In addition, I remember from somewhere that man works best for only one person.  Don’t give him two people to work for . .
 As an example of the refusal of liability, the legal counselor for our subdivision recommended that we remove the title of “Security Report” from the article that I write each month for our newsletter.  It is now called the “Patrol Report.”  I put in some of the statistics sent to me each month by Captain Price, and give some very sketchy information about vandalism, car break-ins, and house burglaries, if appropriate.
 You should address this issue with your board to get their input.  A visit with a legal person for your civic association would also be helpful.  In the mean time, remember:
 

• Avoid the use of the word Security.

• Do not imply through your words or actions that you are responsible for security.

• Take affirmative action to let your residents know they are responsible for their own security and that the civic association has not assumed any of that responsibility.

Dear Sheriff Thomas:

I am writing this letter at the request of the membership of the Northwest Security Coordinators’ Association.  The members of this organization are comprised of the subdivision Security Coordinator for those subdivisions which have contract deputies with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

We communicate directly with the Deputies who are on contract in District One, and represent approximately 30 subdivisions.  We  interface with the residents in our respective subdivisions and act as the focal point for the transmission of communication between the deputies and the residents.

The purpose of this letter is to request some assistance by improving the service provided by the persons in the 713-221-6000 dispatch division.  Most of our coordinators have been hearing significant complaints from our residents about not being able to contact the Sheriff’s Office and Deputies.  We often have residents who have seen suspicious activity or have needed assistance and have been unable to get help.     The primary problem is that the caller is put on hold for extended periods of time and simply gives up.

We appreciate your assistance in this matter.  If you would like to meet with our group and discuss problems and possible solutions, we will lay out the welcome mat. 

Sincerely,

Edmond I Bailey
President - NWSCA
cc:  Lt Diane McKeown
Major G. Sturgis
Hon. Robert A Eckels
Maj. John Matthews
Comm. Jerry Eversole