Houston Police Department’s Differential Response Team (DRT) officers take a different approach to policing. Rather than responding to emergency calls, they focus on long-term solutions to recurring issues that impact quality of life. Their work includes addressing code violations, environmental concerns and public safety matters that, if left unchecked, could escalate into larger problems.
Two DRT officers, Andrew Calzavara and Robert Warley, are bringing that approach to Westchase District, where they patrol two to three days a week to enhance safety and mobility. Among their top priorities are cracking down on illegal truck parking and addressing properties in disrepair.
Addressing illegal truck parking
City regulations prohibit 18-wheelers and other large commercial vehicles from parking on public streets for more than two hours and ban truck parking entirely between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. The intent is to allow for deliveries while preventing extended or overnight parking, which can create dangerous conditions for other drivers.
“Our biggest focus in Westchase District has been on large vehicle parking, especially box trucks and 18-wheelers,” said Ofc. Warley. “Since we’ve been towing, we’ve seen a huge reduction in trucks parked illegally, and the community has noticed too. We hear a lot of feedback from residents and employees in the District who are grateful that this issue is being addressed.”
To enforce parking laws, DRT officers patrol the District, log the time and date of parked vehicles and return later to check for violations. If a truck remains in violation, it is subject to towing, with retrieval costs reaching up to $2,000. Since the initiative began, the officers have had more than 30 trucks towed, significantly reducing illegal parking in problem areas like Seagler Road, Westcenter Drive and Woodland Park Drive.
“Motorist visibility is so limited when these giant vehicles park on our narrow residential streets,” said Mark Hubenak, Westchase District’s vice president of public safety. “Drivers trying to leave their apartment communities or navigate Seagler Road have their line of sight blocked.”
Working with property owners
Beyond parking enforcement, Officers Calzavara and Warley also focus on neglected properties, often referred to as “nuisance locations.” These are vacant lots or unoccupied buildings that have fallen into disrepair, potentially attracting criminal activity.
“When properties are left unattended, they not only become an eyesore but also create opportunities for crime,” said Hubenak. “By tackling these issues early, we’re ensuring Westchase remains a clean, safe and welcoming place for businesses, residents and visitors.”
According to Ofc. Calzavara, much of their work is driven by complaints from citizens who reach out to the mayor’s office, city council or management districts. Rather than dealing with criminal offenses that lead to arrests, the DRT team enforces city codes and works directly with property owners to resolve violations.
“Our focus is different,” Calzavara explained. “You aren’t going to arrest someone for having an unkempt property or parking their 18-wheeler in a residential zone. We are trained in the enforcement tools available for these types of issues.”
The officers conduct property inspections, identify code violations and provide owners with recommendations for improvement. Most owners are cooperative, but for those who fail to comply, citations can be issued every 24 hours, quickly accumulating significant fines.
“This work benefits both the community and the Houston Police Department,” said Hubenak. “The proactive approach reduces the likelihood of repeat calls for service and allows HPD to focus on more pressing public safety concerns.”
“Westchase District is a great partner to work with,” Calzavara added. “Mark is very connected in the District, which is super helpful for us in getting in touch with property owners. He knows where the hot spots are, so we can prioritize the areas we address first. Westchase District also does a fantastic job with improvement projects, which makes our job easier. For example, the work they did on Walnut Bend led to many property owners making their own improvements. We never get property complaints there.”
By taking a proactive approach, the DRT officers are making a noticeable impact in Westchase District—improving safety, mobility and overall quality of life for residents and businesses alike.
