When crime is on the uptick in one neighborhood, Houston Police send a mass of officers to that area in what’s called “hot spot” policing. But a new study shows the benefits of this tactic are limited and may result in the Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) losing some of its 70 officers. [Read more…]
Proposed Changes To Texas Prisons and Probation
In an effort to save the state money, lawmakers are considering changes to the prison system and probation. According to the American Statesman, the proposed changes, being added to House Bill 3386, could save the state millions at a time when we are struggling to stretch what we have. [Read more…]
Texas Guns On Campus Bill Stalls In Senate
Proposed legislation that would allow people to carry firearms on Texas campuses has gotten “stuck” in the Senate and its fate is unknown. We first shared our thoughts about this bill a few months ago, when it was believed the bill would have no problems passing. Now, it appears as if opponents might be slowing the passage with some serious countermeasures. [Read more…]
Travis County Offers Unique Felony Deferred Prosecution Program
The only one of its kind in the state, a deferred prosecution program in Travis County allows a second chance for some fortunate and remorseful felony-accused defendants. Though not all prosecutors are supportive of this move, the Travis County DA stands by her decision to screen some first-time, nonviolent offenders into programs that save them from a criminal record. [Read more…]
Texas Weighs Cost/Benefits in Federal Sex Offender Mandates
The federal government is requiring all states to comply with new standards of sexual offender control or face loss of funding. The state of Texas, with the second largest sex offender registry in the nation, is grappling with the costly mandates during a budget crisis, questioning the need for such costly measures. [Read more…]
Texas Study Examines True Cost of Budget Cuts for Criminal Justice Issues
It seems that every state is scrambling for ways to cut the budget this year and Texas is no different. While many are looking to their huge corrections budgets to take funding away from, a new study in Texas took a long hard look at proposed cuts there and what they would mean, and cost in the long run. [Read more…]
Texas Lawmakers May Allow Guns on College Campuses
Legislation aimed at giving University students and faculty the right to carry guns on campus is likely to pass this year according to the Associated Press. In a state that values their weapons as much as they do their longhorns and wide open spaces, guns on campus isn’t as controversial as elsewhere. If passed it would be only one of only a few to do so. [Read more…]
Harris County DA Turns Justice Into Game
The very same District Attorney who was elected on a platform that said “Judges aren’t referees, and justice is not a game” has turned her office into a playing field, offering prosecutors rewards for taking cases to trial rather than settling them through plea bargains. In 2008 she said convictions shouldn’t be “about the counting of scalps”, according to the Houston Chronicle. [Read more…]
Texas Bill Would Reduce Juvenile Sexting Penalties
Currently, a minor caught transmitting or possessing images of another minor on their phone can be charged with felony child pornography. Considering the popularity of the albeit troubling trend of “sexting”, the current laws could serve to criminalize numerous teens engaged in the practice. A new bill would change that. [Read more…]
Texas Crime Commission Recommends Sobriety Checkpoints
An organization of law enforcement officials has made their legislative wish-list. The North Texas Crime Commission got together last week to discuss recommendations in the world of law enforcement and crime control. Among their wishes—a return to sobriety check points. [Read more…]
