Mark Herman (R)*
Years in district: 31 years
Website: www.facebook.com/precinct4
If elected, I would: continue to do a good job and work by our core values of honor, integrity, compassion, and respect in serving the citizens of Precinct 4.
1. What are the biggest challenges the Harris County Constable's Office is facing in Precinct 4?
The booming population growth and increase in calls for police service. In 2019, we responded to over 350,000 calls for police service in a 522 square mile precinct. To better serve and have a quick response time, we will open more Constable substations in communities. Currently, we have 9 stations to better serve our communities.
2. In what ways can the HCCO improve emergency response protocols during natural disaster events such as flooding in Precinct 4?
We currently maintain an excellent relationship with all law enforcement and first responders in Precinct 4. During natural disasters, we coordinate and work the [affected] communities together. All Precinct 4 High Water rescue equipment and boats are deployed through a unified command structure in order to be effective in our communities.
3. What role is the HCCO taking to address the issue of homelessness in Precinct 4?
The Constable's Office has incorporated homeless outreach within our communities. Deputies often are a resource to aid homeless citizens in finding adequate shelter to help get them off the streets. There have been times when deputies have purchased food for the homeless, demonstrating their hearts are bigger than their badges. Our office has many resources to draw from when encountering homeless citizens. It is not a crime to be homeless.
Chris Bounds (R)
Years in district: 17 years, 7 months
Website: https://votechrisboundsforpct4constable.com
If elected, I would: plan on expanding the investigative ability of the Harris County Precinct Four Constable’s Office, which will assist deputies in criminal investigations to develop leads for follow up investigations for [offenses] to be used alongside already in use investigative techniques, thereby arresting more criminals before they can commit more crimes.
1. What are the biggest challenges the Harris County Constable's Office is facing in Precinct 4?
The biggest challenges facing HCCO Precinct 4 is deputy retention. Under Constable Mark Herman, the high turnover rate of deputies has caused a lack of experienced deputies at the department. It can take years for new deputies to learn how to follow up on cases and compile evidence for a strong case against a suspect.
2. In what ways can the HCCO improve emergency response protocols during natural disaster events such as flooding in Precinct 4?
An improvement in emergency response would be a better staging of rescue equipment and groups of trained deputies in Swiftwater Rescue.
3. What role is the HCCO taking to address the issue of homelessness in Precinct 4?
I am aware of nothing HCCO is taking to address the issue of homelessness in Precinct 4. I will establish a homeless outreach team, along with educating patrol deputies, on how to best use the Harris County Mental Health system to help empower people with behavioral, health and IDD needs to help them improve their lives through an accessible, integrated and comprehensive recovery oriented system of care.
