Haga clic en la historia para escuchar un mensaje del Jefe Jesús "Eddie" Campa. Feliz Navidad a todos.

A message from the MPD and Chief Jesus "Eddie" Campa

Keeping Marshall safe today and always

A message from the Marshall Police Department and Chief Jesus

“Eddie” Campa. We are asking our citizens to double and triple check.  We want you to be safe and secure this holiday season. 

What did Denzel Washington have to say on the fake news story on Chife Campa

As a person who has been a victim of fake news I think Denzel Washington hit this perfectly. Fact check your stories before you write them or believe them.  So many people today believe everything they read or see on the internet...

He was at the center of a fake news story, just like Chief Jesus Eddie Campa, but Denzel Washington says it's the mainstream media that's selling "BS." ..."If you don't read the newspaper, you're uninformed. If you do read it, you're misinformed," Washington, the star and director behind the new film "Fences," told ITK at the Wednesday premiere inside the National Museum of African American History and Culture.  "The truth is to many fake news sites such as Judicial Watch, are out there spreading false information and writing stories that give the impression that something occurred when in reality it did not, and they do this with no real proof," said the Chief.   

The color of my skin has nothing to do with my leadership style by The Strange Case of Deputy Jesus Eddie Campa

As a Hispanic Police Chief, I am considered a minority. I keep asking myself why it is so important to keep bring up the fact that I am a minority.  I am a Hispanic Police Chief with 22 years of law enforcement experience and an education.  I retired as the Chief Deputy of Law Enforcement in El Paso, Texas and have served as the Police Chief of Marshall, Texas for the past two years.  I am the police chief of a 23,500 population city with the majority of African American population, followed by whites, Hispanics, and followed by a growing Asian population. 

I have had a successful two years in Marshall.  We have lowered the crime rate by a combined 23% in the past two years, introduced new technology, rebuilt the bridge of trust with the community, and have a new outlook on community policing.  We have established new community outreach programs such as the No Colors No Labels Initiative.  The majority of my officers are white.  I do not feel that we have accomplished what we have because of the color of my skin.  I feel that I have accomplished this because the men and women of my agency were ready for a change of direction and leadership. The city as a whole was ready for positive change; all it needed was the right person to come along and set the course.

I feel that we could have accomplished all of this regardless of the color of my skin, as long as the person had the same vision in mind. I was recently asked what the secret to my success has been.  The answer is very simple. One, remember that you are a servant of the community you represent.  Two, remember the golden rule treat others as you would want to be treated, third remember that the foundation of a successful police agency is the community and finally treat your employees fairly and with respect. 

That is the difference between a manager and a leader.   A leader is a person that understands the job and knows the community they serve and the employees that work for them.  What I am trying to say is that I have accomplished this not because of the color of my skin or because I am a minority, but by my beliefs.  To change the culture of an agency the change must be genuine right from the top all the way down the chain.  A cultural shift within an organization can only be completed if the person at the top has gotten the buy-in from the majority of the staff, and the community.  It is vital to remember that actions speak louder than words.  The culture change has nothing to do with the color of the skin of the leader, but everything to do with the belief system that the leader is introducing into the culture.  

Ride the Wave and make it happen says The Strange Case of Deputy Jesus Eddie Campa

Marshall's Police Chief celebrates one year on the job.

However, are the changes he says he's making felt within the community?

Jesus 'Eddie'Campa spent years as Chief Deputy at the El Paso County Sheriff's Department.

He became Marshall's Police Chief on August 18th, with big ideas.

"A lot of people say we've done more things in one year than in the last ten years," said Campa.

  Chief Jesus Eddie Campa that is!!!

When Police Chief, Jesus 'Eddie' Campa' came to Marshall, Texas, things changed.

"Restructuring of the police department, the internal morale of officers, the relationship between the community was stagnant," Campa said. "There were some issues there we needed to address quickly."

Now, one year later, he sees improvement.

"It's been busy, it's been a learning experience," he said.

One of his biggest accomplishments, reducing crime.

"During the first four months I was here," Campa said. "I helped lower the crime rate by 20%. Criminals know that this is no longer a safe haven for them to hang out, so we're making Marshall a better place and providing a better life for citizens."

He says that number continues to fall because his officers are proactive in the community and the residents are proactive as well.

With those two groups working together, it's helping make Marshall stronger.

Some in Marshall agree.

"This area was in need of a person to come in and make drastic changes," said Demetria McFarland with Marshall Against Violence. "I think a lot of people see he's really man of his word and they know there are actions to what he's saying. A lot of people have second thoughts on doing anything they can't get away with."

Campa says there's work to be done.

"We still have a long way to go as far as building the community trust to where I'd like it to be," he said.

And some are ready to stand with him and help.

"If the next year is like how the past year's been, Marshall will be a city that's truly and All-American city," said McFarland.

The Marshall Police Department was also one of the first in EastTexas to start using body cameras.  That's something Campa is proud of.

Some things he plans to continue over the next year is to fully staff the police department, continue reducing crime and continue building community trust with programs like 'No Colors, No Labels.'

Minority Groups by The Strange Case of Deputy Jesus Eddie Campa

 I was asked by a police chief the other day why it was so hard to gain the trust of minority groups. He seemed a little stunned when I asked him what he had done to gain their trust. He had no answer other than to say “I do my job and make sure that they have police protection.” I asked him if the community members believed that they were equal and true stakeholders. I told him that we need to stop looking at minorities as minorities. Yes, they are different, we are different, I am a minority. I am a Hispanic Police Chief in East Texas.  Look at each community member as a stakeholder, not as a color, or race. Yes, you will have to relate to the culture, but have you shown a vested interest in their communities? The following is what I shared with him, and I hope that it helps anyone else out there that may be having the same issue. 

It is apparent that research shows that minorities are more likely to view law enforcement with suspicion and distrust. Minorities report that the police inexplicably single them out because of their race or ethnicity. Is this a fact or a misconception?

It goes without saying that the public’s opinions about the lawfulness and legitimacy of law enforcement are an important gauge for judging policing in society. 

Racial and ethnic minority perceptions that the police lack lawfulness and legitimacy are based mainly on their dealings with the police, and can lead to distrust of the police. Distrust of police has serious consequences. It destabilizes the validity of law enforcement, and without legitimacy police lose their ability and authority to function successfully.

The question is then how do you gain the trust of the minority community? While there is no true simple solution to winning over the minority communities, there are plenty of things that one can do to bridge the gap.

1. Be genuine with the minority communities that you serve.
2. Understand the culture of the minority communities that you serve. The better you understand and can relate to their culture the more you will gain their trust.
A. Traditions and values will be different, understand them.
B. Vocabulary and language will be different, learn it.
3. Keep your word: Look into it or return a call if you said you would.
4. Be visible in the different parts of your community. Visit, eat and attend events in the different minority communities.
A. Don’t just show up for a photo opportunity or with a news crew.
B. Don’t just show up when incidents happen. Show your face all the time; let the minority community get to know you.
5. If you say, you embrace community policing then make sure the entire department embraces it.
6. Be transparent, not because it is the current trending word, but because that’s who you are. 

This has been the secret to my success and a creed to live by in anyprofession, not just policing. The job of a police chief is not easy by any stretch of the imagination; however, some of us make it harder than it needs to be. Understand that we are all different, but we all just want to be treated with respect. This is the profession we were called into, so no matter how bad things get out there, hold true to your integrity.

Respectfully,

Jesus Eddie Campa
Chief of Police Marshall, Texas

How a Marshall police officer shot me in the neck...By Caleb Brabham

Editor's Note: The following are the thoughts and impressions News Messenger reporter Caleb Brabham had when he endured the same training local police officers face.

It's nighttime and there has been a report of a break-in at a garage. Armed with a Glock, I responded alone.

"Hello," I call as I walk, weapon drawn, into the seemingly-abandoned garage. I hear movement in front of me. "Marshall Police. Come out!"

A few seconds later, a scruffy man climbs up from behind a tool-strewn counter, keeping both of his hands hidden behind the counter.

"Let me see both your hands," I tell him.

"Congratulations," he said. "You busted the guy who works here."

He steps out from the counter, but keeps his right hand hidden behind the counter. I tell him again, "Put both hands in the air."

"Is that necessary?" he asks about my weapon.

"I need you to step around the counter and put both hands in the air," I say.

"I work here," he says.

"I would like to see some identification and I need you to put both hands in the air, sir."

"I got it right here," the man nods to his still-hidden right hand.

"Let me see both your hands. Both your hands. Slowly raise your hands."

Then he draws something out, aimed at me, and we fire at one another. The only difference is … his magazine is filled with staples. I fire another shot before I realize the man is holding a staple gun.

Fortunately, it is only a simulation.

The training

Recently, the Marshall Police Department allowed the Marshall News Messenger to take part in some training exercises undergone by officers.

Marshall police use several methods for training their officers; I partook of only two.

Given increasingly heated tension between law enforcement and the public nationwide, I was interested in seeing the police perspective in interaction with the public in a variety of cases.

In light of the 831 fatal police shootings in 2016, according to the Washington Post as of Nov. 11, I especially wanted to know the tension and the scrutiny law enforcement agents are under when it comes time for them to use their weapon.

The first simulation of the day ends as the scruffy assailant armed with a staplegun absorbs another hit from my Glock. Both the tension and the scrutiny begin.

A computer program, called the virtual simulator, feeding one of 600 scenarios, with a multitude of varying outcomes is projected onto a blank wall at MPD. As the video ends MPD Training Coordinator Lt. Len Ames assess my performance as I lower my airsoft weapon.

"What we're looking for is your reaction," Ames said. "Most people pull the trigger immediately … you are in the vast majority."

The simulation stops and Ames begins to go over the replay of the scenario like a review of an officer's body camera.

"Let's assume the individual is now deceased and at that point in time you have realized that for some reason this gentleman has pulled out a stapler. Can you justify why you fired on him?"

"I gave him several opportunities to put both his hands in the air and slowly at that," I said. "Instead, he pulls out a stapler. Who's going to do that? Pull out a stapler like they're shooting a gun."

"And that quick," Lt. Glen Stone said from behind the computer in agreement. "You got it. A person in his right mind is going to put his hands up."

"We're judged by a reasonability standpoint," Ames said. "That's the standard. Is what he did reasonable and is what you did reasonable?

"We talk about furtive movements. And the way he jerks his hand out, you think how much time am I supposed to wait to see what it is? We could've had him pull the staple gun or a pistol and in that snap second, the officer has to make a decision."

Ames said the scenarios are designed not only to train officers to give proper commands and gauge reactions in a given situation, but also to start conversations between the officer and the trainer.

"With 600 of these scenarios we can run the officer through a whole mess of different things, but I think the most valuable part is the conversations we have; I don't care how accurate you are," Ames said. "You pulled the trigger, so now we can talk about what happened. You may not feel good when you go home that you shot a guy with a staple gun, but there's a piece of you that understands - he didn't give me any choice."

I ask Lt. Ames if he ever had an officer get too trigger-happy.

"I haven't yet found someone that was too overzealous," Ames said. "People are more hesitant than anything. One of the dangers in law enforcement now is people are worried how whatever actions they take are going to be perceived."

Observe and report

Lt. Stone loads another scenario and I’m told not to react only to observe. I'm conducting a traffic stop. The driver, a woman, steps out of the vehicle wearing a bikini and holding her license high in the air.

"Officer, I don't know what I did, but here's my license," she said.

The simulation ends and Ames asks me what I saw.

"There's someone in the car with her," I said pointing to the passenger's side. The individual seems huddled down, like he's hiding. I congratulate myself on a potential danger well-spotted.

But Ames isn't satisfied.

"What we see a lot with officers is they're going to notice there's somebody else in the car. They're also taken aback the girl is wearing a bikini top. Frankly, the men get distracted by it. Watch it again. I want you to look to the door."

The scenario runs again and I watch the door: in the storage pocket of the door is the silver handle of a gun poking out.

"We have run every officer through here. Give or take 50 guys have been run through this. Exactly one male and three females have immediately picked up on there is a gun in the door. This simulation shows you, you have to absorb a lot of information in a short period of time. Your eye tends to be caught by the motion on the glare in the window. It's kind of cheating you because a girl comes out in a bikini showing her license … but it's obvious there's a silver handgun once it's pointed out to you."

The advantages of this system installed in August 2016 are abundant, according to Marshall Police Chief Jesus "Eddie" Campa.

"It's real life training so they feel a little more comfortable since they're being exposed to real life situations without actually being put in a real life situation. It helps build confidence," Campa said. "It gives you that adrenaline rush. You might have seen every scenario before, but there are still six or seven outcomes that can come out of that scenario. I think it's a really great training tool. Sometimes I came out on the short end of the stick, other times I came out on the winning side."

Campa said the simulator was purchased through matching grants, with the MPD putting up $26,000 to purchase a $52,000 machine.

But Ames said, as helpful as the machine is, it might feel a little too safe, requiring the use of other training methods.

Force on Force

For the next training exercise, I'm taken out to MPD's firing range, given protective gear and armed with a Glock that fires paintball-like marker rounds and thrown into a live-action training scenario involving a traffic stop.

Cautiously, I approach a halted vehicle as a part of a routine traffic stop scenario. In my head I rehearse what I'm going to say to the driver as I walk to the open window.

This is when the driver opens fire on me; I am shot in the neck by a marker round. It is my third traffic stop and I'm already dead.

This exercise is regarded by law enforcement as "Forceon Force," a reality based tactical training system that allows officers to practice their engagement in extreme situations such as a traffic stop turned violent with the safety of guns armed with the paintball-like rounds.

"What I just did to you now, I could take you back to the office and show you 10 videos of that," Ames said, leaning out the window of the attacking vehicle parked on the MPD's firing range. "Where a guy is just walking up, it's his 12th stop of the day and he gets right up to the pillar. You can't even see well, but I can watch you in the mirror and stick the gun out without even turning around very much."

Force on Force, Ames said, trains officers in a way the simulator cannot.

"Those are the things we can teach people (through Force on Force)," Lt. Ames said. "Although we can do (some of this) on a simulator. There's no consequences there. It's still helpful. But just because you play some kind of shooter game that doesn't allow you to come out here in real life and be a Navy Seal. When I put you in a scenario where somebody is shooting back at you, I have added another level of stress and uncertainty and you're in a more realistic situation."

Heading back from the firing range, I'm still replaying my death at the traffic stop and remembering the man with the staple gun, placing myself under the scrutiny of the "media."

But I don't know what I could've done differently.

"It seems like a lot of these scenarios you put me through today are no-win scenarios," I said to Ames. "I'm trying to think of ways I could've done better (my first time doing them) - and there's just no way."

Ames laughs kindly and nods his head; that was the point.

"A lot of these situations we are in are no-win situations," Ames said. "It's a different kind of life, I guess. It'snot for everybody and not everybody 

 understands it or wants to understand it … if you stay in it for very long it's a passion and something you want to do."

Hearts for the Hungry by Chief Jesus "Eddie" Campa

As we gave thanks on Thursday for what we have, we felt the need to join our friends at Hearts for the Hungry to give thanks for being able to help those that may need a little help.  My Grandmother taught me to never look down at a human being unless your helping them up.  Today with the help of Officer George Gil who woke up at 5:30 am to smoke some good tasting chicken so that all that needed could eat.  We feed about 40 people that needed a warm place for comfort, company to talk to, and a good warm and health meal.  Ride the Wave, God is Great.

We broke bread with great friends and even made some new ones along the way.  Regardless of color, social economic standing, race, or sexual orientation we are all children of God.  Thank you to Ms. Johnson Vice Principal at Marshall STEM Academy for inviting the Marshall Police Department and the Campa family to participate today.  Not only am I the Chief of Police for the MPD, I am also an Adjunct Instructor for ETBU.  The reason I point this out is that it is awesome to be part of two organizations that are always "Putting Our Community First."

Marshall Crime Rate falls 8% in October

While the year to date crime rate is down 3%.  The crime reate for  October 2016 is 8% lower than the crime rate of October 2015.   Thank you citizens of Marshall, for helping us accomplish what has been the norm in Marshall, Texas for the past two years, as we continue to see the crime rate fall. See something say something.  Great job men and women of the MPD.

Keeping Marshall safe

The year to date crime rate in the City of Marshall is down 3%.  This is due to the great work of the men and women of the Marshall Police Department.  We need to give credit to the citizens of Marshall for helping us in keeping the crime rate down.  This is a great example of how the police and the community can work together in keeping our community safe at all times.   

Happy Thanksgiving from Detective Chiles

On behalf of the Crime Scene Unit to your family 

Happy Thanksgiving from our Family at the MPD

"Putting Our Community First"

Officer Gill wishes you all a Happy Thanksgiving

Officer Gill and Chief Jesus E. Campa wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.  

From our Patrol family to yours

From the Patrol family at the MPD to your family 

From Our family to yours....

Lt. Huffman and his family wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving 

From Sgt. Nixon

From our Traffic Section to your family, we wish you a Happy Holiday Season

Happy Thanksgiving from Detective Gillard-King

The MPD Crime Scene Unit wishes you all a Happy Thanksgiving 

Happy Thanksgiving from Lieutenant Guttirrez

On behalf of the MPD SWAT Team to your Family 

Happy Thanksgiving from Captain Reaves

From the Marshall Police Departments Patrol Bureau to your family  

Happy Thanksgiving from Captain Best

From our Family at the Marshall Police Department to yours

Crime Scene Unit in Action

The Marshall Police Department has one of the best Crime Scene Units in East Texas.  Chief Jesus "Eddie" Campa has ensured that this unit is always up to date on the most advance evidence collection methods.  The Unit is made up of two full time officers and 2 part time officers.  The unit is a Recognized Crime Scene Unit.

The invisible barrier by Sara Scullin On Nov 15, 2016

The inability to communicate can be frustrating or even fatal. Imagine conducting a routine traffic stop and discovering that the driver can’t understand a word you’re saying or why you’ve pulled them over. They’re asking questions (you imagine) that you cannot make heads or tails of. What are those first few moments like? How quickly can a literal lack of understanding lead to feelings of confusion and fear, even suspicion and mistrust?

Even if we are not bilingual ourselves, chances are we have neighbors who are or who have not yet learned or mastered English. This is especially true of communities with transient populations who come to work in tourist locales or take seasonal jobs. As such, law enforcement officers in big cities and small communities alike might struggle with situations where language becomes a barrier to offering services or conducting investigations.
 
Translation options have been steadily diversifying to suit modern policing methods and a variety of needs. For example, an officer might find fast confidence on-scene through the help of a handheld app or device. Or during the course of an interview, an over-the-phone interpretation service may still be the way to go. There’s no wrong answer when the intent is to communicate effectively while on patrol.

Smart hiring practices

Community policing hinges on good communication, from the East Coast to West and all places in between. Earlier this year New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) recognized this and began building a team of Spanish-English bilingual officers with the intent to improve communication with limited English-speaking communities. This was a first for the Gulf Coast department. They did it primarily through new hires. To make sure they attracted the most competent persons for the role the city’s Civil Service Department, in partnership with a local registered interpreter, held a certification exam for Spanish-speaking officers. Exams for additional (and often more difficult) languages, like Vietnamese, are expected to follow.
NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison says, “This team…will allow our officers to do their jobs safely…[and] will build trust between police and limited English speaking residents and visitors. They will be more likely to report a crime and participate in police investigations.”
An agency press release adds, “Once certified, officers will be eligible to earn a five percent pay increase for using their language skills on the job.”

An officer who can truly ‘talk the talk’ is invaluable to the force. Jeff Munks is a former police officer and current Chairman of RTT Mobile Interpretation. While in law enforcement as a patrol officer in San Jose, California, Munks became a well-known figure in his dealings with Indochinese refugee youth gangs and cross-cultural communication. In the late 70s and early 80s, 25 percent of San Jose’s population self-reported speaking Spanish in the home. As a bilingual officer Munks was able to bridge that divide.

“It made a strong, deep-lasting impact on me…just the image of what I would confront when rolling up to the scene. The officer would be standing there in the kind of stance you don’t like to see cops in, and the resident would have a look of fear or angst or anger, or suspicion or mistrust. But with a few words of English and a few words of Spanish I would be able to de-stress, de-escalate and in most cases resolve the situation short of something happening that nobody wanted.”

Tools of the trade

Bilingual officers—even at-the-ready interpreters—will make life much easier. But sometimes you can’t justify new hires, or even the time it would take veteran officers to learn a complex language. Depending on the situation, whether interacting with a frightened child or friendly passerby, your preferred means of translation may vary.

When San Jose began to receive a steady number of Vietnamese refugees in the early 80s, RTT’s Munk recalls the confusion. “We couldn’t get our point across, they couldn’t get their point across, and some went to jail…sometimes by means of the hospital.”
He tried to learn Vietnamese at a top language institute but “couldn’t get there.” Shortly after, he and a partner thought to put interpreters into the phone line as fixed assets and started LanguageLine Solutions in 1982.

Over-the-phone (OPI) interpreters speak all of the nearly 200 languages spoken in the U.S. They are recruited, work from their homes, have phones installed in homes dedicated to this purpose, and must answer within seconds. OPI sells its services to PDs, hospitals, schools, and others who have such encounters. This is still the dominant model of translation in policing: The dispatcher is the answering point and bridges officers with an interpreter. Transactions are relatively quick, although OPI can cost more as it is billed by the minute. But there are other options available.

Charts, apps, devices

For many years first responders—particularly paramedics—have relied on simple flip charts that they can navigate cooperatively with someone who might have limited English. You may have seen one of these in your doctor’s office (“Rate your pain from 1 to 10”). Such visual aids give responders the tools (and confidence) they will need to get through that one emergency response. But this is probably not the ticket for more complex scenarios.

Beyond charts, is that other multitool that officers carry with them—the cellphone. An increasing number of apps are cropping up that can quickly turn a phrase. In January, Windows announced all NYPD officers would use a translator app on their Windows phone. At the touch of the button Microsoft Translator can translate a number of languages via voice and 50 languages in text form.
In September the South China Morning Post reported Officers Michael Dear and Daniel Krockel (LAPD) used a translation app to stop a Korean man from committing suicide by jumping at LAX airport.

Such apps are handy and accessible, but more commonly used in a pinch, and may not be ideal for more in-depth interviews and conversations. They are better than nothing, but likely not the best bet for police investigations and information that may end up in court.

Next comes handheld devices designed specifically for translation. Police Chief Jesus Eddie Campa with Marshall (Texas) Police Department understands firsthand the stress of not being able to communicate. “When I moved to East Texas (from West Texas), there were some phrases and sayings and ways of talking that…I didn’t understand. It made me feel uncomfortable. I didn’t know what was being said to me. So imagine just totally not understanding it completely. [In a traffic stop situation] I would be really nervous because I have no idea why this guy just stopped me. I have no idea what I did.”

He says a routine traffic stop can quickly unravel. “You’re telling them to stop…they make some kind of movement, you mistake it, you use force, or unfortunately deadly force…So you have an incident that could’ve easily de-escalated and taken it to a whole different level.”
To counter this, Marshall police recently acquired four Voxtec Phraselators and four SQUID handheld translation devices (also Voxtec) through a government program. They plan to use the devices during traffic stops, interviews, emergency situations and any other situation where they might encounter a language barrier. The SQUID devices have hundreds of preset commands in many different languages that officers use every day. The newest SQUID 410 boasts eyes-free language translation so officers can minimize distractions.

In addition to setting up its bilingual team, NOPD also equipped its officers with Enabling Language Service Anywhere (ELSA) devices from RTT Mobile Interpretation in all eight districts. They included a checkbox in their electronic police reporting system that identifies victims and offenders who need language assistance.

The compact ELSA device provides hands-free access to OPI services. Officers can initiate a stop, touch one button, request an interpreter and remain hands-free—an important consideration for officer safety. Munk says translators can hear individuals from at least 30 feet away clearly despite ambient noise. Some of the many languages accessible to officers include Urdu, French and Russian.
“If your ‘spidey sense’ is tingling, the last thing you want to do is get close enough to use your cellphone if you need an interpreter,” says Munk. “You can leave [ELSA] in the car on the charger until [you realize you need it].” The device unplugs from the charger and clips to multiple locations on the shirt with a heavy clip on the backside.

The next iteration of ELSA will be what they call the ELSA Blue Plus NextGen device, which RTT hopes to release in the middle of next year. The small, updated version will have additional mics (similar to ShotSpotter tech) and a robust speaker. Its 360-degree, conference-style pickup will be more sensitive and adept at canceling ambient noise. ELSA Blue Plus will even harbor an optional body cam. Munk points out both versions record interpreted calls at the client’s discretion. He says, “Tools like ELSA ensure objective detachment from a situation is good for all parties.”

If the shoe fits…

Which solution is right for you? It depends. It depends on your agency’s circumstance, needs and budget. You may decide to focus on hiring bilingual officers, or stick to a tried and trusted call-in solution. Phone apps can be handy at the right place and time, or a handheld device designed specifically for law enforcement could offer major backup. Specialty devices may save money over traditional interpreters as you are not keeping someone “on the line” (and paying them) over the course of a two-hour investigation.
Regardless of what you choose, Munks offers this tip: Time and circumstance and safety permitting, think about what questions you’ll be asking in advance. Thinking of things like demographic data and follow-up questions helps you navigate a language complicated contact that much faster, more efficiently and cost effectively.
“The job of law enforcement is challenging and difficult…[all training is designed] to try to get an officer to the point where he or she can fly solo and hopefully do a good job under high stress situations. That’s tough enough to do when you’re able to communicate in the same language.”

Marshall Police Departments MVP

Marshall Chief of Police Jesus “Eddie” Campa has named Sergeant Vince Williams as this week’s MVP. Sgt. Williams, a reserve officer for the Marshall Police Department, has continuously shown his dedication to not only the department, but also to Marshall residents for more than a decade.

His latest act of going above and beyond the call of duty occurred on Nov. 9 when MPD received a call about a robbery in progress at the Tobacco Patch located in the 400 block of East Pinecrest. Sgt. Williams, who had completed his shift, had transferred all of his equipment from his patrol unit to his personal vehicle and was preparing to go home when he heard the robbery call. Rather than leaving and going home, Sgt. Williams gathered his necessary equipment and responded to the robbery, where he assisted other officers and remained on the scene until his assignment was complete. 

Chief Campa stated, “Sgt. Williams volunteers his own time on a weekly basis to serve our community and asks for nothing in return. This type of selflessness and dedication makes Sgt. Williams a true unsung hero to our community. It is with great honor that I name Sergeant Vince Williams this week’s MVP.”

This year, Sgt. Williams was also honored with the Merit Award for a Reserve Law Enforcement Officer.

Meet Sgt. Vince Williams of the MPD

Sgt. Vince Williams is an outstanding member of the Marshall Police Department.  Sgt. Williams is one of our reserve officers.  He goes out of his way to make sure that our staffing is never short and as long as he is available will never say no to come out and help us.  This week the Marshall Police Department highlights Sgt. VinceWilliams.  He was also named reserve officer of the year.  Chief Jesus “Eddie”Campa stated that is always a pleasure to see Sgt. Williams.  This man is the true definition of the word dedicated.  

Chief Jesus Eddie Campa talks about MPD's new Training Force Simulator

MARSHALL, TX (KSLA) -

The Marshall Police Department recently acquired a new tool to that will bring MPD use of force training to the next level. The ultimate goal with this simulator is to enable an officer to make split second decisions and correct mistakes in the training environment without real world consequences.  

The “Training Lab Use of Force Simulator” is pre-loaded with nearly 600 different scenarios and approximately 50 new scenarios are added each year. The simulator is currently set up in the training room at the Marshall Police Department.

Most Officers at MPD have been through a familiarization course on the simulator, which put them in a variety of scenarios which tested their abilities to make use of force decisions. The scenarios require the officer to respond appropriately with everything from simple verbal commands to necessary lethal force.

This training simulator is also being used to inform the citizens in Marshall about police encounters. 

The simulator will be part of the upcoming third session of the “Citizens Police Academy” held at MPD. 

The department said they also want to invite other law enforcement agencies in the region who are interested in using the simulator to contact them so that we can set up training for their Officers.  

Chief Jesus “Eddie” Campa stated, “I am very excited about this new training tool that will help train our Officers for use of force situations. I want to give my Officers every tool necessary to effectively do their job and do it well, and I strongly believe that this simulator will do that. The Marshall Police Department is very fortunate to have this type of training tool; therefore I would like to share this training tool with any law enforcement agency in our area that may be interested. The simulator will not only be used to help train our Officers it will be offered to citizens during the citizen’s police academy and local meetings.”

Chief Jesus "Eddie" Campa presents K9 Zorro in action!

Marshall police K9 officers Amor, Polux and Zorro were recognized by the American Kennel Club on May 6.

AKC's Canine Officer Program honors dogs who work with government agencies including police, military, border patrol, TSA and more.

Each dog that is selected for the program is awarded a certificate of appreciation and is offered free registration with the AKC.

All three K9 officers were nominated for this honor by the Caddo Kennel Club located in East Texas. Each dog was selected and received a certificate of appreciation on May 6 at the AKC Rally Show in Marshall at the city arena.

"These canines should be recognized for the hard work, commitment and sacrifice they make daily to our community," Chief Jesus "Eddie" Campa. "These canines are constantly working hard to better serve their community. When these canines are not patrolling the streets they are training to sharpen or improve their skills."

Chief Jesus "Eddie" Campa presents:Getting to know your local heroes featuring Lt. Ames.

As the Chief of Police for the Marshall Police Department Chief Jesus "Eddie" Campa takes a lot of pride in the men and women that work for the MPD.  Chief Campa is dedicated to highlighting his staff.  This segment is titled getting to know your local heroes and features Lt. Ames.

Internet Purchase Exchange locations

As the holiday season approaches, the Marshall Police Department would like to remind citizens that we have two parking spaces dedicated as Internet Purchase Exchange locations. These parking spaces are located in the public parking lot at 2101 East End Blvd. North and allow for individuals to safely meet and complete purchases of products sold online.

Chief Jesus “Eddie” Campa stated, “We encourage our community to utilize these places in order to ensure the safety of both buyer and seller during these transactions. Please don't meet strangers at private residences or in areas that you are unfamiliar with.”

While officers will not be assigned to facilitate or monitor the transactions, the parking spaces are located in a well-lit area with 24-hour recorded surveillance. Any reluctance by either party to meet in the Marshall Police Department parking lot should be taken as a warning sign about the legitimacy of the sale. A buyer/seller that will communicate only via email, will not provide a telephone number, or attempts to make a last minute change in venue should make you reconsider following through with the purchase.