On Feb. 14, Harris County Commissioners Court approved funding 32 additional Precinct 4 police officers, Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman said.  


Herman said he asked for the positions to support the existing staff. Some of the new positions will be assigned to patrol work, and some will be assigned to investigative work.


"I feel like that’s what we need to further our cause out here to provide the services that we do," Herman said. "I had budget money that I could spend on [the new hires] from last year that I saved because I’m very frugal with my budget."


Herman said his office is in the process of recruiting and conducting background checks. He expects the new officers will begin work within the next month. 


The approval also included funding for 64 new patrol vehicles and three clerical positions.


"It’s more than getting the 32 positions,” Herman said. “You’ve got to have the infrastructure in place to make those positions effective."


Herman has worked for the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office since 1986, when he began his career as a patrol deputy. 


"I can’t remember in my 31 years [where a precinct] is given so much manpower,” Herman said. “This is a good thing for the folks in north Harris County."