Full Notification

(HOUSTON, TX) – On the November 5, 2013 ballot county government is asking permission from the voters of the county to issue $70 million in bonds to pay a share of the construction in downtown Houston of a justice system facility that will enhance public safety, save taxpayers money and eliminate duplication.

The city/county building will be used to book inmates, discharge inmates and in some cases match outgoing inmates with medical or social services in the community that could help them avoid committing other crimes. The layout of the building will make the handling of inmates safer for staff and the people who have been arrested.

Compared to old, outmoded facilities used separately by the county and the city, the ‘joint processing center’ will allow police officers and county deputies to return to patrol duties faster. No longer will offenders arrested by Houston police have to be booked and jailed in city facilities and then again in county facilities.

Despite required legal language on the ballot, county officials say that - unlike Proposition 2 on the recasting of the Astrodome - Proposition 1 will require no tax increase. The city is already contributing $30 million and will pay the county a fee for each inmate booking.

The facility would not be an expansion of the county jail’s inmate capacity. Bed space in the ‘processing center’ would be used only for defendants who are charged with low level crimes, meaning they will spend hours rather than days behind bars.

For more information about the Joint Processing Center visit www.harriscountyso.org

For voting locations and other voting information please visit www.harrisvotes.org