There will be the same number of officers on the Port Arthur Police Department force, but it will now be a leaner operation.

Chief Patrick Melvin of the PAPD said at the regular meeting of the Port Arthur City Council on Tuesday morning he was streamlining the department to better serve the community.

The department will go from eight lieutenants to seven lieutenants and from 103 officers to 104 officers. There will continue to be 128 authorized positions in the department. There are 11 vacancies with five enrolled in the police academy.

Tiffany Hamilton, District 2 councilwoman, asked Melvin if he could use more officers.

He said in a perfect world he would love to have more officers, but the department will be good stewards of the community’s money with what they have.

Melvin reminded the council of the upcoming civil service exam coming up for police officers.

The exam will be offered at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Senior/Recreation Center Gymnasium, 1308 Ninth Ave. in Port Arthur.

Willie “Bae” Lewis Jr., District 5 councilman, asked if a PAPD recruiting officer visits campuses in Texas.

Melvin said every officer is considered a recruiter and they have been visiting campuses in Texas.

In other police business, a public hearing was held on the effects in the community of the curfew ordinance for minors and whether the city should continue, modify or abolish it.

Melvin said the state requires a review of the ordinance every three years. The last time it was done in Port Arthur was in 2014.

He said the PAPD was fine with the way the ordinance is stated.

Lewis asked how police are handling first-time citations for violations. Melvin said it depended on the circumstances.

A citation may be issued for the first offense. If there is a proper explanation there will be no citation.

“There are different stipulations,” Melvin said.

Lewis asked if the police will take the minor home.

Melvin said yes and the minor’s safety is their primary concern.

Christopher Bates, Jefferson County Precinct 2 constable, said he was fine with the ordinance, but he would like more discussions with parents and how they are held accountable.

Morris Albright III, District 3 councilman, wanted Bates and Melvin to discuss the matters.

“I don’t want this to be a huge liability to parents,” Albright said.

Hamilton said she was concerned about the cost of a citation and if the minors could get a work permit.

Melvin said every situation is different and will be looked at individually.

Lewis asked what happens on the second offense. Melvin said the officer looks at the totality of circumstances, gets information from their parents and look at the entire situation.

The second or third violation are determined by the courts if they are a repeat offender.

Lewis said he was concerned because some young men can’t get a job if they have had a curfew violation in their past.

David Ball: 409-721--2427