Full Notification

The following is a statement by Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia on today’s unanimous vote by Commissioners Court scheduling a Nov. 5 bond referendum on financing the county’s share of a county-city inmate processing center:

“A project that will not cost taxpayers any more of their hard-earned money, but that will allow us to process inmates into jail faster, allowing arresting officers to get back to patrol duty more quickly, is finally moving forward after years of discussion.

"This public safety project will avoid current costly duplications of city and county operations. It will help us book inmates into jail faster and make the release of those who are legally allowed to be released more efficient, saving taxpayers' money.

"This will make it safer for my staff, who now work in archaic conditions. It will also be better for the community because it will allow our programs aimed at avoiding recidivism to become much more effective. This is a good day for taxpayers and public safety!

“As Commissioners Court members and staff confirmed today, the issuance of these bonds would not require a county property tax increase. The city is paying its fair share, and the savings from the operations of the joint processing will help pay off the bonds.

“Judge Ed Emmett said today that the project will ‘make our criminal justice system so much more efficient.’ Commissioner Jack Morman said the proposal is ‘universally seen as a good project.’ I heartily agree. I urge all voters in the county to participate in the election.”