Harris Co. Precinct 5 lays off 24 workers

HOUSTON The Precinct 5 Constable's Office Thursday laid off 24 workers to deal with a $5 million budget shortfall. The cuts included 18 peace officers, five clerical workers and a dispatcher. The Constable's Office also demoted eight sergeants to deputy. Ninety-seven other employees will also work a 32-hour work week to help save money.

The job cuts come just one day after Precinct 2 started laying off workers from its office.

Every county department is being forced to make cuts after commissioners approved a trimmed down budget on Tuesday.