Community groups urge Houston council to tag police contract amid budget shortfall and racial‑profiling concerns

Community groups, former law enforcement officers and advocates urged the Houston City Council on May 20 to delay action on a proposed police contract and related budget moves, saying the city faces a multi‑million‑dollar shortfall and that Houston Police Department practices show racial disparities.

At the meeting, speakers pressed councilors to "tag" the contract—that is, postpone a vote—while council and city finance staff resolve questions about an ongoing drainage case and the city controller's ability to certify the budget.

Former Harris County Sheriff's Department sergeant Jeff Reese, who said he served 26 years, told the council that much of the disputed policing comes from routine traffic stops. "Most of these are minor traffic stops. Some cities have actually had their officers stop enforcing the minor traffic offenses because this is where usually where you get into these self fulfilling prophecy," Reese said, arguing departments should focus on more serious crime.

Community activist Shelby Stewart cited 2023 Houston…