Winter Storm Highlights METRO Police’s Ongoing Commitment to Collaboration

During January’s winter storm, the METRO Police Department (MPD) demonstrated its commitment to collaboration by working alongside the Houston Police Department (HPD) to transport unhoused residents to warming centers.

The operation highlighted the work of MPD’s Crisis Assessment and Response Engagement (C.A.R.E.) Unit, which regularly connects with unhoused individuals to provide access to vital resources such as shelter, food, and medical care.

For Chief Ban Tien, collaboration is central to MPD’s mission. When he was sworn in last November, he brought with him over 25 years of experience with HPD. His knowledge has been instrumental in fostering a seamless partnership between the departments.

“We are showing the public we’re a united front and addressing the issues together,” said Tien. “This is the new culture, and this is the mindset. I am extremely fortunate to the METRO Board, Board Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock, and our President and CEO Tom Jasien who are extremely supportive of our initiative – especially when it deals with public safety.”

The partnership has strengthened MPD’s ability to protect riders while improving access to resources.

“Collaboration is essential to ensuring the safety of our communities. We deeply appreciate Mayor John Whitmire’s unwavering commitment to public safety and are honored to partner with METRO Board Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock,” HPD Chief J. Noe Diaz said. “Together, we are dedicated to keeping Houston’s streets and transportation systems safe for everyone.”

C.A.R.E. Unit Sergeant Israel Lazenga credits HPD Sergeant Derrick Fontenot, who leads the Homeless Outreach Team, for helping him develop as a leader.

“I was a new sergeant in the unit and he’s an experienced sergeant at HPD. Him being willing to sit down with me, offering up his knowledge, his perspective, his overview on what he’s seen has given me a better understanding,” Lazenga said.

Fontenot agrees collaboration is key to community safety and opens the door to more learning opportunities.

“We have the same goal, but different ways to get there,” Fontenot said. “I try to learn from my counterparts as much as I can. So, if there’s something that works for me – it might not necessarily work for them – but it’s something I’m completely willing to share.”

MPD has existing partnerships with other local law enforcement agencies, such as the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, several Constable precincts, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.