HPD and SEAL officers team up to promote safety
Watchful eyes: HPD Sgt. Jeff Sneed (center) poses with part of the HPD team that patrols Westchase District, including: (left-right) Ofc. Robert Warley; Ofc. Andrew Calzavara; Sgt. Elber Reyes and Ofc. Sam Aguilera.
On any given day, you’re likely to see SEAL Security officers patrolling the streets of Westchase District in their specially-marked vehicles. Westchase District also hires Houston Police Department officers who work in tandem with SEAL. It’s all part of a strategic plan developed by Westchase District to keep the area safe.
Beginning in 2004, Westchase District’s patrol force was made up exclusively of HPD officers and that’s how it operated for more than 15 years. But during the pandemic years, it became impossible to hire enough HPD officers to staff the patrol. High-paying extra jobs offered by the federal government during the COVID years lured officers away from the jobs offered by management districts, schools and other entities. That’s when Westchase District’s Board of Directors engaged SEAL Security.
Now the two organizations work seamlessly and cooperatively to keep a lid on crime in Westchase District.
Partnership on the streets
“SEAL can handle 90% of the calls that come in,” noted Westchase District’s Vice President of Public Safety Mark Hubenak. “But there are certain tasks that only HPD can handle, so having a crew of officers on board here is important to our overall program,” Hubenak added.
Hubenak worked with limited success to recruit HPD officers back to Westchase District. But he hit the jackpot when he hired Sgt. Jeff Sneed as the District’s public safety liaison with HPD. Having worked previously for Westchase District, Sgt. Sneed knew what kind of officers were needed for the Westchase District Patrol and he knew where to find them.
Sneed is a sergeant in HPD’s citywide gang unit, which performs tactical operations all around Houston. His unit is made up of some of the best police officers in Houston. Sneed simply recruited his coworkers to Westchase District.
Today, there are 12 HPD officers working approximately 65 hours a week for Westchase District. SEAL Security offers 266 hours of patrol. Both respond to calls that come in through the District’s dedicated dispatch line. They communicate through the Voxer app, which functions like a walkie talkie between the officers, dispatch and Hubenak.
Sgt. Jeff Sneed and Ofc. Elber Reyes check calls coming in from dispatch on the Voxer app.
“SEAL has an extraordinary track record responding quickly and professionally to calls. They can ask trespassers to leave or provide back-up assistance to a business’ own security personnel,” noted Hubenak. “If a trespasser refuses to leave or becomes aggressive, they’ll call an on-duty HPD officer. If it’s a domestic dispute, they’ll call an on-duty HPD officer. They can detain a shoplifter until an on-duty HPD officer arrives to take the shoplifter into custody.”
“If I’m available, I’ll take the call,” said Sneed. “Sometimes I’m able to do more than just run someone off from a location where they’re causing trouble. I can investigate the situation a little more and make an arrest, taking that individual out of Westchase District.”
HPD officers use tactical training
“Jeff is proactive in dealing with issues,” noted Hubenak. “Whether its inspecting convenience stores or working hotspots, he’s always the first officer to respond to a call.”
Sneed expects the same of the officers on his team. “They’re all smart officers who employ good tactical skills and aren’t scared of the work,” said Sneed.
In addition to the officers that are part of Sneed’s tactical team, Westchase District has engaged two officers from HPD’s Differential Response Team, whose specialty is enforcement of city codes. They tackle illegal truck parking, trespassing, homeless concerns and vacant or dilapidated properties that can attract criminal activity. “They can issue tickets that force the owners to address these problems,” according to Hubenak.
Same beat; new challenges
Sgt. Sneed is a 19-year veteran of HPD. He patrolled Westchase District for eight years previously, before returning in 2024 as the HPD coordinator. He says there are many policy changes – both at HPD and the District Attorney’s office – that affect how he and his officers conduct themselves in their job. But one thing hasn’t changed. They’re still warmly received by the property owners and managers of Westchase District, who appreciate their service and are grateful to see them in action.
