Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a new public safety initiative in Houston on Wednesday, introducing a Violent Crimes Task Force to tackle repeat violent offenders in the city.
This initiative is a collaboration involving multiple agencies, including the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), local constables, the Houston Police Officers Union, and Crime Stoppers of Houston.
Abbott emphasized the collaborative nature of the initiative, referring to it as an “all-in effort” to increase safety in Houston.
He highlighted that the majority of violent crimes in Houston are committed by individuals with prior offenses.
According to Crime Stoppers of Houston, 55% of violent crimes in the city involve repeat offenders. Abbott stated that these offenders are being put on notice and will be targeted, arrested, and incarcerated.
The initiative follows a reported 22% decline in violent crime in Houston over the past year, but concerns about safety persist among residents.
The task force will integrate DPS troopers, special agents, Texas Rangers, and local law enforcement. Their operations will receive support from aircraft and intelligence units.
There is no set timeline for the duration of the task force’s operations, according to Governor Abbott.
He expressed a clear objective for the initiative, stating that every resident in Houston should have the freedom to walk the streets, escort their children to school, operate their businesses, and go about their daily lives without fear.