East Aldine District holds Public Safety/Security Meeting


The East Aldine District sponsored a meeting last Thursday evening between citizens of local neighborhoods, and representatives of the Sheriff’s department, to exchange information and improve public safety in the District.

The meeting was led by EAD’s Richard Cantu, and including Capt. Mike Richmond and many Sheriff’s deputies, and civic and neighborhood representatives from Parkwood Estates, Castlewood, Tasfield, Green Forest, High Meadows North, Pine Village North, and neighborhoods around street areas including Friendly, Gloger, Hartwick, and others.

Topics that were covered in the three hour meeting included District II patrol activities, the Pro-Active unit, District Contract patrols, and Nuisance Abatement. These were presented by Capt. Richmond and his staff.

Also presented was a Crime Prevention talk by Deputy McCool, and an Emergency Preparedness talk by Mardie Menke of the Harris County Office of Emergency Management. Menke is asking citizens to join a CERT class, to start in May. Info at 281-436-8163.

An introduction to ESD#1 services and facilities was given by Dr. George Kiss, medical director of ESD#1, and Cathy Sunday, president of the board. This was followed by a tour of the building and equipment.

During the evening, residents voiced specific complaints about crime activities in the district. Deputies took notice and information, and promised follow-up. These complaints included Sunday night activities along Little York, including loud music from cars, and street and parking lot racing and cruising. Also mentioned were gunshot parties in several neighborhoods. Bars and clubs were also mentioned as a source of problems for residential neighborhoods.

Beer joints with excessive calls for service, and accompanying illegal activities, have been acted on by the County Attorney, with the intent to pull their licenses, according to Capt. Richmond.

Also discussed was the problem of Game Rooms, with their alleged illegal payouts. Capt. Richmond and Deputy McCool explained the problems of getting conviction on these establishments, but promised the enforcement would continue.

Presentations by the Deputies included mention of the large area to be covered in District II, a total of 275 calls for service daily. However, Capt. Richmond noted a significant decrease in burglary and robbery calls. The largest increase was seen in motor vehicle break-ins, and business burglaries, up 40% from last year.

Deputies Incensio and Garcia presented statistics on the success of the Pro-Active team at East Aldine, which includes 4 deputies and a sergeant just for crime fighting in the District. It was this unit that chased and shot dead a murder suspect from the District last February.

Deputy Rowe outlined work of the Nuisance Abatement unit, and their continued success in removing abandoned autos and dilapidated houses.

Deputy McCool handed out a Crime Prevention guideline, and emphasized that a Neighborhood Crime Watch program, following the suggestions in the booklet, would help to reduce crime.

Cathy Sunday spoke on the capabilities of the Urgent Care Clinic at ESD#1, and also the equipment they have. A unique ambulance is a “bariatric” unit, set up to handle overweight patients that otherwise would not be moved.

EAD chairman Clyde Bailey thanked all who participated, and emphasized that reducing crime was an on-going job.