This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What structural changes do you plan to make in the sheriff’s office? Are there any new policies or procedures you want to put in place?
In my first 61 days as sheriff, my team and I have been working hard to make sure this office runs as efficiently as possible. We’ve taken a close look at policies, personnel and operations to ensure we’re set up to serve our growing community effectively.
We’ve made some changes to how teams are managed, responsibilities are structured and [how] day-to-day operations are handled. These adjustments put our deputies and staff in the best position to do their jobs and keep our community safe.
We’ve also made some smaller policy changes that make a big difference in how smoothly things run. Sometimes, it's the little things—cutting out unnecessary steps, improving communication and making sure our team has what they need to do their jobs right—that have the biggest impact.
Moving forward, we’ll keep refining our approach to ensure our core values of service, teamwork, accountability and respect for Montgomery County.
Are there any crime trends you intend to focus on over the next four years?
One of my first priorities as sheriff has been fixing the issue of missed 911 calls in our dispatch center. Through personnel retention efforts and some minor procedural changes, I am proud to share that last month we missed zero 911 calls. When our community calls and needs us, we must answer—we must be there. Ensuring immediate emergency response is a critical foundation of public safety.
Looking ahead over the next four years and beyond, our focus will be on addressing key crime trends that impact our county. Violent crime linked to criminal activity crossing our southern borders is a serious concern, and we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to address this threat head on. Additionally, we will focus on quality-of-life crimes that affect our residents daily, such as drug-related offenses, vandalism and public disturbances. Property crimes and theft remain a priority, as these crimes directly impact businesses and families in our community.
Furthermore, we will enhance traffic and DWI enforcement to keep our roads safer and reduce the number of impaired drivers. A proactive approach in these areas will help prevent accidents, save lives and maintain the overall safety and security of Montgomery County.
My administration is committed to ensuring our sheriff’s office remains responsive, proactive and dedicated to protecting and serving our community. Through strategic enforcement efforts and community engagement, we will continue to adapt and address the evolving challenges of law enforcement.
What do you feel is the lifespan of the county’s jail facilities? Do you have any plans to upgrade the county jail?
The Montgomery County Jail plays a crucial role in keeping our community safe by making sure those who break the law are held accountable. As sheriff, it’s my responsibility to maintain the jail and uphold the peace. With our county growing so fast, that job has become more challenging. Montgomery County is thriving because of our conservative values, strong families and commitment to law and order. But with that growth comes the need to make sure our law enforcement and jail facilities keep up.
[In late February] we went to Austin to request a 64-bed variance from the Texas Jail Commission to stay in compliance with state regulations. The commission unanimously approved it, recognizing the urgent need for more space. Once this expansion is complete, our jail will have a total capacity of 1,317 inmates. But even with these additions, we’re still behind where we need to be.
Studies have already shown that our jail is too small for both our current and future population. Adding a few beds every few years is just a short-term fix—it’s like putting a band-aid on a problem that’s only getting bigger.
We are committed to being responsible with taxpayer dollars while making public safety our top priority. Expanding the jail isn’t just about adding more space—it’s about keeping criminals off the streets, making sure justice is served and protecting our families. A strong, secure jail is a reflection of a strong community that values law and order.
That’s why we’ll be working closely with our Commissioners Court to find real, long-term solutions that make sense for our county. We need a plan that ensures we’re prepared for the future while still being financially responsible.
What other functions of the sheriff’s office do you want to bring awareness to?
There are several key parts of the sheriff’s office that I believe the community should know more about, especially as we continue working to strengthen public safety and build a stronger relationship with our residents.
One of the biggest concerns I hear from folks is traffic safety. Let’s be honest—we’ve all seen the increase in traffic in Montgomery County. The problem is, we’ve had the same size traffic unit since Sheriff Tommy Gage created it in 2006. We need a dedicated team that focuses on investigating serious crashes, DWIs and fatal wrecks. A specialized traffic unit will ensure we do that while also working to prevent future accidents through enforcement and education.
Montgomery County has deep farming and ranching roots, and we take pride in our way of life. Our livestock unit does a great job handling animal-related calls, but we need to expand it. More mounted deputies wouldn’t just help with livestock calls—they would be a huge asset for crowd control at large events, parades, and festivals.
[The 287(g) program, which is a collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security] allows specially trained deputies to work with federal immigration authorities to identify and process individuals who are in the country illegally and have been charged with crimes. It’s not about targeting people—it’s about making sure criminals who shouldn’t be here aren’t a danger to our community.
We need more personnel dedicated to this effort so we can handle these cases efficiently while keeping our focus on protecting law-abiding citizens.
