Enforcements of Laws Dealing With Varieties Of Vice

Vice Squad

The Houston Police Department (HPD) is the primary law enforcement agency for City of Houston, Texas, United States. HPD's jurisdiction often overlaps with several other law enforcement agencies, such as the Harris County Sheriff's Office and the Harris County Constable Precincts. HPD is the largest municipal police department in Texas. The current Chief of police is Charles McClelland.

The HPD Vice Division aggressively pursues gambling, prostitution, and pornography-related state laws and city ordinances. The division is also responsible for enforcing regulations of the Alcoholic Beverage Commission Code and the investigation and assignment of Sexually Oriented Business Permits and Dance Hall Permits as prescribed by city ordinance.

HPD Vice Division has various squads:

Administrative Squad

This squad conducts vice-related computer investigations and is responsible for day-to-day administrative duties and investigative hold authorizations.

General Vice Squad

These units are assigned to the night shift and are responsible for vice-related crimes that occur at night, with an emphasis on liquor licensed establishments. They are also responsible for conducting reverse prostitution stings with the appropriate Division Tactical Unit.

Organized Gambling Squad

This unit investigates illegal gambling with an emphasis on bookmakers in sporting events on a year-round basis. It also investigates the use of video poker machines in local bars and areas of entertainment. Investigation of illegal card games and carnivals are also the responsibility of this unit.

Organized Prostitution Squad

This unit investigates escort services, massage parlors, modeling studios, and topless clubs that are suspected of fronting prostitution. They are also responsible for conducting street prostitution stings in conjunction with the appropriate Division Tactical Unit.

Sexually Oriented Business Ordinance Squad

This unit investigates all forms of pornography in the city. They are also responsible for enforcing and investigating the city's Sexually Oriented Business Ordinance (SOB.)This ordinance controls the placement of various businesses in the city that require SOB permits.

Prostitution cases in particular are defensible. If they go to trial, these cases often involve police conduct that offends jurors. Examples of such conduct includes police spending taxpayer money to drink, get lap dances, and pay cover charges. Neal Davis has handled many vice cases. He has a proven track of success in them.