Calls for service
In 2020 UPPD answered 18,976 calls for service. That's nearly 3,000 fewer calls for service than the department recorded in 2019. Stay-at-home guidelines to contain COVID-19 are the most likely explanation for the reduction.
Other 2020 crime statistics
Robberies - 1 (2019 - 3)
Business Burglaries - 10 (2019 - 7)
Residential Burglaries - 28 (2019 – 18)
Bike Thefts – 25 (2019 -18)
Promotions
Along with the recent retirement of Chief Greg Spradlin and the promotion of Bill Mathes to Chief, UPPD has changed assignments for several other long-time department members.
- Officer Gloria Banderet is now a Sergeant in Patrol
- Sergeant Victor Williams is now a Lieutenant supervising Patrol and Parking Enforcement functions
- Lieutenant Travis Vavra is now an Assistant Chief with responsibilities for the Operations Division
- Lieutenant John Ball is now an Assistant Chief with responsibilities for the Support Services Division
Traffic and School Resource Officer Unit
Several years ago the department established a special unit to focus on traffic enforcement and accident investigations. After recent expansion in scope and duties, managed by a Sergeant, the unit now totals eight sworn personnel. Three are traffic enforcement officers. HPISD campus duties involve two officers who continue to handle school resource officer duties at McCulloch Intermediate School and Highland Park High School, and two new officers who are assigned to support Hyer Elementary and University Park Elementary, especially during student arrival and dismissal.
UPPD Community Camera program
UPPD appreciates all those who continue to quickly report suspicious activity. Residents and businesses can also bolster the department’s crime fighting efforts by taking a few minutes to register their security camera systems. Because they are caught in the act of committing the crime, video surveillance is one of the best methods to catch suspects and convict them. If your residence or business has a security camera system that meets the two requirements listed, you can help UPPD investigate and solve crimes by registering your camera system.
- Camera system records and retains video
- Exterior facing security camera system
After registering your camera, you will only be contacted by UPPD if there is a criminal incident in the vicinity of your security camera and police personnel believe viewing your video footage will assist in the investigation. At no time will UPPD have remote access to your cameras.