SPECIALIZED UNITS

The Precinct 5 Motors Division is comprised of motorcycle units with the primary objective of the division being traffic enforcement within Precinct 5.  Along with ensuring that traffic flows as smoothly as possible, they also assist with school zones and accident scenes. One of the many benefits of a motor unit is the capability to get to incidents that would otherwise be difficult to reach. The small size of the motorcycle enables the officer to maneuver through traffic to get where they are needed. Because of this, the motors unit is invaluable in assisting virtually every other division within the department.

Each officer provides their own motorcycle but receives a privately owned vehicle allowance from the department. Precinct 5 deputies ride either a Harley or a Honda Gold Wing and log thousands of riding hours a year.  To join the Motor Division, officers undergo 40 hours of mandated class through the department. This training consists of riding eight hours a day and completing difficult obstacle courses designed to hone their riding skills.  At the end of the course, each officer must pass both a driving and written test before earning their motorcycle wings.

Law enforcement agencies all over the United States have long recognized the value of properly trained police service dogs. The police K-9, due to its strength, agility, courage, and other amazing capabilities, can be utilized to assist law enforcement in many ways. Because of their attributes, police service dogs can be utilized to assist in locating missing persons/children, track suspects from crime scenes, subdue combative subjects, locate evidence and perform searches for hiding persons, to name just a few.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the dogs when they’re not on duty?
The K-9 and handler form a unique bond, for this reason and many others the K-9 is kept at the home of their handler who is primarily responsible for the K-9’s well being.

How does a deputy become a K-9 Handler?
As with any other position within the department, they apply for it. Consideration is given to those with previous experience, for example military dog handler, but any deputy may apply. After applying, they must pass a screening process and if accepted must then go through extensive training prior to being paired with their K-9.

Where does the department get their K-9’s?
A K-9 is purchased from a reputable and licensed trainer.  All police dogs are mature and trained prior to being paired with their handler. Additional training is then needed to establish the working relationship.  Pct. 5 K-9 Units have a scheduled training session once a week, but handlers are constantly training with their four legged partner.

What breed of dog does Pct. 5 use?
For years the most popular breed for a police dog has been the German Shepherd, but other breeds have proven to be just as reliable in this field.  Pct. 5 uses Shepherds and Belgian Malinois for patrol dogs, and has a Labrador Retriever trained to sniff out drugs, bombs, and people.

How much does a police dog cost?
A police K-9 can cost from $7,000 - $10,000 each!  To put that into perspective, consider that out of approximately 500 candidates less than 5 will have the drive set, characteristics, and temperament to be part of our K-9 program. These dogs are highly trained, taking 4-6 months of intensive daily training prior to pairing with a handler. When measured in terms of effectiveness and officer / community safety, they are well worth the investment.

Can I pet a police dog?
It’s not a good idea to attempt to pet any dog you are unfamiliar with. In the case of police dogs, keep in mind that they are trained in handler protection and suspect apprehension, part of their job is to bite. Some K-9’s are trained in detection and tracking only, and are usually much less aggressive than patrol dogs. Nevertheless, it depends on the temperament of the dog. Always ask the handler before attempting to approach a police K-9.

Is hurting a police dog against the law?
These K-9’s put their lives on the line every day, just as their handlers and every other peace officer does. The state recognizes this fact and affords them protection under the law. Injuring or killing a police dog is a 2nd degree felony, punishable by imprisonment for 2-20 years.

How long does a police dog remain in service?
On average a police K-9 will work for about 7 years. The actual amount of time spent in service depends on the dog’s physical condition and drive to continue working. Going to work everyday is what these dogs love most, and as long as there is no physical limitation, we afford them that opportunity.

What about when they’re done being police dogs?
Family unity is important to these four legged deputies and their home with their handler is all they know. Therefore, the K-9, subject to Commissioners Court approval, is kept by the handler. If for some reason the K-9 is not able to stay at the handler’s house, it is offered to other members of the K-9 unit or even other members of the agency.

The Strategic Response Unit is not only one of the newest division at Precinct 5, but it brings a tactical asset to the department that adds an increased level of service to the public.  Comprised of highly trained deputies, the SRU is tasked with quickly and effectively dealing with criminal activity, as well as growing crime trends throughout Precinct 5.

As part of their mission, the SRU is tasked with traffic enforcement, fugitive apprehension, and direct tactical responses when the situation calls for it.  When additional law enforcement assets are needed to address specific issues, the SRU is then brought in.

In these cases, the unit works closely with other Precinct 5 divisions to bring resolution to the situation.  These could include any of the unit’s primary responsibilities, battling increased criminal activity in an area, or assisting in whatever capacity is necessary to effectively accomplish the goal.

The versatility of the Strategic Response Unit enables Precinct 5 to enhance literally every aspect of law enforcement.

Once a technology available only to the highest levels of government and military, unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, are widely used by professionals and hobbyists alike.  The two UAV’s in the Precinct 5 arsenal, however, are far from recreational drones.

The twin Matrice M210 V2s, call signs Maverick and Goose, are capable of flying at speeds just over 50 miles per hour.  With a maximum range of 3 miles, an operational ceiling of 9842 feet, and flight time of around 30 minutes, these UAV’s are ideally suited for handling all manner of emergency and law enforcement scenarios

They are equipped with ultrasonic sensors, allowing for anti-collision, flight and hover stabilization, and nearby airspace monitoring capabilities.  They carry dual long-range camera systems boasting an incredible 180x combined zoom, making it possible for them to read a license plate from a mile away.

Night operations pose no problems as the FLIR thermal imaging capabilities work jointly with the camera system, allowing deputies to gain significant situational data day or night.

For a closer look at the capabilities of Pct. 5's drones click here.

For the Annual Drone Report for January 1,2023 to December 31,2024 click here.

At the core of this division is the Uniformed Investigative Deputy (UID).  These units are uniformed deputies who perform a hybrid of patrol / investigative functions.  They receive advanced training to aid them in conducting thorough investigations.  Working under the direction of a Criminal Investigations Sergeant, these units improve the quality of preliminary investigations, increase the effectiveness of patrol, and allow for early case closure.

When a Pct. 5 patrol deputy is dispatched to a call and determines that a uniformed investigator is needed, they coordinate with the investigator and work together to develop leads to effect an arrest.  The patrol deputy is then able to return to service while the UID begins developing a case.  This not only returns patrol units to service quickly, but ensures that crimes are investigated from beginning to end, seamlessly, within Precinct 5.

Because criminals have no boundaries, they can strike in neighboring areas, and in some cases law enforcement is unaware of the activity conducted outside their jurisdictional

lines.  The Uniformed Investigator, however, coordinates with outlying agencies to ensure information is flowing in both directions.

The creation of the Uniformed Investigators has given Precinct 5 an invaluable asset to better serve the community.  On average, the UID division is able to clear almost 50 cases a month, with about half resulting in an arrest being made.  These cases cover a variety of calls, such as Theft, Robbery, Aggravated Robbery, Assault, Aggravated Assault, Motor Vehicle Burglary, Deadly Conduct, and more.

Building and clearing a case goes well beyond taking a report.  It can take numerous hours, stretched over several days, or even weeks.  It involves searching for evidence, processing evidence, running down leads, interviewing witnesses and suspects, and much more.  While no two cases are the same, a typical progression for case development might look like this.

1. Detailed report taken of initial crime.
2. Process crime scene for trace evidence.
3. Interview potential witnesses.
4. Compile initial findings and develop leads.
5. Interview new leads.
6. Evaluate evidentiary results, adjust investigation accordingly.
7. Identify suspect/suspects.
8. Conduct suspect interview, lineup, photo spread, etc.
9. Compile case file to present to the DA's office.
10. Obtain arrest warrant.
11. Serve warrant and file charges.

Life in the Gulf Coast region during hurricane season can bring county-wide devastation, and several deluges in recent years have taught us that lesson.  To ensure Precinct 5 is ready to respond in these times, the department has coordinated with the Harris County Office of Emergency Management and recently formed multiple High Water Rescue Teams.

Equipped with flat-bottom rescue boats, swift water two-man boats, and high water vehicles, these teams train to not only deal with situations like hurricane Harvey, but to respond anytime their skills are needed.

The two flat-bottom rescue boats are fully equipped for any and all rescue purposes.  These boats are powered by 115 horsepower outboard motors, and because of their draft, they are able to operate in shallow waters.  They have emergency lights, sirens, horns and speakers and can hold up to 15 people.   Each boat is stocked with life jackets for all ages and sizes, plus throw ropes, spotlights, flares and an extensive medical kit.

Rounding out the team’s vehicle assets are two Zodiac swift water rescue boats with 25 horsepower Yamaha outboard motors.  These smaller and more maneuverable watercraft are also equipped with life jackets and search lights.   In the event of a flood, these Zodiacs would be deployed in tandem with flat-bottom rescue boats to help remove those in need of evacuation.

Their role is written into their title, guardians of honor.  They are the representatives of the Constable, and the entire department, during special ceremonies.  For this reason, attention to appearance and ceremony is paramount.  Their uniform is flawless and crisp, their cover as if new, and their gloves are pure white.

They present the colors at formal events, lead parades, or stand as honor guards as the national anthem is sung before an event.  And in the department’s most difficult times, when an officer is lost, the Honor Guard performs their duty in silence, and without expression of emotion, standing strong for a fallen brother or sister, as well as the grieving family.

Officer Down Memorial