On October 12, 2024, Fort Bend law enforcement concerns, such as human trafficking, mental health, and community trust, took center stage at the candidates forum held at the University of Houston in Sugar Land. The event was hosted by a coalition of community organizations, including Emgage, BakerRipley, and Houston Ethnic Media. Voters had the opportunity to meet candidates, ask questions, and hear their plans for the future.
Although the forum featured a wide variety of candidates—from judicial hopefuls to legislative contenders—it was the law enforcement candidates who drew the most attention. The audience, deeply concerned about public safety and justice, asked direct questions on issues like human trafficking, racial disparities in policing, and officer mental health. Fort Bend County’s sheriff candidates and constables responded to these growing concerns about crime and community trust.
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Fort Bend law enforcement concerns: Human trafficking and public safety
One of the most pointed questions came from an audience member who asked how law enforcement addresses labor-related human trafficking. This issue, often overshadowed by sex trafficking discussions, has become a growing problem in Fort Bend County’s booming construction industry.
Sheriff Eric Fagan, the incumbent running for re-election, highlighted his department’s collaborations with federal agencies like Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He emphasized the importance of educating the community to help combat labor trafficking.
“We’ve arrested over 100 human traffickers and rescued more than 30 victims here in Fort Bend County,” Fagan said. “It’s about education. Community members often see these situations first, and by raising awareness, we can intervene earlier and save lives.”
Marshall Slot, Fagan’s challenger, who has over 30 years of law enforcement experience, also addressed public safety, with a focus on petty crime in suburban areas like Aliana and Sugar Land. Slot criticized the current administration for being understaffed and suggested increasing collaboration between local and federal agencies to improve safety.
“We need more deputies on the streets,” Slot said. “Right now, nine deputies cover all 875 square miles of Fort Bend County. That’s not enough. We need more visibility to make residents feel safe.”
Fort Bend law enforcement concerns: Traffic stops and community trust
Another critical question was how law enforcement handles traffic stops, particularly with young people and minorities. Traffic stops often escalate into dangerous situations, which concerned many in the audience.
Fagan explained his “Pizza with a Cop” program, which aims to build trust between law enforcement and young people. He also referenced House Bill 30, which mandates training for both officers and students on how to handle traffic stops.
“One of the most heartbreaking things I’ve heard came from a student,” Fagan said. “He told me he would run if pulled over by the police because he feared for his life. We have to change that perception. We’re working hard to ensure both officers and young people know how to de-escalate these situations.”
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Fort Bend law enforcement concerns: Mental health support for officers
Mental health challenges, affecting both citizens and law enforcement officers, were also a key focus of the forum. Both Fagan and Slot emphasized the need for more mental health resources, especially given the heavy toll the job takes on deputies.
“Our deputies are overworked,” Slot said. “They’re working excessive overtime, which impacts their ability to serve effectively. It’s my priority to take care of their mental health so they can take care of the community.”
Fagan echoed this concern. He described his efforts to expand the department’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) to operate 24 hours a day.
“Mental health doesn’t stop at 5 p.m.,” Fagan said. “Our CIT team is trained to handle crises around the clock. It’s making a real difference in how we respond to those in need.”
Fort Bend law enforcement concerns: Transparency and accountability
Constable Nabil Shike and Patrick Quincy also addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
Shike, representing Precinct 3, described the role community involvement plays in his department. He outlined the steps his office has taken to ensure residents have a say in law enforcement practices.
“We created a civilian review board to provide oversight and ensure accountability,” Shike said. “Our uniforms and patrol cars were designed by the community to reflect the people we serve.”
Shike also highlighted his commitment to diversity and inclusion in leadership roles within his department.
“One of my first actions was to appoint the first African American chief deputy and the first female captain in our department’s history,” he said. “Representation matters. Our leadership should reflect the community we serve.”
Patrick Quincy, running for Precinct 4 Constable, also stressed the importance of accountability and building trust with the public.
“We need to put the service back into public service,” Quincy said. “It’s about listening to the community and ensuring officers are held accountable.”
Quincy shared his background in public service. His experience as a Marine and his current role as a chief investigator at the Fort Bend County Attorney’s Office have shaped his commitment to transparency and fairness in law enforcement.
“Leadership starts at the top,” Quincy said. “If it’s important to the leader of the agency, it will be important to the deputies on the streets.”
More candidates in attendance
The forum featured a wide array of candidates across different races, all offering their platforms for improving Fort Bend County:
- Shad Bogany, running for Missouri City Council, spoke about his extensive experience in real estate and housing development, focusing on making Missouri City a destination for families and businesses.
- Judge Tameika Carter, running for re-election in the 400th District Court, emphasized her work in eliminating backlogs and ensuring fairness for all who come into her courtroom, regardless of background.
- Ed Krenek, candidate for District Court Judge, focused on improving court efficiency, particularly in civil cases, and emphasized his extensive legal experience and plans to reduce delays in the system.
- Marquette Greene-Scott, a Congressional candidate for District 22, focused on women’s reproductive rights, veterans’ issues, and healthcare access.
- JaPaula Kemp, running for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2, emphasized her legal experience in criminal and child welfare cases.
- Judge Chad Bridges, Justice, 14th court of Appeals, Place 3, currently presiding over the 458th District Court, discussed his efforts to reduce domestic violence and clear over 3,700 cases.
- Justice Margaret Poissant, an incumbent of the 14th Court of Appeals, Place 8, highlighted her work in providing justice across 10 counties.
- Andy Meyers, Incumbent County Commissioner, Precinct 3, emphasized his long record of service in reducing taxes and increasing public safety.
- Kathy Cheng, running for Texas Senate District 17, called on voters to focus on local races, reminding them not to stop at the top of the ballot.
- Lea Simmons, running for Texas House District 76, emphasized her commitment to representing all residents, regardless of race, religion, or socioeconomic status, and highlighted her passion for community engagement.
- Daniel Lee, Democratic candidate for Texas House District 26, spoke about his dedication to public service and his desire to represent every voice in the district, regardless of political affiliation.