La Joya Independent School District

Mission
To provide students with the opportunity to report crimes in their campuses, anonymously by phone.

History
Established August 28, 2002, its mission is to fight against crime on school campuses, and protect our future. To place a tip call our tip line 956.580.5425

About the Program
The program consists of eight adult board members, three student board members representing each high school, and two coordinators who over see the program. Regular meetings are held at least twice a month, with special meetings hels as needed. All information is held in strict confidentiality.

Awards
Office of The Governor Texas Crime Stoppers Advisory Council Productivity Award 2004-2005 Greatest Dollar Recovery held at the 11th Annual Texas Crime Stoppers Conference in Austin, TX October 18, 2005

Revenue Generation

• La Joya ISD Campus Crime Stoppers Inc. is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. The funds to operate the program are generated by individual and coporate donation to the Hidalgo County Adult Probation Department.
• Another source of revenue are fundraisers that held throughout the year.
• All monies raised are used to promote the program, and for rewards.
• 100% of the monies raised go back into the program.

About the Program

The La Joya I.S.D Police Department’s Explorer Post 1210 participated in this year’s National Night Out, which was sponsored by the City of Peñitas Police Department. The explorer’s handed out La Joya I.S.D. Campus Crime Stoppers flyers; in addition they also spoke with students and parents from within the district about the program explaining the benefits of getting involved in school activities. In addition to Peñitas Police Dept. the La Joya Fire Dept., Mission Police Dept., and the Hidalgo County Sherriff’s Office were in attendance. The Salvation Army provided free drinks and hot dogs for everyone in attendance.

• The program is sponsored by the Boys Scouts of America, and is open to individuals between the ages of 14-21.
• The program is geared to provide the student with a working knowledge of police procedures.
• Students are instructed in crime scence investigation, traffic control, penal code, building clearance, and all other aspects of law enforcement.
• Explorers are also involved with community activities, and volunteer their time within the school district and the community.
• The program relies strictly on fund raisers, and donations.
• All monies are used to equip the explorers with the necessary equipment.

The First Offender Program was founded upon an idea that we, as a community, can better serve our troubled youth through education, guidance, and information. This 6 week program offers at-risk individuals an opportunity to experience a unique educational environment which will positively impact them and their families for the rest of their lives.

• For children between the ages of 10-16 years old.
• Consists of a six week program that allows First Time Offenders who have committed a Class A, or B Misdemeanor offense, or a state jail felony (with exception of assault and/or weapons charges) to be considered eligible to participate in this program.
• The program is completely voluntary; there is no obligation to participate.
• The student and their parent and/or legal guardian are required to attend two hour classes; held at The La Joya ISD Police Department training room on 6 consecutive Saturdays.
• Other prerequisites will have to be met and may include but are not limited to: community service, restitution to the victim (if necessary), educational, and vocational training, counseling or other rehabilitative services, a 90 day probation period, and periodic reporting and check-ins with the La Joya ISD Police Department.
• Upon successful completion of this program, students participating in this opportunistic six week trial will have their first time criminal offense permanently cleared by the La Joya ISD Police Department.