The AISD and APD Joint Juvenile Gang Intervention Unit to graduate students from the GREAT program

The Austin Police Department and Austin Independent School District Joint Juvenile 

Gang Intervention Unit will participate in the Gang Resistance Education and
Training (GREAT) commencement of the fourth grade students:

Pecan Springs Elementary

at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011.
GREAT Graduation
1 p.m.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Pecan Springs Elementary-Cafeteria
3100 Rogge Lane

GREAT is a curriculum-based program developed through the Federal Bureau of
Justice Assistance, and targets children in 4th – 8th grades. The program is taught
in the classroom by uniformed officers, and teaches children skills to help them
avoid ever becoming involved in gangs, violence, crime, and drugs.

Contact:  Austin Police Department, Public Information Office, (512) 974-5017

From the Chief – a bio

Protecting Our Future

Chief of Police, Ernesto Riojas, is a career law enforcement professional with over 35 years of experience. Chief Riojas graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Law Enforcement from San Antonio College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Southwest Texas State University. Chief Riojas also holds a Master’s Peace Officer certification.

He retired from 1999 from the San Antonio Police Department after 27 years of dedicated service.

During his 27 years with the San Antonio Police Department, Chief Riojas worked, supervised, and managed patrol, special operations/SWAT, narcotics and homicide units. Chief Riojas’ last assignment prior to retiring was Night CID (Criminal Investigations Division)/officer involved shooting team commander.

In January 2000, Chief Riojas began his now 11 year ISD Police Chief career. Prior to accepting the Austin ISD Police Chief’s position in June of 2010, Ernesto Riojas was Chief of Police at Harlandale ISD for 3 years and Judson ISD for 8 years.

Chief Riojas’ philosophy on school district policing is for everyone in his organization to be mindful that they are in a customer service business and to treat everyone with respect.

The Austin ISD Police Department will do everything in its power to maintain a safe and fear-free environment in our schools and district so teachers can teach and students can learn.

Chief Riojas and his officers take their motto “Protecting Our Future” very seriously.

Extreme Heat & Energy Conservation Plan

Extreme Heat 

Extreme heat is unique because its effects are not always visible or experienced instantly. The ill effects of extreme heat take place over an extended period. At the district-level, extreme heat may cause power outages or an increase in plumbing failures. At the facility-level, extreme heat may cause individuals to experience sunburns, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke.

For more information or to view/download the Extreme Heat & Energy Conservation Plan, please visit our Weather Safety page