them informed of the status of the
investigation and legal process. They also refer clients to
counselors specifically trained in these services and intercede
with health care providers. They strive to return the victim to
a pre-incident level of functionality and reduce the overall
impact of the incident on the victim and their family. Their
secondary goal is to increase educational awareness that results
in enhanced concern for the areas of victimization.
As a victim of a crime, you may experiencing
psychological
and emotional trauma. The Harris County Precinct 4 Victim
Assistance Program is committed to restoring the respect and
dignity of crime victims through crisis intervention,
counseling, advocacy, education, information and referral. Every
effort will be made to provides services to individuals who
request assistance from law enforcement.
Addressing the needs of a victim will in
turn facilitate the
victim's' and witness's' willingness and ability to cooperate
with the Criminal Justice System in the investigation and
prosecution of the crimes.
Special consideration is also directed to
law enforcement
officers and the community in educating them in the
victimization process and recognizing the needs and rights of
crime victims.
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| High Tech Crimes Unit |
The High Tech Crimes Unit was created by Constable Hickman to provide
the community with a set of investigators specially trained to deal
with crimes involving technology and the internet. They work in
conjunction with the Internet Fraud complaint Center, The Houston Metro
Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Houston Area Child
Sexual Exploitation Task Force. This unit also provides
educational opportunities to civic groups and schools/educators to help
make them aware of dangers poised by the internet.
Also
taught by this unit is the basic computer crimes course, and identity
theft education. The officers of this unit have fostered many
cooperative working relationships with State and locale agencies across
the country and with numerous federal agencies. Members of
this unit are also on the TCLEOSE committee tasked with identifying the
needs and curriculum for a certification path designed for Cybercrime
Investigators for the State of Texas.
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| High Water Rescue Unit |
Precinct 4 has personnel and equipment dedicated to high
water rescue in the event of flooding such as that which
occurred during Tropical Storm Allison. Located at the
High Water Rescue and Command Center facility are a "deuce
and half" military style transport truck capable of
navigating high water for rescue purposes. Also located
there is 21 foot center console outboard motorboat. The
Deputies assigned to operate this equipment have received
special training from the U.S. Coast Guard to better prepare
them to perform rescue services.
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| Honor Guard Unit |
The Honor Guard is a volunteer unit that represents the
Constable's Office at special functions and funerals. They wear
dress uniforms, hats and braid to distinguish themselves during
their duties. Commanding respect wherever they appear, the Honor
Guard is the pride of the patrol division and constantly
represents the professionalism of the department. |
| Internal Affairs Unit |
Recruiting Division The Recruiting Division is responsible for processing applicants through the hiring procedure. This includes physical agiity testing, academic testings, background investigation, and departmental orientations. Evey effort is made to acquire and carefully scren the best candidates for employment at Precinct 4.
Internal Affiars Division Precinct 4 personnel are held to the highest standards of conduct and ethical behavior. The Internal Affiars Division is responsive to the community regarding complaints against members of the department. Every complaint is investigated thoroughly and corrective action is taken where necessary. |
| K-9 Unit |
Our canines are qualified for patrol and search operations
and have been used successfully for locating lost and missing
persons. The teams have been very helpful in tracking fleeing
suspects and in building and residential searches. The narcotics
dogs have been used widely by the department to locate and seize
narcotics. These teams, canines and their handlers, are
recognized by local and federal agencies and are frequently used
for searching suspect vehicles and buildings. Each K-9 lives and
works with his handler and becomes a part of their family,
working with the deputy like a partner. These units must pass a
strenuous selection process and are responsible for regular
patrol duties as well.
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| Mounted Patrol |
Our Mounted Patrol has been trained specifically in search and rescue operations.
Each member and his mount go through rigorous training in preparation for their activities. The Mounted Patrol unit is often seen at
public functions and holiday events. Their presence at local malls and shopping centers lends to the comfort and security level of our community.
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| Parks Patrol Unit |
In addition to regular patrol responsibilities, our Parks
Units patrol the County Parks and Recreational Facilities.
These Units often make use of ATV's to allow them to patrol
areas of the parks and the county that are not accessible by regular patrol
vehicles.
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| Regulatory Enforcement Unit |
Constable Ron Hickman has established the Regulatory
Enforcement Division for the purpose of inspection and regulatory enforcement of
businesses that appear to be questionable or suspect in the nature of their
operations. Often illegal or unlicensed activity may be associated
with some types of businesses, especially sexually oriented businesses, massage
parlors, and eight-liner gaming activities within some bars and stores. Constable Hickman invites you to assist us in this endeavor by reporting
any suspicious or illegal activity via our online reporting system.
Click Here to view the lastest enforcement activity by the Regulatory Enforcement Division. |
| Special Investigations Unit |
The Special Contract Support Unit consists of trained investigators who
specialize in investigating Theft related crimes. These crimes include
residential, commercial, and vehicle burglaries, fraud, and forgeries.
The goal of the SCSU investigator is to provide support to contract
deputies whose cases require an inordinate amount of time to perform
thorough investigations. SCSU investigators conduct interviews of
witnesses, suspects, and complainants, and frequently search pawn shops
and follow leads to recover stolen property. SCSU investigators
have had a great success in identifying and prosecuting
suspects and recovering large quantities of stolen property.
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