Brutal attack and rape of deputy highlights the crisis in Harris County jails

AUSTIN — The state’s largest law enforcement union is calling for an independent investigation into the safety of Harris County jails.

“Harris County politicians have created an environment of reckless endangerment for the brave women and men of the sheriff’s department who are assigned to work in the jails,” said Charley Wilkison, Executive Director of the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, or CLEAT.

The call for an investigation comes a day after a sergeant deputy’s brutal attack and sexual assault in her office in the 1200 Baker St. facility located in downtown Houston.

“Several months ago, CLEAT was the first union to demand public information regarding jail staffing and other data, but the county has attempted to stonewall us. They are refusing to comply and instead appealed to the attorney general to help hide their dangerous workplace,” Wilkison said.

“This is what happens when local elected officials are more interested in political talking points like criminal justice reform instead of creating a safe workplace for their brave employees. The sheriff, judge, and county commissioners should be ashamed of their coddling of violent sexual predators and giving them the free run of the place,” he said. 

“Sheriff department employees deserve a strong union who will stand up and fight for their personal safety, adequate staffing, and economic justice in the workplace,” said Wilkison.

“CLEAT believes all law enforcement personnel should have collective bargaining rights to sit with their employers and fully engage on workplace safety.”

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Click here for the official press release.