In 2007, change swept the Houston Police Department and the way they handled the mentally ill. Change came after two people with schizophrenia were shot and killed by police only two months apart. In the past 5 years, the changes that were made have proven effective—effective in getting the mentally ill the help they need and improving police relations with them. Houston’s efforts are being held up as an example across the country and they certainly deserve it. [Read more…]
Houston Murders Second-Lowest Since 1966
It seems like a dangerous time to be alive. If you watch much television, you could be convinced that the world is a very violent place, and the news is just as guilty as primetime dramas. But television doesn’t tell the whole story. In fact, it frequently gets things very wrong. New figures say that the murder rate in Houston in 2012 was 216. This is the second lowest rate for the city since 1966. [Read more…]
Felony Online Impersonation Charges – Difficult to Prove
There is a new group of criminal laws being written and enacted across the country. These laws are designed to punish people who, through social medial sites or other online forums, attempt to harm someone. While many people think of these acts as practical jokes, the injury is considered very real by lawmakers and judges alike—proving the offense, however, is a little more difficult.. [Read more…]
Governor Perry Proposing Tougher Sex Offender Laws
Governor Rick Perry announced this week that he is proposing tighter restrictions on sex offenders. No matter how the system seems to lighten up on criminal offenses overtime, sex offenses are not likely to be included. [Read more…]
Drug Traffickers Using the US Mail
Sometimes it’s just easier to put something in the mail. Apparently this isn’t only true for your bills, but also controlled substances. According to the Houston Chronicle, drug traffickers are turning to the mail system more and more often with agents in Houston intercepting 15 packages in the last 60 days. [Read more…]
Texas Theft Charges – College Prank Gone Wrong?
Fifteen college freshmen from Texas Tech spent a night in jail recently and now face serious criminal charges. All fifteen are rushing the same fraternity, leading some to wonder if the act was related to hazing or some other sort of prank. Now, however, no one is laughing and the potential for jail time looms overhead. [Read more…]
Flawed Eyewitness Identification At Fault In Two Recent High Profile Cases
Two cases of DNA exoneration in the Houston area is bringing the issue of eyewitness identification into the light. Two men who served a combined total of 46 years behind bars for offenses they didn’t commit can largely blame eyewitness identification for their convictions. [Read more…]
Dallas To Get Tough on Property Crime?
A committee made up of North Texas law enforcement and activists assembled to discuss potential legislation this past week. Up for discussion—the need for stronger property crime prevention and prosecution. According to the Dallas Morning News, area district attorneys and law enforcement are frustrated with the speed in which property crime violators are back on the streets committing more offenses. [Read more…]
Twenty-eight Arrested In Sting of Diverse Drug Ring
Nearly 30 people were arrested by federal agents this week for participating in a drug ring with ties back to a Mexican drug cartel. The ring was called the “United Nations” of drug rings because of its unusual diversity. The makeup of this ring simply shows that the stereotypical drug dealer isn’t always what people think. [Read more…]
