Constables from multiple precincts told Commissioners Court on Aug. 14 that they need additional deputies to meet new and growing workloads.
Constable Stacy Suits (Precinct 3) asked for one public-safety deputy (budgeted full cost recovery estimate in PBO at about $201,000; precinct requested $228,717 total) to allow more traffic enforcement on busy corridors such as Highway 71; Suits said her office issues far more citations than DPS in her area and that revenue from JP 3 fines is routed through the justice-of-the-peace office and the road-and-bridge fund.
Constable Don Lopez (Precinct 5) requested two deputies to support courthouse security at the Heman Marion Sweatt (HMSC) complex, citing an increase in foot traffic and new tenants including a grand jury and a state business court. Lopez said screening and bailiffing demands had increased after JP 5 moved offices and that the precinct was temporarily assigning deputies from civil duties to cover screening and bailiff needs; he estimated a 62 percent increase in foot traffic since 2023 and projected continued increases.
Planning and Budget recommended the precinct requests for FTEs (Precinct 5's two deputies were reflected in PBO as a recommended two FTEs in the preliminary budget) but noted that some revenue questions are unresolved, including whether state tenants will reimburse for security and how JP fine revenue is received and used. County staff said billing or lease arrangements with state business court and other tenants were being negotiated and that PBO would confirm reimbursement arrangements.
Why this matters: Constables provide traffic enforcement, courthouse security and service of civil process; precinct officials said new tenants and higher foot traffic at HMSC increased security duties and that traffic growth and roadway safety require additional enforcement resources. The requests will affect FTE counts and operational funding if approved.