Category Uncategorized

Feb 15 2019

Local McDonald’s to host Coffee with a Cop event.

coffee-with-a-cop1

On Friday, February 22nd,  officers with the Wichita Falls Police Department and community members will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships and drink coffee.

All  members of the community are invited to attend. The event will be Friday, February 22nd  from 7:30 am to 8:30 am  at McDonald’s, located at 1412 Holliday St. Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about their department and officers.

The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public occur  during emergencies, or emotionally stressful times. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building. Some community members may even feel that officers are unapproachable on the street. Coffee with a Cop breaks down those barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.

We hope that community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know our officers.  These interactions are the foundation of community partnerships.

The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members one cup of coffee at a time.

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by The United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.

 

Dec 28 2018

Have a Safe & Happy New Year

Fireworks explosion. Happy new year 2019 event banner. Pyrotechnics sparks. Festive firework celebration vector backgroundAs we get closer to celebrating New Year, the Wichita Falls Police Department would like to remind everyone of the City Ordinance prohibiting the use or possession of fireworks.

The possession of all fireworks is illegal in the city limits of Wichita Falls. If you are found to be in possession of or discharging fireworks you can be subject to a fine. It is important that the public recognize the potential dangers in the use and handling of fireworks.

Please celebrate the New Year safely and responsibly!  Here are some other safety tips for the holiday:

  • The consequences of drunk driving are devastating. If you do drink, please have a designated driver and make those plans ahead of time.
  • Try to avoid being on the road between the hours of 8pm – 2am. Auto accidents due to alcohol consumption are the highest during that time.
  • Take the keys if you have a friend who is too drunk to get behind the wheel. Help your friend with a ride home.
  • If you are hosting a party make sure your guests have a designated driver or a way to take them home from your party.

Have a happy and safe New Year!

Dec 3 2018

Don’t Be Left Out in the Cold

Vehicle exhaust pipe in winterAs the morning temperatures continue to get colder the Wichita Falls Police Department would like to remind drivers not to leave their cars running and unattended.  In most cases not only is this against the law but it will also increase your chances of becoming a victim of theft or burglary.

There are a few simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of losing your vehicle or belongings to an opportunistic thief:

  • STAY WITH THE CAR. It’s better to be cold for a few minutes in your car while it warms up than to be left in the cold while the thief drives it away.
  • LOCK THE DOORS. If unattended locking your doors will decrease the opportunity for the criminal to strike.
  • TAKE YOUR KEYS.  Don’t hide your keys on or in the vehicle; thieves know where to look.
  • HIDE YOUR BELONGINGS.  If leaving property in the vehicle hiding it will help reduce the risk of a burglary or vehicle theft.

For more information on the law click here.

Oct 26 2018

Re-packaging Identity Theft scam

Scam AlertThe Wichita Falls Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit would like to inform people of the dangers of a re-packaging Identity Theft scam.

An individual(s) will compromise the victim’s identity and begin to purchase items in their name.  Often times they will have the items that were fraudulently purchased shipped to the victim’s address.  The suspects will then track the packages and when they are delivered/left at the victim’s home the suspect(s) will then simply go up and take the packages.  Often times the victim will never know their identity has been compromised until it is too late.

If you believe that you are the victim of identity theft or have any information regarding possible suspects involved in identity theft you are encouraged to contact the WFPD at 720-5000.

You can get a free credit report by going to FTC.gov – https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0155-free-credit-reports?utm_source=takeaction

You can also file an identity theft report at https://www.identitytheft.gov/?utm_source=takeaction

This is a serious situation which occurs on a daily basis all over the United States. Take it seriously and check your information.

Oct 4 2018

Have Coffee with a Cop tomorrow

coffee with a cop1Come on out tomorrow October 5th from 8 am to 9:30 am to Frank & Joe’s Coffee House located at 2919 Bob Ave in Parker Square to celebrate national Coffee with a Cop week.  Meet officers with your department, drink coffee, ask questions and build relationships.

Sep 5 2018

Safe Exchange Zone

 

The Wichita Falls Police Department is pleased to announce the opening of its Safe Exchange Zone. The Safe Exchange Zone provides a safe environment for people, who buy, sell, or trade items in private party transactions, with people they don’t know. Additionally, the area can be used as a safe and neutral site for child custody exchanges

The Safe Exchange Zone is located in the back parking lot of the Wichita Falls Police Department at 610 Holliday, Wichita Falls, TX. The Safe Exchange Zone consists of two parking spaces marked with yellow striping, are marked with a Safe Exchange Zone signage and are under 24 hour surveillance video.

The goal of the Safe Exchange Zone is to help reduce and deter fraudulent transactions, thefts, violent custody disputes and robberies.

A few safety tips in regards to private party transactions:

  •  Only conduct transactions with local buyers/sellers
    • Insist on meeting at the Safe Exchange Zone or at least a public place
    • Do not invite strangers into your home, and do not go to theirs
    • Take your cell phone with you
    • Tell a friend or family member about your intentions and when and where and with whom you are meeting
    • Complete transactions during daylight hours
    • Be extra cautious in buying/selling valuable items
    • Trust your instincts and be cautious of scams

The exchange of drugs, weapons, alcohol, and/ or any illegal items is not permitted. The employees of the Wichita Falls Police Department cannot act as an official witness to transactions, do not give legal advice, and will not settle civil disputes related to any transactions. The City of Wichita Falls or its employees are not responsible in any way for the value, authenticity, or legitimacy of such transactions. All exchanges must be person-to-person. In the case of custody transfers, the Safe Exchange Zone is not a drop-off area where parents can leave children for a later pick-up time. The Safe Exchange Zone parking spaces are available free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Aug 29 2018

WANTED FOR MURDER – NOW IN CUSTODY

 

UPDATED:  Strawn is now in custody.  He turned himself in to WFPD officers this afternoon.

Trayvon StrawnWanted for Murder in connection with the shooting at the Studio E Club in the 2400 blk of Sheppard Access Rd on 08-26-18. He should be considered Armed and Dangerous.

Trayvon Martease Strawn
B/M, 12/08/93, 501/140, Blk/Bro

Warrant – Murder $750,000.00
Warrant – Aggravated Assault $200,000.00
Warrant – Aggravated Assault $200,000.00

Anyone with any information is being asked to contact us at (940)761-7762 or you can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (940)322-9888.

Aug 24 2018

WFPD Search Warrant Results in Narcotics Seized and Multiple Subjects Arrested

 

On Thursday, August 23rd, officers with the Wichita Falls Police Department executed a narcotics search warrant in the  600 block of Central Freeway.

During the search officers located and seized approximately 30 grams of a substance that was field tested and rendered a positive for methamphetamine.

Three subjects were arrested and transported to the Wichita County jail without incident where they were charged with manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance in penalty group one: 38 year old Maury Gregoire, 38 year old Candace Bell and 27 year old Jasmine Keefer.