Join us for Live Music by Group 2C41 at The HUB Food Truck Park in Downtown Pharr TOMORROW, Dec. 19 from 8-10 PM
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr and the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce that local performers 2C41 will be playing live music at The Hub Food Truck Park in downtown Pharr from 8-10 pm. Families are encouraged to visit The Hub to grab a bite to eat, enjoy the holiday atmosphere, and listen to this amazing group of local performers.
“The City of Pharr is proud to support music and we are especially thrilled to now offer our local musicians a platform in which they can showcase their talents,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “This is an extremely talented group made up of four local family members, and I know our community will enjoy listening to their music,” added Hernandez. “We encourage all families to enjoy our new downtown parks, food trucks and enjoy the show while safely social distancing and wearing masks,” he said.
The new City of Pharr downtown parks are a great attraction for the community with many coming out to enjoy the Christmas decorations and grabbing a bite to eat at The Hub. The City of Pharr invites you to come watch the performance and enjoy our beautiful new parks.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS WHAT: Live Music by Group 2C41 at The HUB Food Truck Park in Downtown Pharr WHEN: Saturday, December 19, 2020, from 8-10 pm WHERE: The Hub Food Truck Park in Downtown Pharr (118 S. Cage Blvd)
Pharr PD & Partners Working to Create Mental Health Unit
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr Police Department is pleased to announce that it is working with the local health authority, Tropical Texas Behavioral Health, to develop a Mental Health Unit in Pharr’s police force. This week, the department is currently training licensed mental health officers that will comprise the unit. The purpose of the Mental Health Officer Training (TCOLE 4001) course is to further inform and educate the officer in the areas of mental health and issues pertaining to serving as a mental health officer, to include advanced crisis intervention. The training will be held all week, December 14-18, 2020.
The Mental Health Officers Training will be conducted by Ernie Stevens, an officer with the San Antonio Police Department, who is one of two officers featured in a 2020 HBO documentary, “Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops,” which chronicles the officers as they respond to mental health calls around San Antonio. According to the documentary’s website, the film is “an intimate portrait of two Texas police officers who are helping change the way police respond to mental health calls.” View more information on the HBO Documentary here >>.
Media is invited to attend and cover the live training, which will include role-play and realistic scenarios, between 10 am to 11 am on Thursday, December 17, 2020, at the Pharr Police Department (1900 S. Cage) in Pharr. Officials will be on-hand and available for interviews at a press conference at 11 am. Notable attendees include Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., Pharr Police Chief Andy Harvey, Tropical Texas Behavioral Health CEO Terry Crocker and staff, San Antonio Police Officer and Trainer Ernie Stevens, and Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez.
“Today’s policing demands our officers understand mental illness on a deeper level,” said Chief Harvey. “When the police are called to resolve situations where individuals are dealing with a crisis, we are more effective at helping the person when we work together with highly trained medical personnel and other agencies,” he continued, adding, “Arrests are usually not the best option in these cases.”
“Pharr is committed to providing our officers with the tools necessary to be able to identify situations that might have underlying mental health issues, and be able to respond to these types of sensitive situations to get individuals in crisis the appropriate help and resources they need,” added Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D.
“We are fortunate to have forward-thinking leaders in our city and region to make these partnerships a reality,” stated Chief Harvey.
A study from the National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI) found that a large percentage of people with mental illness report holidays make their conditions worse. Aligning with its adoption of core values and a social contract with the community, the Pharr Police Department is making an effort to ramp up compassionate responses to calls regarding individuals who may be experiencing a crisis, especially during the holiday season.
“I applaud Pharr’s commitment to having its police force develop an understanding of some of the underlying causes and manifestations of mental illness so that they can be better equipped with the knowledge and tools to assist individuals in the field who may be in crisis,” said District Attorney Rodriguez. “Together, this partnership will help to give people in crisis access to the help and support they need, and ultimately, save lives,” he added.
Tropical Texas’ CEO Terry Crocker echoed the sentiment regarding the positive influence the mental health unit will bring to the community of Pharr. “It is an honor for Tropical to assist law enforcement in improving their skills when it comes to dealing with mental health situations,” stated Crocker. “After this training, I look forward to a long term partnership with Pharr Police Department and the mental health unit, and I believe that together we can make a significant and positive impact in the community,” he added.
Officer Stevens will utilize his expertise to deliver the training to members of Pharr’s police force. The training will be hands-on, scenario-based, and role-played with realistic, real-life situations that police officers may encounter in the field. Representatives from Tropical Texas Behavioral Health Center’s Mental Health Officer Team (MHOT) will also be on hand to assist with the training.
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., Chief Andy Harvey, Officer Ernie Stevens, Tropical Texas’ CEO Terry Crocker, and Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez will be on-hand and available for interviews at a press conference at 11 am on Thursday, December 17, 2020, at the Pharr Police Department (1900 S. Cage Blvd.) in Pharr. Media outlets interested in attending are welcome to film footage of the live training prior to the press conference, between 10 am and 11 am.
DETAILS Who: Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. Pharr Police Chief Andy Harvey Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez San Antonio PD Officer Ernie Stevens (from HBO Documentary “Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops”) Representatives from Tropical Texas Behavioral Health What: Mental Health Officer Training When: Thursday, December 17, 2020, at 11 am (Media invited to film & cover training between 10 and 11 am) Where: Pharr Police Department, 1900 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX
City Recognizes First Responders Who Helped with COVID-19 Response Efforts in El Paso
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. and the Pharr City Commission recognized six first responders from the city for their efforts in assisting the State of Texas Emergency Management Taskforce in their efforts against COVID-19 in El Paso. The team answered the request made by the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas Division of Emergency Management to assist with response efforts in El Paso. They joined first responders from throughout the state with medical personnel and equipment to address the surge of COVID-19 cases. Pharr Fire Chief Leonardo Perez introduced the responders during the city meeting, they are Engineer Juan F. Martinez, Volunteer Firefighter David Gonzalez Jr., Moises Arellanta, Volunteer Firefighter Alicia Cano, Firefighter Hector Garcia, and Volunteer Firefighter Richar Garcia. “All these six people did an excellent job of representing our city in El Paso and assisting their respective teams with Covid response efforts,” said Chief Perez. “I did receive letters from state officials and a phone call from Bernardino Palacios the Program Director of the EMPF and John Phillips the regional coordinator praising our people for their service out there,” added Perez. “Thank you ladies and gentlemen for your great work, I know you put your lives at risk out there every single day and we are appreciative of the great work you did in assisting the City of El Paso,” said Mayor Hernandez.
Commissioners Approve Ordinance to Close Right-Of-Way
Pharr City Commissioners approved an Ordinance directing the City Manager to vacate, abandon, and close a portion of street Right-Of-Way, being a portion of E. Sharm Dr., located between Lots 1 and 2, Tip-O-Texas Subdivision. The Board of Commissioners determined that it is in the public interest that the City vacate, abandon and close a portion of a street right-of-way being a portion of E. Sharm Drive located between Lots 1 and 2, Tip-o-Texas Subdivision.
Commissioners Approve Ordinance to Close Right-Of-Way
Pharr City Commissioners approved a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit and execute a grant application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for grant funding under the FY2021 Building Resilient Infrastructure & Communities (BRIC) program. Funding is being sought from FEMA in the amount of $8,542,500 (75%) for the Southeast Pharr Drainage Mitigation Project Phase I. The proposed project comes from the Master Drainage Plan and is estimated to cost a total of $11,390,000. The remaining balance of $2,847,500 (25%) is to be paid with local funds.
Update on City Wide Drainage Master Plan
The City of Pharr has been proactive in identifying areas of concern throughout the city as they continue to seek funding for their Drainage Master Plan. “Over the last few years, we have been working to bring our drainage system up to par,” said Mayor Hernandez “We are investing a significant amount of money to ensure that we have an effective and safe system that works for our residents,” added Hernandez. He went on to identify the area of Sugar Road and Egley Road as a significant concern being that when the subdivision was developed, it was built with no inlets, which means that water has nowhere to go. City Engineer Omar Anzaldua also said his department has identified several issues at Sugar Road which will be addressed. Mayor Hernandez also added that the city is working with PSJA ISD to address drainage issues.
Pharr to Expand Hike and Bike Trail
The City of Pharr will be building on the existing Hike and Bike Trail that the county has done. As announced by City Manager Ed Wylie during the city meeting, Pharr plans to expand the trail by nine miles starting south of I Road all the way to Military Road and east to Santa Ana. Commissioner approved the City Manager to negotiate and enter into a contract with GDJ Engineering, from the list of qualified firms, for the Design of the Veterans Rd./Hike & Bike Expansion Project.
Commission Approves Second Amendment to the CARES Act Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the County of Hidalgo
Pharr Commissioners approved a second amendment to the CARES Act Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the County of Hidalgo. “Through the initial agreement, we were allotted $114 per person which totaled $7 million dollars for the City of Pharr for COVID-related expenses from the federal government through the county,” said City Manager Ed Wylie. “This interlocal will allow us to tap into the remaining $18 dollars, which brings us up to $134 per person, an additional $5 million in funding for the City of Pharr,” added Wylie.
Featured Event: Movies at the Park – Saturday, December 19, 2020, at 5:45 pm – A&W Arnold City/School Park
Join us for Movies at the Park on Saturday, December 19, 2020, at 5:45 pm at A&W Arnold City/School Park (615 W. Eldora Rd.). There will be a special double feature with holiday favorites The Grinch and Elf both playing.
We will have FREE hot chocolate and popcorn for families and even a photo opportunity with characters from The Grinch and Elf movies.
City of Pharr to Host Holiday Market to Boost Local Businesses, Vendor Registration Now Open
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr and the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a “Holiday Market” to help boost local businesses and support the local creative community. Vendors interested in participating may register by calling (956) 402-4240. The “Holiday Market” will take place on Sunday, December 13, 2020, from 2-7 pm at The Hub Downtown Food Truck Park (118 S. Cage Blvd.) near Pharr City Hall.
“The City of Pharr is excited to host our first “Holiday Market” as we aim to support our local business community this holiday season,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “We have so many creative and talented individuals in our community that offer amazing quality products,” added Hernandez. “We invite local businesses to register to be a vendor at our “Holiday Market” and invite our community to join us and shop local this Christmas,” he added.
Space is limited to the first 15 vendors who register. All vendors will be provided with a 6ft table to set up but must bring their own tablecloth. CDC guidelines will be implemented and everyone must wear a mask, and follow social distancing and health guidelines.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS WHAT: City of Pharr Holiday Market WHEN: Sunday, December 13, 2020, from 2-7 pm WHERE: The Hub Downtown Food Truck Park 118 S. Cage Blvd Pharr, TX 78552
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.
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.
