PRESS RELEASE
Media Contact:
Michael L. Martinez
(956) 272-9803 [email protected]
Pharr Police Department Announces Decrease in Pharr Crime Rates
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024
Pharr, Texas – Chief Juan Gonzalez of the Pharr Police Department announced a reduction in the city’s crime rates based on the Uniform Crime Reporting system. Chief Gonzalez presented statistics outlining the positive trend in crime reduction.
Key Statistics: 2020 Crime Rate: 19.6%
2021 Crime Rate: 18.9%
2022 Crime Rate: 17.9%
Chief Gonzalez emphasized the department’s consistent success in steadily decreasing the crime rate by approximately 1% annually over the last three years. “We are proud to report this positive trend and remain committed to further lowering the crime rate to enhance the safety of our citizens,” stated Chief Gonzalez.
Looking ahead, Chief Gonzalez shared the department’s expectations for 2023, anticipating a continued decrease in crime by 1-2%. Detailed figures for 2023 will be released later this year.
The Pharr Police Department acknowledges the collaborative efforts of law enforcement personnel, community members, and partners in achieving this notable decrease in crime rates.
“Our Pharr PD is dedicated to keeping our citizens and community safe,” Chief Gonzalez affirmed.
Anyone in the City of Pharr can report crime or suspicious activity by calling the Pharr Crime Stopper hotline at (956) 787- 8477, or by using the City of Pharr 311 App.
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Police Department is pleased to announce that we are currently accepting applications for the position of Police Officer.
As a member of our esteemed department, you will have the chance to explore and excel in various specialized units, including the Mental Health Unit, K-9 Unit, Motorcycle Division, Mounted Patrol, Criminal Investigation Division, and more.
“Pharr PD is dedicated to providing a supportive and dynamic work environment,” Chief of Police Juan F. Gonzalez said. “Our officers have the opportunity to build rewarding careers while serving the community,” Chief Gonzalez added.
A Peace Officer Certification, an entry-level written examination will be administered on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at the Pharr One Complex, located at 1121 E. Nolana Loop, Pharr, TX 78577. Registration will begin promptly at 9:15 AM, with the doors closing at 9:45 AM to ensure a smooth examination process. The examination itself will commence at 10:00 AM sharp.
The deadline to apply for Police Officer is Friday, August 18, 2023, at noon. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications promptly.
For more information about the recruitment process, requirements, and benefits of joining Pharr PD, prospective applicants can contact Officer Jacklyn Rodriguez at (956) 358-3511.
Pharr Police Department to Host Annual Pharr Night Out
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Police Department is excited to announce this year’s Pharr Night Out event. This exciting community gathering is part of the nationwide initiative known as National Night Out, aimed at promoting police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
The event will be held TODAY, Tuesday, August 1, 2023, from 6:00 to 10:00 pm at the Pharr Town Center, located at 500 N. Jackson Road, in front of Main Event.
“We invite all our Pharr families to join us for a fun Pharr Night Out,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Our Pharr PD and city staff have coordinated a fun evening of activities and entertainment for the community as we celebrate the relationship between our law enforcement, public safety officials, and our citizens,” he added. “Everyone is invited to participate!”
The event will feature multiple food vendors and local businesses showcasing their products and services. Families are encouraged to come and enjoy an evening of fun and entertainment. There will be an assortment of engaging games and activities for children. Admission is FREE to the public.
For additional information about Pharr Night Out, please contact Officer D. Trevino at (956) 856-4625. We look forward to welcoming you to Pharr Night Out on August 1st and sharing in an evening of unity, engagement, and celebration.
The public and media are invited to attend.
DETAILS
Date: TODAY, Tuesday, August 1, 2023 Time: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm Location: Pharr Town Center (500 N. Jackson Road, Pharr, TX 78577) in front of Main Event
Pharr PD Partners with Hidalgo County to Host Red Sand Project
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Police Department is proud to announce its partnership with the Red Sand Project and the Hidalgo County Family Violence Task Force in the fight against human trafficking.
To raise awareness and inspire action, the department will be hosting a special event on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 3 pm at the Pharr Police Department (1900 S Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577), where participants will have the opportunity to fill cracks with red sand, symbolizing solidarity in the fight against human trafficking.
The Red Sand Project is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about human trafficking and engaging communities in the fight against it. By filling cracks in sidewalks and other public spaces with red sand, the project serves as a visual reminder of the hidden vulnerabilities that contribute to human trafficking.
Human trafficking is a violation of human rights that affects countless individuals worldwide. The Pharr Police Department recognizes the importance of combating this issue and is committed to raising awareness and taking action to prevent human trafficking in our area.
The public and all media are invited to attend.
Event Details: Date: Thursday, July 27, 2023 Time: 3:00 pm Location: Pharr Police Department (1900 S Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577)
City of Pharr Names Dr. Jonathan B. Flores as New Assistant City Manager
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is proud to announce that it has named Dr. Jonathan B. Flores as its new Assistant City Manager.
Jonathan B. Flores Ed.D., a native of Pharr, Texas is a municipal government professional with over twenty-two years of diverse law enforcement experience. Since 2005, he has worked in various roles and assignments, such as patrol, criminal investigations, major crimes, and as Assistant City Manager/Chief of Police for the City of Alton.
“I am truly humbled and excited for the opportunity to serve my hometown of Pharr as their new Assistant City Manager,” said Flores. “I am grateful to Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, and the city commission for selecting me to join their leadership team, as we work diligently to continue to move Pharr forward,” he added.
Dr. Flores is a graduate of the 90th session of LEMIT’s Leadership command college and has garnered recognition for his leadership at the local, state, national, and international levels including the International Association of Chiefs of Police 40 under 40 leadership award, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Public Service Award, and the Texas Police Chief’s Association Leadership Award.
“We welcome Dr. Flores to our Pharr family and know that he will make an excellent addition to our city and our community with his many years of municipal government experience and leadership accolades,” said Mayor Hernandez. “He is a great fit for our city leadership and I look forward to the many great things we will accomplish for our Pharr citizens in the coming years,” Hernandez added.
In 2023, Dr. Flores was inducted into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame for Distinguished Service in Toledo, Ohio. Dr. Flores is a TML Leadership Fellow and is currently in the process of earning credentialed manager candidate status through the International City Manager’s Association.
Dr. Flores is married to his high school sweetheart Rachel, and they have two wonderful children Michael & Dominique, and one Granddaughter Layla.
City of Pharr to Host Hurricane Ready Sandbag Giveaway on Saturday, 5/28 @ 8 am
Pharr, Texas – In anticipation of the start of Hurricane Season on June 1st, the City of Pharr will be hosting a Hurricane Ready Sandbag Giveaway.
The event will take place from 8 am to 12 pm on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at the Pharr EMS Headquarters (3000 N. Cage Blvd) in Pharr.
“The time to prepare is now,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Hurricane season is upon us (June 1st — November 30th) and we want to ensure that our Pharr families are ready and prepared,” he continued. “The City of Pharr invites residents to come out Saturday morning to pick up sandbags and we will also have hurricane-ready kits available for the first 300 people,” added Hernandez.
The City of Pharr will be distributing:
6 sandbags per residence
12 sandbags per business
Limited Items: 300 Hurricane Ready Bags
Sandbags will need to be self-filled and residents are reminded to bring their own shovels. *Assistance will be provided to disabled and/or elderly residents. Proof of residency is required (water bill or driver’s license).
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr Hurricane Ready Sandbag Giveaway
WHEN: Saturday, May 28, 2022, from 8 am – 12 pm
WHERE: Pharr EMS Headquarters (3000 N. Cage Blvd. Pharr, Texas 78577)
