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Metro cops miffed about new policy

06:43 PM CDT on Thursday, August 3, 2006

By Karla Barguiarena / 11 News

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Whether it's Mexico, Guatemala or just about any other Latin American country, there are bus stations in Houston that can get you there.

For tens of thousands, it's their only ticket home and the depots are often packed with passengers.

On busy days, off-duty police officers are often hired as security guards. That used to include Metro officers, but not anymore.

Two months ago, Metro issued a memo that said its police officers could no longer work extra jobs at transporting passenger companies because of a possible public controversy.

Some Metro officers believe it's discriminatory. They believe they were pulled from the bus stations because they serve mostly Hispanics.

"HPD turned around and is working the same jobs and that's really not fair," said one veteran officer who didn't want his identity revealed because he's afraid of losing his job.

The officer said he has never worked at a bus station, but felt he needed to speak up for at least five officers who did.

"The reason was, the chief said, due to the immigration issue we want to avoid controversy," said the officer.

Controversy, the officer said, because it's been rumored that some bus stations also serve undocumented immigrants.

Metro Police Chief Thomas Lambert denies that.

"There was never an issue raised about discrimination," said Lambert. "We had gotten several anonymous complaints that were raising concerns about officers working some extra employment locations."

Lambert also said Homeland Security contacted him saying it's investigating the possibility of criminal activity at some of the bus stations.

He said he doesn't want his officers in places where that may be happening.

We've learned LULAC has launched an investigation into the complaints by Metro officers.