For Immediate Release
July 12, 2021
Contacts:
Kevin Lawrence | [email protected] | TMPA
Doug Griffith | [email protected] | HPOU
Mike Mata | [email protected] | DPA
Karla Pruneda | [email protected] | FOP
Law Enforcement Groups Urge No-Bonds for Dangerous Persons
AUSTIN, TEXAS – The Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA), the Houston Police Officers’ Union (HPOU), the Dallas Police Association (DPA) and the Texas Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) have publicly voiced our deep concern for months as officials continue to re-release persons on one or more bonds for dangerous offenses including murders, robberies, and aggravated assaults. In Houston alone, over 120 persons have been killed by defendants already out on bond. Factoring in a 50% homicide clearance rate, it goes to reason that the actual number may well be more than 240. Texas citizens are in imminent danger.
We implore our elected officials to openly urge judges to no-bond any defendant that uses a firearm during an offense while already out on one or more bonds. The complete disregard for public safety is appalling.
If public officials take heed of our plea, we are confident that the senseless acts of violence will decrease and when our courts open, we will try these defendants.
Most of these acts of violence are coming from a small percentage of the population and no-bonding them will immediately save lives.
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