Adopted policy allows officers to cite and release a person in possession of less than 2 oz. of marijuana, as allowable by state law
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr Police Department will be implementing a new Cite-and-Release policy, which allows officers in the field an option to release a person with less than 2 oz of marijuana. This is a Class B misdemeanor where normally a person is arrested at the scene and transported to jail.
The policy adopted by the Pharr Police Department is governed by Article 14.06 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, enacted as HB 2391 by the 80th Texas State Legislature in 2007, and allows for law enforcement officers to cite and release individuals who commit certain offenses. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pharr Police Department decided to adopt the “Cite and Release” policy and implement it department-wide to minimize the number of individuals being jailed for certain low-level misdemeanor offenses, in this case, possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana, Misdemeanor B.
There are prerequisites to this option, and include the following: 1. The offense must be possession of marijuana. The marijuana must weigh less than two (2) ounces, Misdemeanor B. 2. The offense must occur in Pharr, Texas 3. The suspect must reside in Hidalgo County, Texas. 4. The suspect must be in possession of a valid driver’s license or identification. 5. The suspect must be 17 years of age or older. 6. Possession of marijuana must be the only offense in which the suspect is subject to arrest.
Officers will have the discretion to arrest or release at the scene. This policy simply gives them another alternative. If released, the person will still have to be arraigned at our municipal court within 14 days of the incident and will be released on a PR bond. The Possession of Marijuana Class B case will still be completed by our detectives and sent to the District Attorney’s office as any other case.
“This gives our officers a reasonable alternative to an arrest at the scene if the requirements are met,” said Pharr Police Chief Andy Harvey. “I believe this is another step in our efforts to police in a manner that adds value to community,” he continued.
“It’s important to note that this policy does not decriminalize anything, rather can provide a more dignified option for a low-level offense,” Harvey added. “We are partnering with the Hidalgo County DA’s office and our own municipal judge to make this possible. These are critical partnerships that when working together, can make a difference in our communities,” continued Harvey.
Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez stated, “Our office supports the efforts of the Pharr Police Department, and any other law enforcement agency, to implement this policy as allowable by state law.” He continued, “It is important that our community understand that the offense is not excusable and is still punishable by law, but this adds a level of flexibility to reduce our jail population.”
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., praised the leadership of Chief Harvey for implementing smart policing strategies as allowable under state law that will help provide fair alternatives for low-level offenses. “The offenders will still be held responsible for the offenses committed, but this will help to expedite justice in a fair and responsive manner,” Hernandez ended.
The new Cite-and-Release policy will begin implementation this week.
City of Pharr to Host Groundbreaking for Wellness and Innovation Complex on Thursday 11/19 @ 11 am
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr will host a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Pharr Wellness and Innovation Complex — a facility that will serve the community as a space for numerous initiatives aimed at health wellness and entrepreneurial innovation. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, November 19, 2020, at 11 am at the Pharr Wellness and Innovation Complex (1121 E. Nolana Loop).
“The Pharr Wellness and Innovation Complex will be a state-of-the-art facility custom-designed to target the needs of young entrepreneurs, community nonprofits, surrounding cities, and local school districts,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Additionally, as we all transition to new normals due to the pandemic, this facility will provide our Pharr families with an array of green space, a jogging trail, and an amphitheater that will allow our community to safely enjoy the outdoors in our city,” he added.
The facility will be made possible through a $5 million grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as well as a $500,000 grant from the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS WHAT: City of Pharr Groundbreaking for Wellness and Innovation Complex WHEN: Thursday, November 19, 2020, at 11 am WHERE: 1121 E. Nolana Loop, Pharr, TX 78577
Pharr PD Unveils Innovative Policing Strategy, Core Values, and Social Contract Aimed to Foster Positive Community Relations
Pharr, Texas – A few months into his tenure leading the City of Pharr’s police department, Chief Andy Harvey’s priority has been to strategically lead the department’s force by example, modeling a unifying and respectful leadership style to unite the department into implementing systemic and sustainable positive change. With law enforcement across the country recently taking the spotlight in the public realm, leading discussions regarding social justice, criminal justice, and policing, Harvey’s approach aims to shift the paradigm of the relationship between law enforcement and the community by creating a culture of compassion among the city’s police force.
Earlier this week, the Pharr Police Department adopted and celebrated the launch of the department’s new policing strategy, core values, and a social contract that will serve as guiding principles for every decision made by Pharr law enforcement – from administration down to patrol units and community policing.
After months of strategic planning, discussing, and fine-tuning, the Pharr Police Department unveiled its newly-adopted mission, vision, core values, and social contract with the Pharr community.
The adopted core values comprise the department’s C.A.R.E. philosophy, will guide all aspects of individual and collective decisions made as representatives of the Pharr PD, and are as follows:
Compassion: The Pharr Police Department will create partnerships with our community and serve with respect and dignity.
Accountable: Develop community equity and mutual respect while promoting innovation, self-development, and community wellness. We shall enhance and protect the quality of life for all who live, work, or visit the City of Pharr.
Resilient: Develop strategies with stakeholders to address the challenges and demands of our community, while addressing the overall well-being of our officers.
Excellence: We aim for excellence in everything that we do. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct by setting the example and having the moral courage to defend the constitution and uphold the law.
“We know that in order to lift up a city up in the way we police, we must have a strong set of core values. Fairness, dignity, and respect must start from within as part of our guiding principles and culture. Our social contract holds ourselves accountable for our actions and helps us strive for excellence – going above and beyond – in everything we do.” – Pharr Police Chief Andy Harvey
Pharr PD’s new mission statement reads, “The Pharr Police Department values the constitutional rights of all people, and will create collaborative relationships built on trust, which will reduce crime, fear, and enhance quality of life.”
The social contract adopted by the police department, the first of its kind in Texas and likely one of the first developed in anticipation of, in response to, and to prevent potential negative public perception of law enforcement agencies, represents the commitment that the department, command staff, officers, investigators, and support staff have to pledged to the community of Pharr, and reads as follows:
“The members of the City of Pharr Police Department agree to be professional, honorable, and supportive in their influences with each other and to our citizens by encouraging a positive, caring environment through valuing the constitutional rights of all people, and creating collaborative relationships built on trust, therefore, reducing crime, fear, and enhancing the quality of life.
The members of the City of Pharr Police Department agree:
To succeed in our mission through our core values: Compassion, Accountability, Resilience, and Excellence; and
To hold ourselves, and each other, accountable and give 100% to our mission; and
In the event of conflict we agree to address issues promptly, discreetly, and one-on-one. We will listen openly, be factual, give feedback, as we seek resolution. We agree to accept responsibility for our actions, be understanding of the other person’s concern, and show compassion for each other; and
To wok together with mutual respect, and if necessary, seek mediation through the chain of command.
The members of the City of Pharr Police Department pledge our support for this social contract and devote our efforts in our daily interactions with our service to the community.”
At the announcement of the new policing strategy and social contract, held on November 10, 2020, members of the Pharr City Commission were on hand to present a proclamation honoring the department’s efforts and recognizing Chief Harvey and the department for their efforts to address challenges and opportunities head-on by adopting this forward-thinking philosophy. Mayor Pro-Tem Bobby Carrillo and Commissioner Daniel Chavez praised the department for rising to the occasion and setting an example to be a model law enforcement agency that will work to proactively address issues and concerns and meet them head-on with a positive attitude and core values that will remain at the forefront of every decision made.
“This is just another way that the City of Pharr is moving forward in a positive way. It takes courage to do what you do. The city of Pharr community can be happy to know that there are police officers with good hearts and good values to keep them safe.” – Commissioner Daniel Chavez
For more information regarding the Pharr Police Department’s new strategy, mission, vision, core values, and social contract, visit https://youtu.be/z_LodTWsUmw.
City of Pharr to Host Veterans Day Fireworks Show TOMORROW, Wednesday, 11/11 @ 9 pm
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr will be celebrating our nation’s heroes with a Veterans Day Fireworks Show which will be displayed over the city starting at 9 p.m. Residents can tune in to radio station KTEX 100.3 FM at the start of the show to enjoy the fireworks with patriotic music.
Residents can view the fireworks displays closest to them from the comfort of their own homes, or, as an alternative and to ensure safe social distancing, the city has secured parking spots near the fireworks on both the north and south sides of Pharr, where residents will be able to park and enjoy the show. Parking spots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and parking is free.
If residents will be watching from their homes, they are reminded to avoid gathering in large groups. City officials urge residents to maintain their social distance by remaining at least six feet away from others, even when outdoors.
Join us in paying tribute to our Veterans with this patriotic celebration as we thank them for their service to our country.
City of Pharr Fireworks Show Parking Locations:
North Side – 1103 E. Nolana
South Side – 900 E. Pecina (in the floodway)
DETAILS WHAT: City of Pharr Veterans Day Fireworks Show WHEN: Wednesday, November 11, 2020, at 9 pm WHERE: Parking locations available near the fireworks at 1103 E. Nolana and 900 E. Pecina (in the floodway)
City of Pharr Municipal Court Launches Amnesty Program through December 31, 2020
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr Municipal Court launched an Amnesty Program which began on November 3 and will run through December 31, 2020, during which failure to appear and warrant charges will be waived for unadjudicated fines paid in full, put on a payment plan, or other arrangements that can be made with the court on an individual basis.
“The Amnesty Program is a grace period for anyone who has tickets and arrest warrants pending in the City of Pharr,” said Pharr Municipal Judge Criselda Ivon Rincon Flores. “This means we are waiving all failure to appear charges and warrants fees, which can cost up to $500,” continued Flores. “We want you to come to the court to clear your name and get your life back in order without fear of being arrested or not being able to afford the cost,” she said. “We are here to help and urge you to come clear your name and take advantage of this opportunity,” added Flores.
If you have any Failure to Appear or warrant charges the city will waive them during the amnesty period.
The court is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visit the City of Pharr Municipal Court located at 1900 South Cage Boulevard or call the court at (956) 783-7859 to clear your name today!
Commissioners Proclaim November 2, 2020, as Diego Goku Aguilera Day in Pharr
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez and the Pharr City Commission presented a Proclamation proclaiming November 2, 2020, as Diego Goku Aguilera Day in Pharr. Diego, a native of Pharr, who is attending Buena Vista University in Iowa, was recognized for his heroic actions in helping save a co-worker who went into cardiac arrest while on his first day working at Walmart in Storm Lake, Iowa. Upon noticing the symptoms, Diego immediately began CPR on the co-worker until first responders arrived on the scene. “Diego is a true hero, he was able to step in and save a life,” said Mayor Hernandez. “We congratulate him for his actions and wish him the best of luck as he continues his studies in Iowa,” he added. Diego’s mother accepted the proclamation on his behalf and he was able to join in virtually to be recognized by the commission.
Pharr Proclaims November 2-6, 2020 as Municipal Court Week
Pharr city officials approved a proclamation observing the week of November 2-6, 2020, as Municipal Court Week. The resolution recognizes the important work of municipal courts and the people who work in the courts. The Pharr Municipal Court is the judicial branch of the government of the City of Pharr and is committed to administering justice in a fair, efficient, and timely manner. Pharr Municipal Judge Criselda Ivon Rincon Flores and her staff were present to receive the proclamation. “We are committed to our Pharr community and are proud to serve our citizens,” said Judge Flores. “As the judicial arm of city government, we work closely with citizens on a range of municipal cases,” she added. Judge Flores also announced the start of the Pharr Municipal Court Amnesty Program, which starts on November 3 and ends on December 31, 2020. The program will allow for a grace period and waive all fees for prior cases, giving individuals the ability to take care of their cases pending in the court without added expenses.
Commission Approves Ordinance Amending Fire and Police Budgeted Positions
Pharr city officials approved an Ordinance amending Ordinance O-2020-36 relating to the number of authorized civil service positions within the Fire and Police Departments. It is necessary for the Board of Commission to make amendments to Article IX, Firefighters, and Police Officers Civil Service Ordinance relating to the number of authorized civil service positions in certain specified ranks to better serve the needs of the citizens of the City. The City has been awarded the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant in the amount of $1,475,883.99. The grant will pay for the salary of 9 Firefighter positions for three years.
Commissioners Approve Resolution Supporting and Authorizing Creation of Rio Grande Valley Regional 9-1-1 Emergency Communications District
Mayor Hernandez and City Commissioners approved a Resolution supporting and authorizing the creation of the Rio Grande Valley Regional 9-1-1 Emergency Communications District. The Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council (LRGVDC) 911 has begun the exploratory process of becoming an Emergency Communications District, as 1 of 16 PSAP in the 911 service area, the City of Pharr supports the creation of the Rio Grande Valley Regional Communications District.
Commission Approves Pharr Municipal Court Amnesty Program from November 3, 2020, through December 31, 2020
The Pharr City Commission approved the Pharr Municipal Court Amnesty Program from November 3, 2020, through December 31, 2020, during which failure to appear and warrant charges will be waived for unadjudicated fines paid in full. If you have any Failure to Appear or warrant charges the city will waive them. Visit the City of Pharr Municipal Court located at 1900 South Cage Boulevard. The court is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Featured Event 1: Movies at the Park – Saturday, November 7, 2020, at 6:30 pm – Jones Box Park
“Coco” will be our next featured film for our “Movies at the Park!” Join us Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 6:30 PM, we will be located at Jones Box Park ( 805 W Rosa Ln ). Bring your family, grab a few snacks, and enjoy the show. We look forward to seeing you there!
Featured Event 2: Veterans Day Fireworks Show – Wednesday, November 11, 2020, at 9pm
The City of Pharr would like to honor its veterans in the community by continuing our Veterans Day Fireworks Show! The city has secured parking spots near the fireworks, where residents will be able to park and enjoy the show.
The two locations are: North Side – 1103 E. Nolana South Side – 900 E. Pecina (in the floodway)
For those who wish to enjoy the show from the comfort of home, we will be streaming the show via FB Live.
