HPD, sheriff's office to share sex offender database

HOUSTON On Monday, the police department and sheriff's office announced they were merging their sex offender registration units. Both departments will now use a single database so offenders can register with either office.

Authorities say the previous rules were confusing and allowed offenders to fall through the cracks when they changed addresses.

"We're going to bring in all the other agencies and gradually expand it to the entire region," said Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos. "This increases public safety. This is effectiveness. This is efficiency. This is what government is all about and that's protecting our people."

The merger was made possible by the Texas legislature approving a bill to allow cities and counties to share resources.