In Harris County, Texas, a significant inquiry has been undertaken to unravel the workings of the potent policing entity known as the constable’s office.
Dubbed “Unchecked Forces” by investigative journalists at the Houston Chronicle, this probe has unearthed concerning revelations about the operations of the county’s eight constable’s offices.
These constable’s offices, distinct from other law enforcement agencies in the state, collectively employ over 1,700 sworn deputies and operate with a combined budget of $236 million. Despite their considerable size and influence in Harris County, they operate within a framework of minimal accountability.
According to findings from the Chronicle’s investigation, constables in Harris County enjoy the least accountability among all Texas police agencies due to a legal loophole.
Unlike individual police departments, constable’s offices cannot be sued separately as they are considered integral parts of the county. However, the county itself cannot be held liable either, as constables are not regarded as official policymakers akin to the sheriff.
This legal anomaly, termed an “accountability black hole” by the Chronicle, effectively shields constables from lawsuits alleging civil rights violations.
Even though some within the system may disagree with this protection, it remains a formidable barrier against legal recourse for those seeking accountability from constable’s offices in Harris County.
