At a press conference on Wednesday, Governor Abbott was joined by Harris County constables, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, and a representative from the Houston Police Officers’ Union. The governor said the task force, which includes the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Rangers, will focus on individuals who continue to commit serious crimes after prior charges.
“Citizens in this area remain concerned about crime, especially violent crime, and simply, there are far too many victims of violent crime in Harris County,” Abbott said.
Though the announcement took place in Houston, neither Houston Mayor John Whitmire nor Chief of Police Noe Diaz were present. According to ABC13, HPD declined to comment and referred all questions to the governor’s office. A spokesperson for the mayor said Whitmire was out of town and had sent his regrets.
When asked about the mayor’s absence, Abbott emphasized his ongoing collaboration with local leaders. “We have a good working relationship that is long established, so this is a project that I do want to take elsewhere in the state, but because of the effective improvement and historic relationship that already exists, I thought this was a good place to start.”
ABC13 found that since 2020, approximately 49,000 individuals in Harris County have been charged with more than one felony, about 38% of all felony defendants. Of those, 80% posted bond in at least one case.
Abbott acknowledged recent declines in Houston’s violent crime rates but said more work is needed. He also pointed to his previously championed bond reform efforts, which will appear as a constitutional amendment on the November ballot.
“We will look at every corner of the state to make sure we are making it as safe as possible,” Abbott stated.
