We have entered a new year with high hopes of continuing to improve interaction with our community. The Sheriff's Department is proud of the accomplishments of 1996. With community support, we were able to launch the Citizens Police School, the 249 Storefront,, Sheriff Interaction Group (SIG), and we added 20 plus patrol units on the street to fight crime. We continue with our Proactive Policing Program, in which we have highlighted specific areas at a time for a heavier concentration of our attention. These areas are constantly changing so we can target all of District One at different times. This in no way compromises our abilities to continue to provide the best service to our community. We constantly strive to serve you and help keep you safe. 

All of our accomplishments are possible because of community support and we wish to thank the Northwest Community League, the Northwest Security Coordinators' Association, Northwest Chamber of Commerce, and all others who have donated their time, money, and support. Most especially, we thank you. 

We are very pleased with the election of Sheriff Thomas. The Sheriff has already brought additional personnel to the Patrol Division and has received Commissioner's Court approval for more patrol deputies. There will be a hundred positions added over the next few months. Those positions will be divided among the four districts and our specialized "Hot Spot" unit which rotates through the four districts. 

As usual we are here to help, please call us if we can be of assistance. 
 

A lot of good things are taking place in this program. Gangs are still out there and are rapidly changing their identity to keep police, school, parents and others unaware of their activities. For an outstanding presentation for your residents, call Diane Carillo at 967-5740 to set up a program. She provides a very knowledgeable program designed to inform both parents and teachers about what gang activity is taking place.  

The following numbers are provided for use in your newsletters or etc. to inform parents about community help. 

A person who is at least 15 years of age riding in the front seat not wearing a seatbelt is in violation of the law. This is also a misdemeanor punishable by a fine. 

A child 12 and under riding in the open bed of a vehicle traveling 35 mph or more is also a misdemeanor punishable by a fine $25 - $200.