We would like to thank Constable Alan Rosen and the Harris County Constable Pct 1 Deputies for teaming up with us for this year's Back To School Back Pack Program. We donated 100's of back packs to needy children and provided cases of water to keep people hydrated for this hot day, and for those playing the three-on-three basketball contest at Eisenhower High School. This successful event was a great community outreach program, and it was certainly a pleasure working with the Constable's Office. Thank you to all that volunteered their time to be here.

The below information is for those Officers who carry the Sig Sauer P320 and is in response to the viral video making the rounds of the Sig firing when it is dropped.

HPD Sergeant Robert Sandoval and his officers at the gun range immediately conducted their own test and found that more than 10% of the time when the Sig P320 was dropped on the back of the weapon, it would fire.

Robert immediately contacted Sig, who gave a generic press release response that it had "passed previous federal drop tests". 

Robert continued to call Sig working his way through their hierarchy, till finally they agreed to exchange all faulty pistols for new ones. However, he didn't stop there, he is now working with Sig to ensure that they come out to a department facility to do the exchanges, in order to make it easier for our officers.

I would like to thank Robert and Officer Joe Gamaldi, HPOU Vice President, for doing a wonderful job in handling this complicated situation. 

I am working with Joe on a joint effort for any of our members that may be carrying the Sig model. If you are in possession of said model, please contact me ASAP. 

Regards, 

Robert Lozano
President
Houston Metro Police Union FOP

Safety Bulletin

Sig Sauer P320 “drop test” issue:

The HPD Training Division has recently learned that Sig Sauer has identified a condition whereby the P320 models could possibly discharge if dropped in a certain way: 

If the weapon is dropped and the weapon hits a hard surface with the frame and back of the slide at the same time, the weapon could discharge. 

Members of the Firearms Unit of the HPD Training Division were able to duplicate the “drop test failure,” therefore caution must be used when handling the Sig Sauer P320 models.    

Sig Sauer issued a public Press Release on September 8th, 2017, acknowledging the safety concern of an unintentional discharge with the P320 models when dropped. Sig Sauer plans to have a special program for the Houston Police Department to replace all Sig Sauer P320 models and calibers. The one-for-one replacements include both Primary and Off-Duty weapons. Firearms Unit staff are currently coordinating that effort with Sig Sauer.   

The new P320s will incorporate many upgraded parts and functions, including functional enhancements that are being implemented to the slide, trigger, and magazine.  

Our lodge has teamed up with Harris County Constable Pct 1, Constable Rosen's office, for this years Back to School backpack distribution. School backpacks, along with school supplies, will be given out for free to the community. There will also be many other activates for adults and kids that day. We are looking for volunteers to help us distribute the supplies, even if it's only for an hour. Our table will be giving out backpacks and water, until we run out.

Come join the fun on Saturday, August 19th at the Houston Police Officers' Union, for the Texas Association of First Responders Casino Party!

Play Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, 3-Card Poker, Slots or Poker Tournament, while helping TAFR raise money to assist First Responders injured in the line of duty.  

To pre-register as a Player click here, or help by becoming a Title, Food, Beverage or Table Sponsor. You may also help by donating an Item for the Live Auction or Bucket Raffle to follow after the Casino closes.

For more information please contact: Tim Butler...713.204.4372 tbutler@tafr.org or Joe Matthews...281.841.0766 jmatthews@tafr.org.

Thanks...and see you there!!!

We are sad to report that retired canine Officer "Shadow" was laid to rest.  He will be sorely missed, as he was a great asset to the Metro Police Department.

The leadership of Houston Metro Police, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 98 would like to remind our members to KEEP THEIR FIELD NOTES as mandated by the State.

In February, we reported that two brothers, sons of passed Metro Officer Phillip Suarez, helped a 92 year old women to safety after falling in her driveway and unable to call for help in Kingwood. Today, the Metro board honored them and recognized them at the board meeting. Congrats to the Suarez Family.

Brothers and Sisters,

One of the biggest items that we're trying to improve on is communication within our organization. It is highly encouraged for our members to register here at our NEW Website and download our NEW Mobile App, so that you can receive live updates through text and/or email. It only takes a few minutes and has proved to be highly informative. For those already registered, thanks and let other members know the benefits of a registering.

Stay Safe. Watch your six!

Brother and Sisters,

We have some exciting news. Today we reached another milestone and kicked off our Mobile App for Android and iOS Phones and Tablets. We hope that this additional resource to your Tablet or Smartphone can make things more accessible, then having to log completely into the website. This is something new and exciting for the Lodge. The Mobile App is under FOP 98 and we have direct links to Google Play and iTunes App Store in the module in the left column.  You must be a registered member of the website to access the Members Only Section of the Mobile App.

Robert Lozano
President

As some members have already seen, the biweekly dues have gone up from $17.00 to $21.00 bi-weekly. This increase was proposed months ago at a monthly meeting and was passed by the membership. The dues increase was due to the rising costs of services and to continue to provide quality services to our members. We are still at a competitive price with other unions in the area, as our executive board still continues not to be paid for any services. Most, if not all unions in the area, have employees on payroll, but we continue to run our organization with volunteers only. Also as a reminder, this is the first time we have ever had to raise our dues, and secondly we only deduct twice a month, even though members are paid three times a month, twice a year.  Please contact any board member if you have further questions. Thank you and continue to watch your six!

Robert Lozano
President