La Joya I.S.D. Police Dept.

7209 Ann Richards Road Mission, Texas 78572

PD (956) 323-2040, Fax (956) 580-7095

Mission Statement

The mission of the La Joya ISD Police Department is to protect the safety, and welfare of all students, district personnel, and the district’s property within carefully prescribed policy, ethical, statutory, and constitutional restrictions.

Jurisdiction
The department’s boundries extend from the west side of Inspiration Rd. West to the Hidalgo/Starr County line. From the Rio Grande River north to the fourteen mile line this encompasses more than 226 square miles.

Major Responsibilities

· To ensure a safe and secure environment for teaching and learning.

· Patrol

· Investigations

· Monitoring of surveillance cameras & alarm systems.

· Random K-9 searches at all district campuses.

· Respond to emergencies

· Assist federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

· Assure that every student will achieve their full academic potential, and that every person has a right to a safe school.

· Deter criminal acts, and violence through a proactive approach.

· Enforce all state laws within the jurisdiction of the La Joya Independent School District.

Programs

La Joya ISD Police Department Programs

K-9 Program (3 K9 Police Officers)

The La Joya ISD Police Department has three k-9 drug sniffing police dogs that patrol our district searching for illegal drugs within our schools. They are trained to track and find most illegal drugs found in our community. While on patrol k9 police officers also do presentations along with their k-9 companion teaching students to stay away from drugs.

First Offender Program

The First Offender Program was founded upon an idea that we, as a community, can better serve our troubled youth through education, guidance, and information. This 6 week program offers at-risk individuals an opportunity to experience a unique educational environment which will positively impact them and their families for the rest of their lives.

For children between the ages of 10-16 years old.
Consists of a six week program that allows First Time Offenders who have committed a Class A, or B Misdemeanor offense, or a state jail felony (with exception of assault and/or weapons charges) to be considered eligible to participate in this program.
The program is completely voluntary; there is no obligation to participate.
The student and their parent and/or legal guardian are required to attend two hour classes; held at The La Joya ISD Police Department training room on 6 consecutive Saturdays.
Other prerequisites will have to be met and may include but are not limited to: community service, restitution to the victim (if necessary), educational, and vocational training, counseling or other rehabilitative services, a 90 day probation period, and periodic reporting and check-ins with the La Joya ISD Police Department.
Upon successful completion of this program, students participating in this opportunistic six week trial will have their first time criminal offense permanently cleared by the La Joya ISD Police Department.

"Book 'Em Cops and Kids Literacy Campaign"

Police Officers take time during their busy day to read a book to elementary and head start schools around our community to encourage reading in our schools and at home.

Police Explorer Post 1210

About the Program
The La Joya I.S.D Police Department’s Explorer Post 1210 participated in this year’s National Night Out, which was sponsored by the City of Peñitas Police Department. The explorer’s handed out La Joya I.S.D. Campus Crime Stoppers flyers; in addition they also spoke with students and parents from within the district about the program explaining the benefits of getting involved in school activities. In addition to Peñitas Police Dept. the La Joya Fire Dept., Mission Police Dept., and the Hidalgo County Sherriff’s Office were in attendance. The Salvation Army provided free drinks and hot dogs for everyone in attendance.

The program is sponsored by the Boys Scouts of America, and is open to individuals between the ages of 14-21.
The program is geared to provide the student with a working knowledge of police procedures.
Students are instructed in crime scene investigation, traffic control, penal code, building clearance, and all other aspects of law enforcement.
Explorers are also involved with community activities, and volunteer their time within the school district and the community.
The program relies strictly on fund raisers, and donations.
All monies are used to equip the explorers with the necessary equipment.

Eddie Eagle Gun Safe Program

The Eddie Eagle is a program that teaches a simple important message to our students. If they see a gun they should stop, don’t touch, leave the area, and tell an adult. This is done through workbooks, & a short DVD presentation. This program can be presented at any elementary in our district. Any campus wishing to have us present can contact us at 956.580.6069.

Parent Police Academy

The purpose of this 8 week course is to help train and educate La Joya ISD parents to the rigorous and tenacious duties and responsibilities our districts police officers go through while keeping our student's safe in a school setting. Through their experience, and professionalism, the instructors, and presenters will forward their expertise on topics that ultimately affect both child and parent.

Mission:

The mission of the La Joya ISD parent police academy (PPA) is to make parents aware of police services and tactics. Our goal is to engage and empower families. parents will learn to better serve and advocate for their children through education, information and training.

Parent Police Academy PPA 001

Parent Police Academy PPA 002-S

Parent Police Academy PPA 003-S

Staff Police Academy

The purpose of this 2 day course is to help train and educate La Joya ISD staff to the rigorous and tenacious duties and responsibilities our districts police officers go through while keeping our student's safe in a school setting. Through their experience, and professionalism, the instructors, and presenters will forward their expertise on topics that ultimately affect both child and parent.

Mission:

The mission of the La Joya ISD staff police academy (PPA) is to make our staff members aware of police services and tactics. Our goal is to engage and inform our staff members. La Joya ISD Staff members will learn to better serve and advocate for their children through education, information and training.

Staff Police Academy 001

Staff Police Academy 002

Staff Police Academy 003

Staff Police Academy 004

Student Police Academy

The purpose of this 8 week course is to help train and educate La Joya ISD students to the rigorous and tenacious job description and responsibilities that police officers go through while keeping them safe. With the instructor's education, training, experience, and professionalism; the instructors will forward their expertise on topics that ultimately affect the student.

Student Police Academy 001

Operation Lone Star: Smoking Cessation

La Joya ISD Campus Crime Stoppers annually participates in Operation Lone Star. The event takes place in the month of July on specifically named school campuses. La Joya ISD Campus Crime Stoppers participates in the "Smoking Cessation" issue. For more information on Operation Lone Star please visit their website at: www.dshs.texas.gov

La Joya ISD Police Department uses the McGruff costume to inform and educate the community and students in our district the dangers of drugs and keeping away from drugs. For more information on the McGruff the Crime Dog visit: www.mcgruff-safe-kids.com

Operation: Beards for Blue Santa

November & December of 2018 was the 1st Annual Beards for Blue Santa where officers within the La Joya ISD Police Department voluntarily participated in the program to raise money for three need families in our community. Officers who wished to participate would pay $25 per month to grow their beards and for female officers be allowed to have a low hair bun while on duty. All monies collected were used to buy clothes, food, or toys for the families in need. CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES

The La Joya ISD Police Department has begun the 'Random Acts of Kindness' program where each month items can be donated in order to give it to a need to family. For more information please contact our office at 323-2040.