Texas Gov. Greg Abbott launches task force in Houston aiming to crack down on repeat offenders

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Surrounded by constables, the Harris County Sheriff's Office, and even a representative from the Houston Police Union, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he built a team that will focus on stopping those who repeatedly commit violent crimes.

"Citizens in this area remain concerned about crime, especially violent crime, and simply, there are far too many victims of violent crime in Harris County," Abbott said.

The Department of Public Safety and Texas Rangers will also play a role on the task force.

Despite this task force launching here in the City of Houston, HPD Police Chief Noe Diaz and Houston Mayor John Whitmire were noticeably absent. ABC13 contacted HPD, who would not answer any questions. Instead, a spokesperson said it's Abbott's task force, so all questions would need to be directed to him.

Eyewitness News also contacted the Mayor's office for comment on the task force and received the following response:

"The mayor was invited but was out of town. He sent his regrets to the governor for not being able to make the announcement."

At Wednesday's press conference, Abbott was asked about Whitmire's absence.

"We have a good working relationship that is long established, so this is a project that I do want to take elsewhere in the state, but because of the effective improvement and historic relationship that already exists, I thought this was a good place to start," Abbott said.

13 Investigates crunched the numbers and found since 2020, about 49,000 individuals were charged with more than one felony, meaning 38% of the nearly 130,000 people facing felonies had multiple serious charges filed against them. 80% of the nearly 49,000 people charged with more than one felony posted bond in at least one of their cases.

"We will look at every corner of the state to make sure we are making it as safe as possible," Abbott said.

Abbott noted on Wednesday that Houston has chipped away at its violent crime rates in recent years, but said he still sees this city as the one to begin with.

Abbott made several mentions of the bond reform he championed in recent years, and how he believes if voters approve it, it will play another role in improving crime rates. Bond reform measures will be on the ballot in November as a constitutional amendment.

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