Citizen Complaints Lead Galveston Police Department to Seven Felony Arrests Galveston, TX – March 21, 2018 – After receiving multiple citizen complaints about suspicious activity in their neighborhood, the Galveston Police Department initiated an investigation that resulted in the arrest of seven individuals on felony charges on the City’s east end. The warrants were served in the 100 block of Marlin, 100 block of 45th, and the 3800 block of R ½. Charges included one count of animal cruelty, five counts of possession of a controlled substance, and two charges of manufacturing and delivery of a controlled substance. GPD will also begin a joint effort with the City Marshal’s Office to condemn the property located in the 100 block of Marlin where arrests were made. Three dangerous dogs were also seized as a result of the investigation. “This type of citizen involvement and intelligence is what will make Galveston a safer place for those who call the Island home,” said Chief of Police Vernon Hale. “A collective effort like we saw today, between the community and our department, is what we need more of to continue to bring these criminals to justice.” The Galveston Police Department would like to thank Galveston citizens for continuing to provide “Actionable Community Intelligence”. Remember, GPD needs three things for any type of citizen complaint: 1. What are the peak times you see the activity occurring? Narrowing the scope to a window of 2-3 hour blocks of time where peak activity is recognized is helpful. 2. What days do you see the most activity? Narrowing the days where you see the most activity to one or two days out of the week is the most helpful way to report suspicious behaviors that we can act on. 3. What do they look like? What are they driving? What makes them suspicious? The more descriptive information pertaining to the people involved in the suspicious activity, the better. As always, if you see something, say something. All tips can be called in anonymously to Galveston Crime Stoppers at 409-763-TIPS (409-763-8477). You can also submit tips online at www.galveston.crimestoppers.com.

SUV and Golf Cart Collision on FM 3005 Sends Five to Hospital Just before 7:00pm this evening, March 14th , an SUV occupied by four individuals was traveling eastbound down FM3005. As the vehicle reached the 23400 block, a golf cart attempted to drive across the road, causing the SUV to abruptly swerve. The SUV barely clipped the golf cart but the severity of the swerve caused the vehicle to roll several times, ejecting the passengers. One of the passengers of the SUV, a female, sustained severe injuries and had to be transported to JSER via Life Flight where she is still in critical condition. The other three occupants of the SUV were also transported to JSER with less severe injuries. The driver and sole occupant of the golf cart sustained minor injuries and was transported to JSER as well for treatment. This investigation is still on going and no arrests have been made as of yet.

DO YOU RECOGNIZE THIS PERSON? The Galveston Police Department is actively searching for a possible person of interest stemming from a shooting investigation which occurred on March 4th, 2018 near Sunny Beach. On March 4th, 2018 at approximately 2:20am, Officers with the Galveston Police Department were dispatched to the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas in reference to the hospital currently treating a shooting victim. Officers arrived on location and determined the shooting occurred on the beach near eight-mile road. The victim was stated to be in critical condition. Officers located the shooting scene on the beach and were able to locate several witnesses and even a photograph of a person of interest possibly involved in the shooting. Multiple suspects were stated to be involved in the incident and according to reports, left the scene in a white Ford Mustang with black racing stripes. The Galveston Police Department is hoping the release of this photograph will assist in determining if the subject is in fact, a person of interest. If anyone was a witness to the event or has any information concerning the identity of anyone involved, we strongly urge them to contact investigators with the Galveston Police Department at (409) 765-3778 or anonymously by contact Galveston Crime Stoppers at (409) 763-8477 (TIPS).

The next Civil Service Exam has been announced! It will be held on April 6th, 2018 at 8:30am at the Galveston Island Convention Center. Do you have what it takes to earn the badge?

The next Civil Service Exam has been announced! It will be held on April 6th, 2018 at 8:30am at the Moody Gardens Convention Center. Do you have what it takes to earn the badge? Civil Service Exam – Friday, April 6th, 2018 THE GALVESTON POLICE DEPARTMENT IS HIRING! The Exam will be administered at Moody Gardens Hotel & Convention Center located at 7 Hope Boulevard in Galveston. You MUST register for the Entrance Exam using the online Registration Form below to guarantee a seat. No other form of registration is available. However, the City will accept walk-ins on the day of the exam if seats are available. Please arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. to present your identification and sign in for the exam. Be sure to read all the information below regarding minimum requirements, details about the exam, and what happens after the exam including the physical agility test and the application process. This information details what you need to know to answer the call to serve your community today! MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS You MUST meet the following minimum requirements in order to register for the Civil Service Entrance Exam and apply for a position with the Galveston Police Department: • Must be 21 years of age by the swear in date • Must not have reached your 45th birthday by the date of hire • Must be a High School Graduate OR have attained a GED AND 12 credit hours from an accredited college or university • Must be a United States Citizen • Must not be prohibited by State or Federal law from operating a motor vehicle • Must not be prohibited by State or Federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition • Be in good physical and mental condition • Must not have any felony convictions • Must have never been convicted of a Family Violence Offense • Must have never been convicted of a Class A Misdemeanor • Must have not been convicted of a Class B Misdemeanor in the last 10 years • Must have never been discharged from the military with less than an Honorable Discharge INFORMATION ABOUT THE EXAM • • The exam will be held on Friday, April 6, 2018 promptly at 9 a.m. at the Moody Gardens Hotel and Convention Center located at 7 Hope Boulevard in Galveston. The Exam will take place in the Moody I Ballroom on the first floor of the Convention Center. • A parking garage is located next to the Convention Center with ample parking spaces. • Registered participants will need to arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. to present identification and sign in for the exam. You will need to present your valid photo identification and be prepared to provide your social security number. • Participants should plan for the test to take up to three (3) hours. • Those participants who pass the test will be required to take a physical agility test following the exam. Please bring appropriate attire. STUDY GUIDE We are now offering study materials online via the link below. The link and access to the materials are valid until April 5, 2018. Link will be provided soon. Costs for Study Materials: 1. Candidate Preparation Manuals – $5.00 Includes detailed recommendations on important concepts such as the most effective test-taking strategies and methods, specific information about CPS HR test forms, and what to expect on the day of the test administration. Also includes several practice questions covering each section of the test along with helpful tools like a sample answer sheet and template test instructions for candidates to prepare before the day of the test. 2. Practice Tests – $15.00 Simulates full-length versions of CPS HR tests and have been designed to replicate the look and feel of test-day material. Contains practice items across the same sections contained in our test forms. When candidates have completed the online practice exam, they will receive a breakdown of their scores by section. (Candidates will not receive a list of the questions and answers.) In addition, candidates can re-take the exam one additional time at no cost. If you have questions about how to access the study materials, contact CPS HR Consulting directly via email to crcsupport@cpshr.us or by telephone at 916.471.3538. AFTER THE EXAM • You will submit a Personal History Statement and required documents • A Background Investigation will commence • Applicants may be subject to a Polygraph Exam if the assigned Background Investigator finds that an applicant has been deceptive during the Background Investigation • Interview with Chief / Conditional Offer of Employment • Physical (Medical) Screening • Psychological Evaluation • Galveston Police Department In-Service Academy • Sworn as a Police Officer with the Galveston Police Department THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN THE GALVESTON POLICE DEPARTMENT!

Galveston Police Arrest Officer Involved in Prescription Narcotic Ring Several months ago, while conducting an unrelated narcotic investigation into 32-year-old Salvador Rivera, here on the island, Galveston Police Department Narcotics Unit detectives received information that a Galveston Police Officer, later identified as John Rutherford may have been working with Rivera and playing an integral role in the illegal distribution of prescription drugs. Detectives, working with FBI and DEA agents utilizing various investigative techniques, substantiated allegations that Rutherford may in fact be assisting with this criminal activity. Detectives and agents discovered that this employee provided Rivera with protected and classified information concerning officer’s locations, movement patterns, and work assignments in an effort to allow these criminals to continue to operate without being intercepted by the hardworking and honest men and women of the Galveston Police Department. The Galveston Police Department has been working closely with the FBI, DEA, and Galveston County District Attorney’s Office to bring this individual to justice. Earlier this morning, FBI SWAT served a search and arrest warrant in the 5600 block of Lafitte in Galveston, taking Rivera into custody. Simultaneously, our own officers placed John Rutherford into custody here at the Justice Center. Rutherford has been charged with Engaging Organized Criminal Activity, Misuse of Official Information, and Tampering with Physical Evidence, all 3rd Degree Felonies, and has been assessed a total bond of $750,000. Rutherford has also been placed on administrative leave and we have begun a parallel administrative investigation. “We realize the community may feel betrayed by someone sworn to protect them; I can assure you that you are not alone. The men and women of the Galveston Police Department share in this disappointment. Galveston Island however; should be proud of our department. This investigation was initiated, conducted, concluded, and the arrest made by Galveston Police Officers who were betrayed by one of their own. The officers and agents involved knew their community deserved better, and that this person, officer or not, must be brought to justice.” – Chief Vernon Hale

Press Conference GPD Arrest

Police Arrest Two Students After Gun Located in Vehicle on Ball High Campus On Tuesday morning, February 20th, at approximately 7:45 am, the Galveston Police Department received a call containing additional information pursuant to a burglary of a vehicle that occurred on Monday, February 19th in the 1500 block of Strand Ave where a handgun was stolen out of the vehicle. Officers met with the caller who was also the victim of the burglary, and he stated that he had video surveillance of the burglary occurring. After reviewing the video, and talking to other witnesses, officers were able to identify the suspect as 17-year-old Daryus Cooper, a current Ball High School student. Galveston Police Officers, working closely with Galveston ISD Police, proceeded to Ball High School and spoke with Cooper who admitted to the Burglary and admitted to stealing the gun. Cooper told officers that he had hid the gun in another student’s vehicle that was currently parked on campus. Officers retrieved the owner of the car, a 15-year-old female student, who stated that she knew that Cooper had placed the gun in her car. Officers then located the stolen handgun in the glovebox of the vehicle that was parked in the Ball High School parking lot. At this time the female student has been arrested and charged with the Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon in a Weapon Free Zone and has been remanded to the Juvenile Detention Facility in Texas City. As she is a juvenile, her name is not being released. Daryus Cooper has been charged with Burglary of a Motor Vehicle and Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon with a total bond of $10,000. C