HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF`S OFFICE THE YEAR IN REVIEW 2014

HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
THE YEAR IN REVIEW 2014
Hays County Sheriff’s Office Mission Statement:
“The Hays County Sheriff’s Office provides quality service in
partnership with the community to create a safe environment for all.”
Dear Citizens:
As your sheriff it is my pleasure to report to you that although
Hays County is one of the fastest growing counties in America,
we have not yet had to experience the soaring crime rates that
can come with growth.
I attribute our peaceful coexistence to the majority of our law
abiding citizens who choose to work, live, and prosper in our
family-based communities. I steadfastly believe that we enjoy a
good portion of our quality of life because of the firm commitment to public service by the men and women of the Hays
County Sheriff’s Office. These professionals readily deliver
services and protection around the clock.
Join me in reviewing our annual Sheriff’s Office report and in
recognizing the many accomplishments and milestones of our
employees who serve their community.
Please know that my door is always open to the citizens I
serve.
Sheriff’s Office
Uniformed Command Staff
Sheriff
Gary Cutler
Chief Deputy
Jamie Page
Law Enforcement Bureau
Captain Mike Davenport
Dennis Gutierrez
Todd Riffe
Joe Faulkner
Support Services Bureau
Captain Brad Robinson
Ronnie Strain
Jeri Skrocki
Lieutenants
Corrections Bureau
Captain Mark Cumberland
Eric Batch
Julie Villalpando
Juan Saenz
Animal Control Officer Activity
Animal Stray Calls
Animal Bite Calls
102
Vicious Animal Calls
287
Cruelty Investigations
187
Animals Impounded
Traffic Officer Activity
Traffic Enforcement Stops
6,687
Citations Issued
2,290
Public Assists
323
Calls for Service
474
Accident Investigation Hours
218
Training Hours
Hays County Academy 41,542
ALERRT* Center
Outside agency training
38,158
7,014
*Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid
Response Training
4,939
1,958
MEDAL of VALOR Recipients
19 New Officers begin their career
The Sheriff’s Office Medal of Valor is the second
highest decoration presented by the Sheriff’s Office
and is awarded for exceptional bravery performed at
imminent risk of life or serious bodily injury. Bravery
is defined as an act of admirable human action under a
stressful and dangerous situation.
This award was presented to Sergeant Michael Briggs
(picture right) and Deputy Charlie Conditt (picture
left) in 2014. They exceptionally distinguished themselves by providing meritorious service during a hostage rescue operation while performing duties as
members of Hays County SWAT. The incident started
with a vehicle pursuit and gunfight with a suspect who
kidnapped his ex-girlfriend from her place of employment in a stolen Bulverde PD marked police unit. The
pursuit ended in Hays County with Sheriff’s Deputies
immobilizing the stolen patrol vehicle at the intersection of FM 2001 and Highway 21. Sergeant Briggs and
Deputy Conditt’s selfless actions and dedication to the
preservation of life were instrumental in the successful
rescue of the hostage.
After a grueling 8-month Peace Officer Academy, 19 cadets accepted
their new badge from Sheriff Gary Cutler in 2014.
These officers trained ten hours a day, four days a week. The Texas
Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requires new officers
to complete a 643-hour academy. Hays County has expanded the
academy curriculum to 1,248 hours to give future officers much more
than the minimum required.
The Basic Peace Officer Class (BPOC) consisted of classroom time,
practical application, and scenario-based situations.
N
PATROL DISTRICTS
Adam/Baker/Charlie/David Districts
-West side of Hays County
-Dripping Springs, Driftwood and Wimberley
Edward/Frank/George/Henry Districts
-East side of Hays County
-Buda, Kyle, Niederwald and San Marcos
Patrol Shifts - Fully staffed shift would include
6 a.m. to 6 p.m. - 11 officers and 2 Sergeants
6 p.m. to 6 a.m. - 11 officers and 2 Sergeants
The Patrol Shifts are supplemented with officers
from other divisions including Animal Control,
School Resource, and Traffic.
HAYS COUNTY NARCOTICS TASK FORCE (HCNTF)
This year’s most commonly seized drugs were high grade marihuana and methamphetamine.
Marihuana grows have always been a constant within Hays County, but they have become a little more elaborate over time since the
preferred marihuana is a higher grade, commonly referred to as “hydro,” and cultivating this strain of marihuana requires more skill.
Some cases of mention for 2014:

A Green Pastures (Kyle area) resident was arrested for possession 1 oz. “China White” heroin, 1 oz. black tar heroin, 3 oz.
cocaine, various prescription drugs, and two firearms. This suspect was a convicted felon and was also charged with unlawful
possession of a firearm by a felon. While this suspect was in the Hays County Jail, his girlfriend continued the drug sales to raise
enough money to bond him out of jail. Detectives conducted an undercover operation, purchased methamphetamine from her, and
she too was incarcerated.

A HCNTF detective received information from an informant that a subject in the San Marcos area was selling Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Members of the HCNTF executed a search and arrest warrant at the suspect’s residence and seized 90,000 doses of
LSD and $1,300 in US currency. Other various drugs were also seized from the residence, such as Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and
Tetrahydrocannabinol (Hash).

After receiving an informant tip, HCNTF detectives conducted numerous consensual encounters, commonly referred to as “knock
and talks.” During a 48-hour period, detectives continued to climb-up the chain seizing currency and marihuana from each supplier
while using this investigative technique. After seizing contraband from five different residences, detectives seized a total of 41 lbs.
of marihuana, 5 oz. of hash oil, and over $65,000 in US currency.

Detectives investigated a suspect who requisitioned a foreclosed home in an upscale neighborhood in the San Marcos area. While
“squatting” at this residence, the suspect was in the process of setting up a marihuana grow within the 5,700 square foot home.
HCNTF seized 2 lbs. of marihuana and $9,200 in US currency from the home after the suspect fled from law enforcement. Detectives obtained arrest warrants for this suspect and apprehended him. He was found to be in possession of more marihuana and detectives seized an additional $2,000 in US currency.
To REPORT narcotics information call 512-753-2170
You may remain anonymous.
Closet Marihuana Grows
LSD in bottled-liquid form
and on blotter paper
Heroin
7 lbs. of high-grade Marihuana
Methamphetamine
The first week of May is recognized as National Corrections Officer Week. In 1984, the President and the nation began to
recognize that Correction Officers are no longer guards, but trained professionals.
Corrections Officers who work in jails and prisons are responsible for the safety, containment, and control of prisoners.
This profession requires careful and constant vigilance; meanwhile the threat of violence is always present. Corrections
Officers maintain order in the facility as they encourage inmates to develop skills to help them become productive members
of society after their release.
In appreciation, The Hays County Commissioners Court signed a proclamation observing National Corrections Officer
Week, May 4-10th, 2014.
Facilities Director welcomed to the Sheriff’s Office
Tom Hackney, Wimberley resident, joined the Sheriff’s Office to manage the evergrowing maintenance projects and day-to-day maintenance operations of all Hays
County Sheriff’s Office facilities. Mr. Hackney is a Licensed Master Electrician as
well as a Certified Facilities Manager. He brings maintenance and construction experience from managing maintenance crews with hospitals, school districts, and Texas
State University. His daily assignments include supervising three maintenance
employees for the entire complex. Additionally, he manages the Jail according to the
Texas Commission on Jail Standards. regulations
Jail Capacity
362 Total Number of Beds
276 Male Housing
56 Female Housing
30 Specialty Housing (Infirmary,
Segregation and Multi-purpose)
Jail Statistics
6,753 Offenders Booked into Hays County
Jail (by all local law enforcement)
373,253 Meals prepared and served by
inmate labor
265 Inmates Transported to Texas Department of Criminal Justice
INMATE LABOR GIVES BACK
The Sheriff's inmate work crew affords some Hays County inmates the
opportunity to provide the county with a means to address maintenance and
beautification needs. At the jail facility, inmates cook, clean, and complete
any necessary tasks around the facility and grounds while under a sheriff’s
deputy’s supervision. Outside work crews comprised of low-level inmates
provide services for Hays County that otherwise would be provided by county
staff or contractors.
Participating inmates have the opportunity to engage in meaningful work and
develop employable skills. The Sheriff’s Office provides training on the
equipment used by all participants. Program participants may earn work
credits in addition to good time for their efforts, thereby reducing the
incarceration period and the county’s cost for incarceration.
Annually, the inmate work crew provides more than 49,000 hours of labor
and saves county taxpayers approximately $590,000.
$590,000 Savings to taxpayers
by using inmate labor
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
School Safety/Standard Response Protocol (SRP) Drills
Job Shadowing/Internship Program
Hays County Emergency First Responders continued their training and drills
at all Hays County schools in the appropriate response to an active-shooter
incident. This training program was adopted in 2012 by all the Hays County
school districts and first responders. To date, the training has been presented
to over 64,000 students, faculty, and first responders. This online video can
be viewed at: www.hayscountysrp.com. The training is currently being
presented to area businesses and government facilities as well. This past year
the Standard Response Protocol Task Force was presented with the J.C.
Montgomery Child Safety Award for leadership in child safety by the Texas
Office for the Prevention of Developmental Disabilities (TOPDD).
The Hays County Job Shadowing program allows students from the Criminal Justice Program at San Marcos
High School to shadow actual law enforcement personnel
performing their daily duties. These opportunities allow
students to develop knowledge about the Administrative,
Law Enforcement, and Corrections Officer functions at
the Sheriff’s Office.
“Your shadowing/internship program is really a benefit to
my students and certainly helps them understand that
HCSO does more than enforce laws; it also looks out for
the Hays County citizens and keeps them safe and protected.”
-Cathy Dowling, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
Teacher, CERT Instructor at SMHS
SRP Drill - Dripping Springs Middle School
Cathy Dowling, Nicholas Gutierrez and Lindsey Gomez
Peace Officer Cadet Training
Command Staff serving at Senior Citizens
Luncheon - Dripping Springs
Trooper Vetter Memorial Run
Sheriff’s Citizen’s Academy Graduation
Wonderland School with
Motor Officers
Junior Deputy Academy - East Side
Peace Officer Cadet Training
Dating/Family Violence Awareness Month Media Conference
Deputy Kirkwood and Deputy Hostetler in New York for
the funeral of slain New York Police Department Officer
Wenjian Liu
Special Weapons & Tactics Team (SWAT)
EXPLORERS POST 1911– LEHMAN HIGH SCHOOL
The Hays County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with Lehman High
School Criminal Justice Teacher/Hays County Reserve Deputy Lori
Smith to introduce students to a career in law enforcement. This year
boasts membership of 20 students including freshman to senior
“Explorers.”
The students attend weekly training held by various disciplines within
the law enforcement field. They engage in hands-on practical
application following classroom instruction to provide a realistic
experience.
The Explorers are expected to “Lead by Example” at Lehman High
School and be a mentor to their fellow students. They demonstrate
high moral character and will work towards competing with other
Explorer groups across the state each year.
GOVERNMENT CENTER/TRANSPORTATION UNIT
Persons Screened: 237,018
Baggage Screened: 199,154
Contraband Confiscated: 970 items (see picture on left)
Items confiscated at screening: 4,306
Arrests: 218
Inmates Transported: 3,099
Miles Traveled: 113,500
Emotionally Disturbed Person Transports: 29
San Marcos Municipal Court Manpower Hours: 729
San Marcos Municipal Court Persons Screened: 1,862
HOLLYWOOD COMES TO HAYS COUNTY
The ABC Network is premiering a new TV crime drama titled “American
Crime.” San Marcos is standing in for Modesto, California. The show
written/directed by John Ridley (Academy Award winner for best adapted
screenplay, “12 Years a Slave”) stars Felicity Huffman (“Desperate
Housewives”), Timothy Hutton (“Leverage”), Benito Martinez (“The
Shield”) and Penelope Ann Miller (“Mistresses”). ABC researched many
other county courthouses throughout the state before picking Hays
County. The show has filmed numerous times in the detention, sally port,
and courtroom areas of the Government Center using Hays County
Sheriff’s Office employees as background extras.
“American Crime” premiered March 5, 2015 as part of ABC’s midseason
lineup.
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION
The Emergency Communications Division is commonly known as the 9-1-1 Dispatch Center and consists of the following 24/7 operations:
 Answers all 9-1-1 calls in the jurisdiction of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and Buda Police Department
 Answers non-emergency calls
 Dispatches police, fire and EMS responders to calls for service for the following agencies:
Hays County Sheriff’s Office, Buda Police Department, Wimberley City Marshal, 5 Hays County Constable Precincts, 9 Fire and EMS
agencies, Hays County Assigned DPS Troopers, TABC Agents and Texas Parks Wildlife Game Wardens
Regional Notification System (RNS/Reverse 911)
The Regional Notification System is a web-based computer program that is managed and maintained by Homeland Security at the Capital Area
Council of Governments (CAPCOG). This confidential system utilizes the 9-1-1 phone and address database to send certain safety alerts to the
public. The 9-1-1 Dispatch Center can create a recorded message and send it to phone numbers associated with addresses in the affected
geographical area. This part of the RNS can only be used to notify citizens of life and property danger, such as a flood, evacuation, or shelter in
place warnings.
With the increase in cell phone use, often there are no landline phones associated with an address. Therefore, there is a procedure citizens can
register their cell phone to a particular address or addresses within the CAPCOG region and any notification being made that includes the registered address will go to their cell phone, regardless of their physical location.
Citizens can register their cell phone number online at http://alertregistration.com/capcog. This registration link is not associated with the Hays
County Sheriff’s Office so any questions should be directed to Homeland Security at CAPCOG. An important reminder is to pre-register your
cell phone prior to an emergency event as it may take several days for the information to be processed.
MOBILE VIDEO AIDS OFFICERS
MOBILE CRIME SCENE UNIT
In May 2014, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office purchased a Sprinter van to be used as
a Crime Scene Mobile Command Post. The interior of the van was designed by the
HCSO Crime Scene Unit staff to accommodate all the tools used during the
reconstruction of crime scenes and evidence collection.
Some of the equipment contained in the van includes:
 Crime scene marking and measuring devices,
 A large assortment of tools, a folding ladder and canopy,
 Tarps and stands used to protect crime scenes,
 Most recognized evidence collection implements and receptacles,
 Numerous storage bins,
 A heavy-duty power inverter to handle electrical equipment and charging devices,
 A work station fully outfitted with a mobile computer terminal, printer and all of
the paperwork required for crime scene documentation and
 Two portable lighting units that can illuminate large area crime scenes at night.
The Crime Scene van has been used several times at major crime scenes since it was
put into service last year and will continue to be an invaluable tool for years to come.
The Sheriff’s Office was awarded a grant to purchase 20
body-worn cameras capable of recording audio and video.
These cameras were issued to School Resource Officers
and Motorcycle Traffic Officers.
The cameras weigh a scant 2.8 ounces and measure 3” x 2.”
They are compatible with our current in-car camera system
and have a recording time of 5 hours with a battery life of
12 hours.
The cameras will provide “best evidence” in circumstances
that have proven difficult to record.
AWARD WINNERS
Standard Response Protocol (SRP) Task Force
Presented the J.C. Montgomery Child Safety Award at the State Capitol
Pictured: SMPD Assistant Chief Bob Klett, Hays County Emergency Management
Coordinator Kharley Smith, HCSO Lieutenant Jeri Skrocki and
San Marcos Assistant Fire Marshall Will Schwall
Hays High School Campus Crime Stoppers awarded
Texas Campus Crime Stoppers of the Year
Deputy Daniel Duggins placed 3rd in the
Texas Police Motorcycle Chute Out Novice Division
Central Texas Crime Prevention Association recognizes
HCSO as “Outstanding Crime Prevention Medium
Agency,” Deputy Stephen Traeger (back left) recognized
with the Willie Tisdale Award and Sergeant Phillip Taylor
(back right) Outstanding Crime Prevention Manager.
Hays County Sheriff’s Office
1307 Uhland Road
San Marcos, Texas 78666
Phone: 512-393-7800
www.co.hays.tx.us/sheriff
Facebook.com/hayscountysheriffsoffice
Twitter.com/hayssheriff
Nextdoor.com - Hays County Sheriff’s Office
Haysinformed.com
Hayscountysrp.com
Hayscountycert.com