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Constables press for deputies and downtown courthouse nighttime security amid population growth
Summary
Eight constable precincts reported staffing shortfalls tied to population growth and asked the court for positions funding, fuel reimbursements and targeted units (DV, homeless/mental health). Precinct 4 urged reinstating law-enforcement presence at courthouse buildings at night citing a 2016--2018 threat assessment.
Representatives from all eight constable precincts gave brief openings and then answered commissioners' questions about staffing needs and service delivery.
Several precincts cited population growth and years without additional non-contract deputy positions. Precinct 4 requested 10 deputies and a sergeant to preserve proactive community policing as the precinct's population increased more than 10.5%. Precinct 7 asked for 22 patrol officers split between district and civil patrol; its chief deputy said the precinct covers roughly 99 square miles with only 12 district patrol officers on duty.
Commissioners and constable representatives described pay parity as a major recruitment and retention success. "Turnover has dropped significantly," one constable said, and multiple precincts reported stronger candidate pools and morale since pay changes. On courthouse security, precinct 1 presented a historical threat assessment and recommended restoring law-enforcement presence overnight to reduce nighttime assaultive and theft crimes affecting courthouse buildings.
