A Constable Patrol provides safety and security to neighborhoods that wish to supplement the services provided by the Houston Police Department. Each neighborhood that has implemented a Constable Patrol Program has seen a significant decrease in crime as criminals are apprehended, think twice about committing crimes in the area, or move on to less secure neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods contract with the Harris County Commissioners Court for the services of deputy constables to patrol the neighborhoods at prevailing rates set by the Commissioners Court. This money covers 80% of the officers’ salaries and affords neighborhoods 80% of the officers’ time. This supplemental security program for Mandell Place, Winlow Place, and Cherryhurst neighborhoods is sponsored by and administered through the volunteer efforts of the Mandell Winlow Security Foundation, MWSF.
Under our contract, deputy constables are assigned to patrol our neighborhoods and proactively work to reduce crime and enhance safety and security. The neighborhood covered receives highly visible patrol services by the deputy constables in marked police vehicles. Because Constables are certified peace officers, they have the right to ticket, arrest and, if necessary, use force to deter and stop crime. As a result, the entire neighborhood benefits from a general deterrent effect and a heightened level of security in our community. This is good for everyone in the area served. There is one overall contract that covers Cherryhurst, Mandell Place, and Winlow Place neighborhoods.
The cost of the program, however, cannot be “charged” to all households in the area. As a result, the cost of the program is borne by participating, “member” households. Each “member” household pays a pro rata portion of the cost of the contract. This means that the greater the number of households participating, the lower the cost to each household. It is, therefore, a win-win the more households that join. All homeowners and renters who reside in the area being served are eligible to participate in the Constable Patrol Program.
Please join our efforts to maintain the hightened level of security and lower the membership dues for all participants. If you have more questions about how the Constable Patrol Program works, please contact info@mwpatrol.org.