Seated at his desk wearing a pristine grey suit with yellow and white tie, Port Arthur Police Chief Patrick Melvin is an imposing figure.

With hands clasped together he speaks in a cordial tone of how he’s settling in as chief, a post he was appointed to three months ago, of the department, goals and the community he serves.

“To be subtle, I’m hesitant to say I’m settled in,” Melvin, a retired police chief from Salt River Police Department in Arizona who has more than 30 years experience in law enforcement, said.

He’s been busy since he officially stepped into his office on Oct. 11. He has attended numerous community functions and police briefings, visited schools, met with officers and officials and worked on the day-to-day duties of chief of police.

Melvin listed some of the recent promotions in the department; Sgt. Lam Nguyen and Sgt. Joey Houston, both of whom he said are doing a great job. There’s Det. Ahmaal Bodden with street crimes/community relations that is now part of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.

The task force, he said, is a great liaison and resource for the department.

“By bringing one to the FBI Task Force you get a team that deal with issues related to Port Arthur,” he said. “It’s a force multiplier.”

Melvin was still new to the office in November when there was the opportunity to fill a police major/deputy chief’s position over field operations.

“With Deputy Chief Frank Ramirez there was a process. We got the community involved,” he said.

The selection process included a seven-member panel to interview all selected candidates that included city staff, community members, a public safety chief and a district attorney office prosecutor.

Since Melvin was not familiar with the department at the time, and wanting to be fair, he opened the position to all department and had applicants from different ranks apply.

“I didn’t want to disqualify someone if they had experience. I wanted them (applicants) to have the opportunity to test for the position,” he said.

Though Melvin had the final call on the post, the suggestion to appoint Ramirez was unanimous.

Melvin is working towards getting to know the officers within the department. He receives all major notifications, calls from supervisors at any time day or night and has shown up for ‘midnight briefings.’ He recently had a chance to meet some of the department’s dispatchers, whom, he said, are a vital part of the team.

“Eventually I’ll get to know everyone by first name,” he said.

The department is also looking to hire more officers and a civil service test will be held on Feb. 11. Currently there are five people in the current police academy and Melvin hopes to increase the number of officers on the street, saying that if there is an increase in officers there will be a decrease in response times.

Melvin was approached by Port Arthur City Councilwoman Charlotte Moses about a program that would show high school youth about a career in law enforcement, fire department and emergency medical services. They connected with Port Arthur Independent School District Superintendent Mark Porterie about a Police Explorer group.

“To become an officer you must be at least 21 years old,” he said. “This youth leadership program targets ages 14 through 20.”

They program would be patterned after Vidor Police Department’s explorer program and a portion of the program is aimed at youth who may be interested in becoming a police officer.

Officers would act as mentors and work with the students in the program, bring them on ride-alongs and more. The program is sponsored through the Boy Scouts of America and a new chapter must be started before the program can begin. Melvin hopes to see it begin in late fall.

“This program will also break barrier. Students will talk to the peers and family members about it,” he said. “This can do nothing but enhance the relationship with the community.”

Porterie said he is excited about the possibility of introducing students to these careers.

“We definitely want to bring back respect to those careers, especially police officers in light of the things that have happened across the nation.”

Porterie said he also wants to support Chief Melvin as well as the City of Port Arthur.

At the front of Melvin’s desk are two racks of challenge coins collected from across the United States. The idea of the challenge coin originated with the military and was taken in by police departments. The coins sport the logo of the departments and are traded among officers. The department is currently developing a PAPD coin, which will later be presented during an awards banquet.

The new Port Arthur Police Chief has branched out in his drive to meet the community with Chat with the Chief, a radio program that airs at 11 a.m. on the first Thursday of the month on The Breeze radio station. Callers can ask questions of the chief and learn more about the department and of police related incidents in the city, he said.

Port Arthur Mayor Derrick Freeman is also welcoming of Melvin.

“I appreciate his commitment to coming to Port Arthur,” Freeman said. “He has worked in several cities larger than ours. He is doing a great job and doing the things he’s learned in his decorated career. He’s a great leader and what our police department and city needed.”

On a more personal note, Melvin and his wife are getting to know the area.

“Our kids are grown and in Arizona and it’s just the wife and I now,” he said. “We’ve identified different churches in looking for our church home and of course we’ll live I the city. We’ve also identified some supermarkets for shopping.”

Melvin goes back to discussing the department and some of his goals.

“One goal is that I want our professionalism to show in the community,” he said. “I want the community to feel comfortable and feel safe and secure with the services provided by the Port Arthur Police Department.”

Reporter: Mary Meaux, 409-721-2429

Twitter: @MaryMeauxPANews