March 10, 2014 - Houston police officers are reaching out to citizens every month as part of the department's Positive Interaction Program (PIP). 

HPD Senior Police Officer James Sobota explains the PIP program on the HPD YouTube Channel at: https://youtu.be/2BvuDSAQ_Zw

A police agency can be confusing to citizens. The Positive Interaction Program holds monthly PIP meetings featuring speakers from throughout HPD such as Burglary and Theft, Homicide, K-9, Helicopters explaining how they operate. This is done so citizens will know what to expect, should they ever need the police.

These monthly meetings are held throughout the city in police stations and community rooms to educate the neighborhoods on not only various topics within the police department but about crime trends in their neighborhood.

The education of the citizens of Houston on how their police department functions is essential to the PIP program. Once a citizen understands how the police department does its job, that citizen can better relay to the police department their neighborhood needs.

The free flow of information and ideas gives both HPD and citizens a better understanding of each other's needs and expectations. This fosters trust and friendship between citizens and the police department that serves them. Cooperation between the Houston Police Department and the citizens is imperative in the reduction of crime and enhancing the overall quality of life in their neighborhoods.

For more information about the program or to find a meeting in your neighborhood go to: https://www.houstontx.gov/police/pip/

The "Help Us, Help You" campaign is aimed at sharing information and educating citizens on crime prevention and everday tips related to public safety in our city.

JKS/KJS  3-10-15