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Harlingen Police Department Publishes Misleading Press Release about a Retirement for a Police Commander

Harlingen Police Department Publishes Misleading Press Release about a Retirement for a Police Commander

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On December 22, 2020, the City of Harlingen, Police Department issues Press Release 2020-0064. In the release, the Harlingen Police Department (HPD) claims John David Osborne retired from the City of Harlingen.

Harlingen Police Department, Press Release 2020-0064

In review of multiple Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) requests, it seems Mr. Osborne did not retire from the City of Harlingen. He, merely, changed uniforms.

Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Personal Status Report,
John D. Osborne Jr.

Per the City Charter, the Harlingen Airport is under the control of the City of Harlingen and must follow the City of Harlingen Personnel Policies:

Page 38, of the City of Harlingen Charter

Per another TPIA, the Valley International Airport (VIA) or the City of Harlingen Municipal Airport posted a Chief of Public Safety vacancy announcement through the Valley Morning Star.

Per TPIA from the City of Harlingen, it was claimed John David Osborne Junior retired from the City of Harlingen:

City of Harlingen, TPIA, Employee Action Form, Retirement,
John David Osborne Junior

Notice the document above states “City of Harlingen, Employee Action Form.” It DOES NOT say “Harlingen Police Department.” Such “Department,” would be listed on the third line of the document.

City of Harlingen, TPIA, Retirement NOT Resignation Letter,
John David Osborne Junior

As one can see, he submitted a retirement letter, not a resignation letter for the City of Harlingen. The language of claiming retirement from the Harlingen Police Department is debatable due to the retirement system used by the City of Harlingen. It may not be possible to obtain retirement from the City of Harlingen and work for the City of Harlingen.

It appears the City of Harlingen does not utilize the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) and uses its own plan. We asked multiple people from the City of Harlingen if they would like to answer the one simple question we have, but they all declined and stated to submit another TPIA request.

Such a simple question being avoided makes us ask: What is the City of Harlingen, Police Department attempting to cover up?

Screenshot, City of Harlingen

Maybe these actions explain why they will not take a complaint as outlined below:

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