Notes From the Constable’s Meeting
November 13, 2024
Recently, Constable Jason Johnson and Chief Deputy Jerry Kitchens, called a meeting with the HOA Board of Directors to discuss crime statistics and safety measures for Travis Ranch. Listed below are a few of the key points Constable Johnson and Chief Kitchens made that stuck with me (Andy Little, Director).
First, I want to say that I am extremely grateful for Constable Johnson, Chief Kitchens, and their team for their diligence in keeping us safe. And I greatly appreciated both of them taking time away from their families after normal business hours to meet with us for a couple of hours. Their work has benefitted our community as you’ll see in the first point made below.
First Point – Crime is Trending Downward
Constable Jason Johnson presented comprehensive charts and data to the Board of Directors, which showcased a clear decline in crime rates, emergency calls, and community concerns within our neighborhood over the past few years. These statistics reflect the effectiveness of the strategies implemented by the Constable’s team aimed at curbing criminal activities and enhancing resident safety.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that both the Constable’s office and the Board of Directors recognize the necessity for continued vigilance. There is a collective commitment to sustaining these efforts to ensure the downward trend in crime persists, thereby fostering an environment where residents can feel increasingly secure in the long term.
Second Point – Don’t Hesitate to Call 911
Constable Johnson has strongly urged the Board to communicate to the residents the critical importance of promptly reporting any criminal, suspicious, or concerning activities directly to law enforcement via 911 or the non-emergency number 469-376-4500. He referenced recent events such as the series of car burglaries and disturbances at the Fall Festival, where community members opted to share information on social media platforms like Facebook rather than contacting authorities. Surprisingly, he noted that his office received no calls for these incidents, highlighting a significant gap in community response protocols.
During discussions, several Board members, including myself, raised concerns about potentially overwhelming emergency services with such reports. Constable Johnson alleviated these concerns by affirming that the system is equipped to handle an increase in calls and emphasized the necessity of immediate reporting. He further assured that responses from his office would be conducted with discretion, ensuring that residents feel safe in reporting without fear of community backlash for what might be perceived as ‘snitching’.
It is imperative that all residents understand the value of reporting suspicious activities directly to law enforcement. Such actions facilitate accurate data collection, which in turn, enhances the strategic efforts to mitigate crime within our neighborhood. This approach not only aids in immediate response but also contributes to long-term safety measures.
Third Point – Juveline Detention Center Coming Soon (Hopefully)
Recently, local law enforcement has expressed significant frustration over the overcrowding at juvenile detention centers in our region. This overcrowding has resulted in a practice where most juveniles arrested are processed and released back to their homes on the same day. In cases involving more serious offenses, juveniles are being transported to distant facilities, such as those in Brownsville, due to the absence of local capacity. This situation has inadvertently encouraged some local youths to engage in criminal activities, perceiving minimal immediate consequences for their actions.
The chronic shortage of juvenile detention spaces has long been a point of contention for the Constable’s office. However, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon: plans are underway for the construction of a new juvenile detention center in Kaufman County, expected to be completed within the next year or two. Constable Johnson is optimistic that this facility will lead to a marked reduction in juvenile crime by providing a deterrent effect through the availability of immediate and local consequences for criminal behavior.
Residents interested in supporting this initiative are encouraged to contact County Commissioner Skeet Phillips or other local representatives to voice their support for the construction of the new juvenile detention center.
Fourth Point – Constable Sub Station Coming Soon to Our Area
A new substation for the Constable’s office is anticipated to be established in the near near our community. The introduction of this localized facility is poised to enhance patrol activities and significantly reduce response times to emergency calls. The proposed site for this substation is expected to be along Lake Ray Hubbard Drive, near the historic Pioneer Cemetery, thereby situating law enforcement closer to the community it serves for more efficient service delivery.
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