Grapevine Police Department

01/18/2021

Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In a time where we all need to show kindness, we are reminded of how he chose love over hate. May his words inspire you as they do us. #MLKDay

01/15/2021

A man recently tried to sell some items online, and arranged to meet with a buyer at a store parking lot. The buyer changed the location at the last minute, and when it came time to pay up, he gave the seller fake bills. We are glad the seller was not hurt, but want to remind you -- we have an E-Commerce Exchange Zone in our parking lot. You'll find two designated spaces in front of the municipal court building, located at 1027 Ira E. Woods.

Please keep the following in mind before meeting with someone for an online sale:

• Be very suspicious of a buyer or seller who changes the agreed upon location;
• Always meet the buyer or seller in a public place and with plenty of people around;
• Avoid meeting on side streets or places that are not well lit;
• Always take someone with you and inform the buyer / seller that you will not be alone;
• Strongly consider conducting transactions in E-Commerce Exchange Zones;
• Trust your instincts – if it sounds like a scam it probably is;
• Complete the transaction during daylight hours.

01/14/2021

Did you hear it's National Dress Up Your Pet day? K9 Maverick loves rocking the latest styles, and decided to add some accessories in honor of the fashion holiday. His bandana may say "bad to the bone" but we all know he's really a GOOD boy.

01/13/2021

A few days ago a woman was making breakfast in her apartment when she looked out her window and saw a man breaking into several cars in the parking lot. He went from car to car checking door handles. When he found a vehicle unlocked, he hopped in and rummaged around looking for items to steal. The witness called 911 and gave dispatchers a description of the man. Within two minutes, the first officer arrived on scene and located the suspect inside a victim's car. Additional officers arrived, and were able to link him to six car burglaries. He was arrested on the scene. Great work by responding officers - and excellent observation skills by the witness! We always urge you to call 911 and not confront a suspect on your own. Remind friends to lock their doors and remove valuables. And, as seen here -- if you see something, say something.

01/11/2021

Today is #NationalHumanTraffickingAwarenessDay. If you or someone you know needs help, call 9-1-1, or the national hotline at 1-888-373-7888. You can also text BeFree (233733).

01/11/2021

Our mighty K9 Maverick is sporting a new Kirby K9 Viribus collar. We think the tan perfectly accents his legs and feet. Have a great Monday, everyone!

01/10/2021

We have confirmed from the highest source that hot chocolate does in fact taste better when it’s snowing. Remind friends to keep pets and humans warm, and use extra caution on the roadways. We are here if you need us.

01/10/2021

We are keeping a close eye on weather conditions and urge everyone to use caution while traveling today and tomorrow.

01/09/2021

As we celebrate #LawEnforcementAppreciationDay - we heard today is also #NationalVisionBoardDay, and thought this example might inspire you. If your dream career involves helping others, your journey could lead you right to us. We are looking for some new superheroes to join our team.

01/08/2021

Tracked all the way up to the 4th floor after catching the scent of a great job opportunity. You too could become a headset hero. #K9Maverick says apply today: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/grapevinetx/jobs/2625276/telecommunicator?keywords=police&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

01/07/2021

We tapped into our archives for a #ThrowbackThursday pic. This gem was uncovered from a photo album dated 1994-1995. Two of the officers pictured below are still working in our department. (Hint: one of them is in costume).

01/06/2021

Our dispatchers just got (arguably) the most beautiful visitor they have ever seen on the 4th floor. We aren't sure if this red-tailed hawk heard about our job opening in dispatch, or it just wanted to say hello to our headset heroes. A few of our colleagues captured these pics before the hawk flew off. #WildlifeWednesday

01/05/2021

Now hiring headset heroes! Join our team to become a true first responder in Grapevine.

Under supervision of the Dispatch Supervisor, the Telecommunicator position receives incoming 9-1-1, emergency and non-emergency calls for service. Telecommunicators apply judgment (developed through education, training and experience) and standard operating procedures to segregate calls by emergency or non-emergency status. Calls are then communicated to the proper department/personnel (i.e., police, fire, animal control, EMS, etc.) for priority action. Typical duties include:

1. Provides verbal instructions, assistance and information, and directs calls for action.

2. Quickly assesses type, nature and status of emergency or non-emergency call and dispatches for priority follow-up to Police, Fire, EMS, Animal Control, and other City departments.

3. Answers and relays teletype messages, radio messages, mobile data messages, intercom messages and interoffice messages.

4. Monitors multiple radio frequencies and operates equipment within standard and non-standard emergency and non-emergency situations and conditions.

5. Monitors City and other security alarm systems, and when an emergency occurs, notifies and dispatches the appropriate City assistance.

6. Operates computer systems to enter City and CID warrants. Logs in to TCIC, NCIC, Regional and Tarrant County computer systems to monitor and maintain up-to-date records on stolen items, vehicles, checks and wanted individuals, etc.

7. Records and maintains department activity records.

To see a list of job requirements and apply online: https://bit.ly/39lBTVW

01/04/2021

Direct deposits, checks and debit cards have started going out for the second round of Economic Impact Payments by the IRS. Make sure your loved ones don't get scammed out of their payment by sharing some helpful advice from the Federal Trade Commission:
1. The government won’t ask you to pay anything up front to get this money. Anyone who does is a scammer.
2. The government won’t call, text, email, or contact you on social media to ask for your Social Security, bank account, or credit card number. Anyone who does is a scammer.
3. There’s no such thing as getting your money early, or faster. Anyone who says they can hook you up now (or soon) is both lying and a scammer.

If you have questions about the latest stimulus payment, check the IRS website for more information.

01/01/2021

Grapevine Police Department's cover photo

12/31/2020

We are all ready to bid farewell to 2020 and ring in new beginnings for 2021. We know most of you already plan ahead, and probably have a sober ride for any New Year's Eve celebrations. Please remember to plan a sober ride for friends and loved ones, too. The best new year starts with everyone getting home safely.

12/31/2020

Our Records Department hosted a "Countdown to 12 o'clock!" today at noon. They got started welcoming the New Year with some "bubbly", (non-alcoholic of course). And since it's New Year's Eve, there was a candy "kiss" for everyone!
Have a healthy and safe 2021!

12/30/2020

NEWS RELEASE - Grapevine Police responded to a major accident on SH-114 at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 29, 2020.

The driver of a 2016 Nissan Rogue was traveling westbound on SH-114 near SH-26 when the SUV rear-ended an 18-wheeler pulling a trailer. The SUV became lodged underneath the 18-wheeler, trapping the driver and sole occupant inside. The medical examiner pronounced the SUV driver deceased on scene.

The driver of the 18-wheeler was not injured.

Grapevine Police crash specialists, as well as officers from Bedford PD, Colleyville PD, and Euless PD, responded. Westbound lanes of SH-114 were shut down for approximately six hours during the investigation.

The SUV is registered to a 31-year-old man from Lake Dallas. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office will confirm the driver’s identity and release the name.

Original Post - We are on the scene of a fatality accident in the westbound lanes of SH-114 near SH-26. Officers are shutting down westbound lanes of traffic at Main Street, and the highway will likely be closed for several hours as we investigate. Please use caution and avoid this area if you can. We will release more information on the crash Wednesday morning.

12/29/2020

Each year our department receives a massive number of calls on New Year's Eve about fireworks. The calls are linked to illegal fireworks being set off at apartment complexes, residential areas and parks - and all of them detract from the time officers and dispatchers could be answering other emergencies. Please help us spread the word not to light fireworks.

Just a reminder -- the possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited in the City of Grapevine, unless approved by the fire chief for special displays. We are often asked if fireworks include sparklers. The answer is "yes".

12/29/2020

Congratulations to Grapevine Fire Captain T. Michael DoByns, and best of luck in your retirement.

Today was bittersweet for our department. We said good luck in your retirement to Captain T. Michael DoByns and thanked him for his 20 years of service to the citizens of Grapevine. Have fun and enjoy your next chapter. We truly appreciate your service and loyalty to GFD!

12/28/2020

Thefts of catalytic converters are skyrocketing. Last year 9 were stolen. This year we've already taken reports of 63 catalytic converters that have been stolen. These thefts are happening across north Texas, as the price of precious metals has increased.

Catalytic converters are part of the vehicle exhaust system that reduces pollution. They are most likely to be stolen from trucks and SUVs because they are higher off the ground, and it's easier for thieves to crawl under and take them.

Most catalytic converter thefts occur when vehicles are parked and left alone for long periods of time, such as parking lots when businesses are closed. The best preventive measure you can take is to park inside a garage or secure area, or in a well-lit place.

You can also have extra metal welded to your exhaust system, which makes them more difficult to remove. Some businesses will also etch an ID number on the catalytic converters, so if criminals are stopped with them in the car, they can be traced back to the theft.

If your catalytic converter is stolen, you'll notice a loud noise as soon as you start your vehicle (it will sound like you don't have a muffler). It is still safe to drive to a dealer for a replacement, but we would like you to call us and report the theft.

12/27/2020

So, we suppose we'll chalk this one up to "2020". This year we hosted three gift-wrapping nights for Santa Cops. On the second night, the building used for our Toy Shoppe lost power. One minute everyone was selecting toys to wrap, and the next - we were in the dark. Nobody started to panic, and nobody decided to leave. Instead, everyone got out the flashlights on their phones, and used what they could to finish their tasks. Our #SantaCops volunteers refused to let anything stop them from making sure children in our community had the best Christmas. 2020 may have thrown a wrench into many of our plans - but let this be another example of how good things are still possible. #2020 #PowerOutage

12/26/2020

We hope you wake up with joy in your heart and memories of a great day. And if not - perhaps this will bring some magic into your day. This year our #SantaCops program served 1,039 children in our community. Because of you, more than 1,000 children experienced a Christmas filled with giving and love. Money may have purchased the toys and gifts, but it was your hearts and generosity that gave a sense of belonging to families who need it most this time of year. No matter what this day brings, please know that your support, smiles and consideration of others has made a lasting difference. We also want to say thank you to all of our gift-wrapping volunteers who followed new safety protocols to ensure we could continue our Santa Cops tradition. We actually have a funny story about gift-wrapping this year. A story we'll just chalk up to 2020. More on that tomorrow. For now, be safe and merry, and give us a wave if you see us out.

12/26/2020

Final update/News Release:

Shortly after 9:00pm on Friday, December 25, 2020, Grapevine Police were alerted to a report of a man inside Great Wolf Lodge who made threatening comments and claims of a firearm. The man was no longer in sight when officers arrived but a witness provided a description of the man.

Within minutes of the initial report, several phone calls were made to 9-1-1 about a hotel guest being threatened or in danger. Additional officers were dispatched to the scene, including members of the Northeast Tarrant County SWAT Team, as well as officers from Bedford PD, Euless PD, Hurst PD, Irving PD and Southlake PD. Grapevine Fire medics also staged on the property as a precaution.

Officers began searching the property and securing areas, while also trying to make contact with the witnesses. The threats were traced to the 8th floor of the hotel, so officers evacuated the floor and conducted a room-by-room search of the guest quarters. Guests from the 8th floor were moved to a secure area inside the resort, while guests on other floors were asked to stay in their rooms.

Detectives interviewed the occupants of a room where one of the calls originated, and determined they were not in danger. No reports of injury were ever made, and no credible threats were found. Officers cleared all areas of concern at approximately 2:00am. Some officers remained on the property as an additional precaution.

Grapevine Police appreciates all of the employees and guests who reported information, and encourage anyone who sees something suspicious to report it immediately.

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Update: We were called around 9pm by witnesses who reported a man inside the hotel made threatening statements and claims of a firearm. No shots were fired and we have not located a suspect. We will search every room while guests wait in a secure area inside the resort. Our immediate concern is for the families and employees inside and we are doing everything we can to ensure they stay safe.

Our officers are at Great Wolf Lodge investigating an active threat call. There are no injuries, and we have NOT confirmed a threat at this time. Some rooms are on lockdown as we search the area. We know it is a stressful time for guests and employees who are there, but appreciate their cooperation and patience as we work to ensure they are safe. We will post updates as we learn more.

12/25/2020

Wishing you and your loved ones a very safe and Merry Christmas. May you have as much joy as K9 Maverick with his fluffy candy cane toy. Thank you to all of our first responders who are sacrificing family time to ensure you get help when needed.

12/24/2020

No matter where you are on this Christmas Eve, know that our Dispatchers are hard at work to send help when needed. They work around the clock, along with our officers and detention officers, to ensure your safety. #ChristmasEve #HeadsetHeroes

12/24/2020

Go Mustangs! Have a safe journey to Sweetwater and home of the Sweetwater Mustang Bowl!

GHS MUSTANGS FOOTBALL TEAM 101 SEND-OFF 12/24 7:00A
Meet at MPS Field house to send TEAM 101 off to Sweetwater in style! Bring your noisemakers, posters, blue Santa hats, family, friends, and neighbors! Grapevine Police Department will be escorting TEAM 101 in STYLE (thank you Officer Shemwell and Varsity dad for setting up)!!!!! Buses will depart no later than 7:30am.
Share with everyone!!!
*Mustangs Christmas shirts will be delivered at the send-off*

12/23/2020

Penny, Kendall, Sailer, Abi and Kerrigan from Grapevine Faith stopped in with some Christmas treats for our officers. We appreciate the gift and think their masks are perfect. #Christmas

12/23/2020

The Christmas spirit is radiant in our Records office. They are decked out with lights, garland, stockings, trees, snowmen, and other holiday items. It's not an office area you would normally see.. so going in after 5pm was our way to show you how some of us are keeping the season bright and merry. #InsideGPD #Christmas

12/22/2020

Each year we eagerly await the day when Officer Bowdre brings in his wife’s Christmas cookies. Today is the day, and it didn’t take long for us to devour the treats. Officers flock to patrol to sample goodies like fudge, haystacks, and Ofc. Bowdre’s favorite, her M&M chocolate chip cookies. We appreciate the holiday treat! #Yum

12/22/2020

Giving back is the best feeling! This week some of our #SantaCops helpers donated toys to Cook Children's for patients to open on Christmas Eve and Christmas. Our officers unloaded trailers full of gifts with help from nurses and fellow officers from Euless Police Department, Haltom City Police Department, and North Richland Hills PD. This effort would not have been possible without the teamwork and collaboration of Allstate Insurance Agent: Christina Bennett and First Responders Children's Foundation who not only donated to Cook Children's but also our own Santa Cops program.