Lawmaker asks for state help in fighting crime

(9/20/06 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- A local lawmaker is demanding the governor step in to help fight crime in our area. It's a plan that's raising some eyebrows.

State Representative Martha Wong made the plea after being inundated with concerns by several Meyerland area residents -- people who say they have been victimized by crime. Those who've lived in Meyerland for years now say they've never seen as much fear about crime as they see now.

"At night, I don't go south of West Bellfort," admitted resident Mike Haley. "You're asking for trouble if you do."

Such trouble, such crime concerns sparked Wong to write a letter to the governor, asking for help.

She said, "People are just, you know, as they see me and they worry more about crime, they say, 'Martha, can't you do something about it? Ask Governor Perry to help us.'"

Wong asked specifically for a "unified command," similar to that implemented by the state near the border, which she says helped cut crime there by 67%. Wong stopped short, though, of calling her request a call for military intervention.

"I just said state help, any law enforcement officers that he could send and help," Wong explained.

For the first half of the year -- 2006 vs. 2005 -- violent crime across Houston is up nearly 8%. Murders have increased nearly 33%. Houston Mayor Bill White applauds Wong's efforts, but says sending state law enforcement is not the best solution to the problem.

"It's more important that we get funds," said Mayor White. "We want any help we can get, particularly federal help, so we can maintain a very aggressive level of police. I don't think it's necessary to bring the national guards in."

In Meyerland, some homeowners say any such state law enforcement presence, even if brief, would only be positive.

"If you brought them in for a little while and help clean it up, I think that'd be great," Haley said.

The governor tells Eyewitness News it is a distinct possibility that DPS troopers could be sent to Houston to help. But, like the mayor, he insists it would require federal funding to make that happen.

"A really global effort here, not just DPS," said Governor Perry. "We're looking at a lot of different law enforcement type individuals who we can coordinate with the locals and work to really put the thumb down on these criminals."

A spokesperson for Wong's opponent in the November election said there are some issues that need to be resolved with this possibility of bringing in state law enforcement. They worry that those officers could undermine the jurisdiction of local law enforcement.

This story was brought to you through our partnership with Houston Community Newspapers. You can read more about it in the Bellaire Examiner.
(Copyright © 2006, KTRK-TV)

Get more News »

• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•