Mission

The mission of the Rio Grande City Police Department is to provide a city wide strategy to prevent and fight crime for a safer environment for the community.

Functions

The Rio Grande City Police Department's functions are organized according to its administrative divisions:

Administration: Lead the department by prescribing rules and regulations and taking all personnel actions.

Criminal Investigations: Conduct investigations of crimes against life and property and participate in investigative programs with other law enforcement entities.

Patrol: Provide a visible and effective peace officer presence in the community through patrol units, Juvenile Offenders' Program, Crime Stoppers Program and Riot Team.

Communications: Manage emergency and non-emergency communications from all department clients.

All police officers shall have powers, rights and jurisdiction as provided under Sections 341.001 and 341.021 Texas Local Government Code and shall enforce all penal ordinances of the City.

Programs

HIDTA Task Force: The department participates in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.

Crime Stoppers: The success of the national Crime Stoppers Program has lead to the creation of a local program Crime Stoppers International (CSI). If you have a tip or other information please contact the Crime Stoppers Program or the department at 956/488-TIPS (8477).

Lost Property: The department provides a procedure for the sale of unclaimed, lost or stolen articles coming into the custody of the department. Lost property sales are typically conducted with municipal surplus property sales. Please check periodically to find information on dates and locations for lost property auctions/sales.

Animal Control: Stray pet or wild animals are a threat to public health and safety. The Police Department's Animal Control program is charged with capturing stray animals.

Links

• International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)

• National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC)

• Texas Auto Theft Prevention Authority (TATPA).

• Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE)

• Texas Department of Pubic Safety

• Texas Traffic Safety Program

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

• Victims Services Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice

• Victim Programs

Forms

• Burglary or Alarm Permit

Director

B.A."Dutch" Piper began his law enforcement career in May 1973 with the Starr County Sheriff's Department. He has since served in different capacities such as criminal investigations, special crime unit task force and law enforcement administration. In January 2001 he was involved in the creation of the Rio Grande City C.I.S.D. Police Department which he managed through March 2005. Piper holds a Master Peace Officer Certification with TCLEOSE, and is actively involved with Masonic Hope Lodge 471, Rio Grande City Lions Club, and is on the Board of Directors with the Starr County Teachers Credit Union and Union Water Supply Corp.

Contact

B.A."Dutch" Piper

Police Department

402 E. Main Street

Rio Grande City, Texas 78582

Off: 956/487-8892

Fax: 956/487-2675 or 956/488-2045