As crime continues to soar in Harris County, the county will consider phasing out a popular program that provides added deputy patrols to certain areas. Under the program, local neighborhoods and school districts partner with the county to fund these extra patrols, with the community partners typically paying 70 percent of the cost and the county picking up the other 30 percent. But The Texan reports Harris County Budget Director Daniel Ramos wants to end the county's portion of the bill, calling it an unfair subsidy. "He proposed changing these contracts and making the neighborhood or school district pay 100 percent, which in a lot of cases would make those programs cost-prohibitive, especially for poorer neighborhoods and school districts," says Holly Hansen, reporter for The Texan, on KPRC 950's Pursuit of Happiness with Kenny Webster.
Ramos claims these patrols are spending more than 70 percent of their time in the affected areas, meaning the county is subsidizing the neighborhoods. But he offered no proof of that claim, other than saying that is what he has "heard." Local constables are pushing back on that claim, saying the patrols actually often spend less than 70 percent of their time on duty in the specific neighborhood or school district, meaning it is the community partners that are subsidizing the county.
Another question raised by the proposal is whether it runs afoul of a Texas law that prohibits local governments from defunding law enforcement. Houston State Senator Paul Bettencourt told The Texan he plans to look into that question.
The proposal by Ramos is likely to get a full hearing in Harris County Commissioners Court next month, and Hansen expects it will draw plenty of attention. "The last time they tried to mess with these contracts, there was a lot of outcry from the community," she tells Webster. "I suspect local residents would be interested to know what is happening here, and whether or not they'll be able to continue this program that helps ensure safety in their communities."
Photo: iStockphoto