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Constable for Precinct 4 seeks deputy to improve officer safety and manage rising eviction and service workload
Summary
Constable Joe Penson told commissioners he needs an additional deputy to provide backup for writs, evictions and growing violent or drug-related calls in north-county apartment complexes; he said job volume and safety risks have increased in recent months.
Joe Penson, constable for Precinct 4, asked the Commissioners Court to approve funding for one deputy constable to provide backup when serving eviction writs and performing court-related duties.
Penson told the court that over recent months his office has seen a spike of violent and drug-related incidents in north-Lubbock apartment complexes, including a large narcotics arrest that recovered multiple firearms and a string of armed robberies. He described several service calls that turned hazardous and recounted an on-duty incident in which an occupant pulled a handgun while the constable was serving a writ.
"There's nothing saying we won't walk up to an eviction to serve one, and they're thinking it's a warrant," Penson said, describing circumstances that can quickly escalate.
Penson said his officeis running a growing number of writs and civil papers; he provided weekly papers and fee totals and said fee income is rising into the tens of thousands of dollars, though he noted county accounting and cash reconciliation are handled by the county systems.
Request details and logistics Penson requested one full-time deputy, vehicle equipment (a radio and a unit radio), a portable radio and a taser and uniforms. Personnel committee and sheriffstaff indicated a used vehicle might be available through the sheriff's fleet, which would reduce the county capital outlay requirement.
On workspace, the constable said a small desk and workstation exist in his current office and that space could be adapted for a second deputy; he said, longer term, the office would prefer space near prosecutors and court staff but would make do with immediate accommodations.
Ending: Commissioners asked procedural and budget questions. The court did not vote; staff were directed to include the request in the countywide budget exercises and return cost figures for personnel and equipment to be considered with other requests.
