Constable Patrol
CONSTABLE PATROL ADMIN UPDATE /
To everyone who subscribes to the WHCA Constable Patrol, thank you for your support. The program provides a pair of Precinct One constables who spend 80 hours/week on patrol in the neighborhood. This helps ensure that everyone who lives here has fast access to law enforcement when it’s needed.
Earlier this year, after much consideration, the board increased the subscription price to $420/year to address rising program costs. In point of fact, the price had not changed since 2019. Our understanding at the time was that neighbors who subscribed to the program would simply renew at the new rate. Unfortunately, this has not turned out to be the case.
New subscriptions are being processed correctly at the new rate (yeah!) And given the attention the program has received at recent meetings, we’ve seen an uptick in new subscribers.
That said, existing subscriptions that auto-renew are being renewed at the old rate. This is both unexpected and entirely beyond our control. It’s an aspect of how our web host handles auto-renewing subscriptions. As a consequence, we have not yet realized the additional revenue necessary to fully fund the Constable Patrol Program.
We have crafted a plan to address this problem. After your Constable Patrol subscription auto-renews, you will receive a message from WHCA inviting you to cancel your subscription and sign up again at the new rate. When you do this, we will ensure that your renewal at the old rate is refunded. In this manner, over the course of a year, everyone will transition to the new rate.
As this process rolls along, Beth, Doug, and I will be available to answer questions and help people go through the transition. We know it’s an inconvenience. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Thank you for your continued commitment to help keep Woodland Heights safe!
- Michael Graves, President
president@woodland-heights.org
NEW WHCA CONSTABLE PATROL DEPUTY /
Join us in extending a hearty welcome to our new WHCA Constable Patrol member - Deputy Ryan O’Shay. He recently joined the neighborhood patrol.
“I am looking forward to keeping the community safe and getting to know the residents of the neighborhood. I believe that a good relationship with residents leads to improved safety for the entire community.”
Deputy O’Shay brings a wealth of experience to our community, including a 15-year career in law enforcement. He was on the Joint Terrorism Task Force West (JTTF West), Intelligence Unit, Gang Interdiction, and Commercial Vehicle Interdiction. He also served as an Animal Cruelty Investigator with the Houston SPCA before joining the Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct One.
His tips for improving Neighborhood Safety include:
Report suspicious activity early—even small details can help deputies identify patterns.
Use official channels such as non-emergency lines and community apps to stay informed.
Get to know your neighborhood deputy when possible; familiarity helps both sides communicate more effectively.
When not at work you might find him playing the saxophone, guitar, or bass guitar.
- Beth Sorensen, Director of Security
WELCOME TO THE WORLD! /
Let’s all join in the celebration as we welcome the newest member of our WHCA family, Ms. Isibel Kate! She is the precious addition to the family of our Constable Patrol Deputy Lemmons and his wife.
Isibel was born on October 20th and was joyfully welcomed by her mom, dad, and older sister. The family is in good spirits and is taking some well-deserved time to help Ms. Isibel adjust to her new world.
Deputy Lemmons will return from paternity leave following the holidays. In the meantime, Precinct 1 is covering his shift to ensure our WHCA Constable Patrol is sustained.
Congratulations and best wishes to Deputy Lemmons and his family!
WHCA Constable Patrol Activity Report Working Diligently to Keep Woodland Heights Safe /
July 1 - July 31, 2025 - 738 Total Calls
By Beth Sorensen
WHCA Constable Patrol Activity Report /
Working Diligently to Keep Woodland Heights Safe
June 1 - June 30, 2025 - Total Calls 662
By Beth Sorensen
Keeping Woodland Heights Safe This Summer
By Beth Sorensen
On July 4, Deputies Suggs and Lemons joined us for our annual Kids Bike Parade on the Norhill Esplanade. Their presence helped keep traffic calm and our kids safe as they paraded and played, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy the event.
Beyond supporting events like these, our Deputies work hard year-round to keep Woodland Heights safe. From patrolling our streets to responding to calls, they’re a reassuring presence in our neighborhood. Summertime is especially busy, as many of our Constable Program members take advantage of vacation watches—a service where Deputies check on your home while you’re away, giving you peace of mind and an extra layer of security.
We’re grateful for Deputies Suggs and Lemons and all they do to protect and care for our community! If you’re not yet a member of the Constable Program and would like to enjoy benefits like vacation watches, we’d love to have you join us in keeping Woodland Heights safe.
Please reach out to me at security@woodland-heights.org if you have any questions or issues with your membership.
WHCA Constable Patrol Activity Report /
Working Diligently to Keep Woodland Heights Safe
April 1 - April 30, 2025 - Total Call: 418
By Beth Sorensen
Hi Woodland Heights neighbors,
Friendly reminder, please call the Constable Dispatch line at (713) 755-7628 to report any suspicious activity or incidents, even if they seem minor - like a wagon or package stolen, or cars being rummaged through.
Reporting helps the Deputies identify patterns and know if similar incidents are happening repeatedly in our area. Even small reports help paint a bigger picture.
Helping Our Youngest Neighbors
If you happened to see 145 first graders walking through the neighborhood on May 1st - no, it wasn’t a parade (though it may have looked like one)! It was the annual First Grade Walking Field Trip to Woodland Park. Travis Elementary and Friends of Woodland Park team up each year to teach students about the park’s hiking trails, butterfly garden, and the local critters that call it home.
Deputy Lemons once again showed his dedication to our community by helping ensure all those excited first graders made it to the park and back safely. He blocked traffic on Houston Avenue so the kids and their chaperones could cross without worry - a small act that made a big difference. Deputy Lemons never hesitates to say yes when asked to assist with school events like this. His consistent presence is a valued part of what makes our neighborhood feel safe and supported.
One parent who attended the trip shared this:
"I had the pleasure of chaperoning the Woodland Park field trip with my first grader, and it was such a fun day. A special thank you to Deputy Lemons who escorted us. His kindness, professionalism, and attentive presence made the trip feel both safe and welcoming for everyone involved."
We’re grateful to have such committed patrol support in Woodland Heights — thank you, Deputy Lemons! And thank you to all our neighbors who contribute to the Constable Program, because of you, we are able to have this increased safety presence.
We'd Like to Hear From You!
Have you had a positive experience with our Constable that made a difference in your life or the safety of our community? We want to hear about it! Whether it was help during an emergency, assistance with a concern, or simply their presence making you feel secure, your stories matter.
Please share your story with us by emailing security@woodland-heights.org. Your experiences help highlight the Constable's important role in keeping Woodland Heights safe and thriving.
Thank you for taking the time to share your gratitude and support!
Highland Street Truck Thieves Caught Thanks to AirTag and Constable Patrol /
Reader’s Story Contribution By Anne Galbraith
We've been collecting stories about how the WHCA Constable Patrol impacts the neighborhood. Here is one from a neighbor on Highland, who, after multiple stolen trucks on that street, followed her neighbor's lead, signed up for the Constable Patrol, and invested in an AirTag as well.
"YEAH, SO THE F150 GOT STOLEN. Second truck now. They got in via an iPad, and an app that runs code until it hits your truck, then pulled that wire on the last photo, and recoded the ignition so they could drive it. My key no longer worked. I tracked this one with the AirTag I had hidden in the truck. I gave the constables the location; they were parked there waiting for us. The thieves parked it before the next crew of a**holes picked it up. It looks like kill switches are about to be installed in both trucks," - Anne Gallbraith.
One other suggestion from Anne is, "Report street lights that are dead. The one outside of our house has been dark for months. EVERYONE should check their poles with street lights to ensure they are lit. Get the pole number that is tagged onto the pole and report the outage via a call to CenterPoint or by using their online portal at https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/pages/changeservicearea.aspx?requesturl=/en-us/residential/services/electric-utility/outage-center/street-light-outages."
And the WHCA Constable provided follow up after the incident, stopping by to personally meet with Anne regarding the incident and how to be pro-active about safety,
“We discussed different ways to keep the neighborhood aware of criminal activity in order to protect ourselves and others. He was very motivated and responsive!”
WHCA Constable Patrol Activity Report Working Diligently to Keep Woodland Heights Safe /
Hi Woodland Heights neighbors,
Here’s our most recent security report. As always, we want to keep our community informed and safe. Friendly reminder, please call the Constable Dispatch line at (713) 755-7628 to report any suspicious activity or incidents, even if they seem minor—like a wagon or package stolen, or cars being rummaged through. Reporting helps the Deputies identify patterns and know if similar incidents are happening repeatedly in our area. Even small reports help paint a bigger picture.
Please note: We've seen an increase in truck thefts in our neighborhood, as well as across the Houston Heights area.
Helpful Tips to Prevent Truck Theft (and theft from trucks):
Always lock your doors – Even in your driveway.
Remove valuables – Don’t leave bags, tools, or electronics visible inside.
Hide or remove key fobs – Thieves often target trucks with push-button start and nearby key fobs.
Use a steering wheel lock – A simple but strong visual deterrent.
Consider GPS tracking, a kill switch, or a hidden AirTag – AirTags have recently helped recover two stolen trucks in Woodland Heights.
Park smart – If possible, park in well-lit areas or in a garage. Backing into your driveway can also make theft harder.
Install security cameras or motion lights – These are a great deterrent and can help capture important footage.
Thanks to everyone for staying alert and keeping Woodland Heights a safe and connected community!
Volunteers Needed! /
While we expect a little attrition from the Constrable Patrol due to the new price, we will work to ensure that neighbors are aware of the program's existence and how it helps make the neighborhood safer.
Of around 2000 homes in the neighborhood, only 475 support the WHCA Constable Patrol program. This falls short of covering the entire cost of the constable's contract. The remaining cost is covered by funds WHCA raises through events like the Home Tour and LITH. Clearly, the numbers show there's room to grow the program, so the WHCA is embarking on a renewed effort to promote it to all Woodland Heights neighbors.
We're seeking volunteers to help with our promotional efforts. We're already producing fliers, door hangers, and other signage to promote the program. We need a team of committed neighbors to help see these goods distributed.
Word of mouth works, too! Talk to your neighbors! Encourage them to support the program. If just one in three existing constable patrol supporters could sign up one new member, we'd not have to raise the price at all.
Announcing the February 2025 WHCA Member's Meeting /
Tuesday, Feb 18, 2025 at 7:00 p.m
Zion Lutheran Church
3606 Beauchamp St,
Houston, TX 77009
With Guests:
Precinct One Constable Allen Rosen
COH District H Council Member Mario Castillo
Precinct One Deputy Constable Jacob Lemmons
Precinct One Deputy Constable Amanda Suggs
HPD Representative
Thank you for your patience as we worked through the rescheduling of the February Members Meeting. As previously indicated, the topic of the meeting is the WHCA Constable Patrol and issues of neighborhood security.
About the Constable Patrol Program
The WHCA Constable Patrol was established in 2011. The program provides two Precinct One Constables dedicated to Woodland Heights, to supplement existing law enforcement services. It is a supplemental patrol that is paid for through subscriptions by residents.
For some years the revenue raised by Constable Patrol supporters has not fully covered the cost of contract. WHCA subsidized the program with funds raised by the association's special events (the bi-annual Home Tour and Lights in the Heights). This has become unsustainable. We currently have no choice but to increase the price of subscriptions to meet the escalating cost of the program. This is the first price increase since 2019!
This member's meeting is firstly to explain the current status of the program, it's cost and benefits, and chart a path forward. We'll be announcing a new price for Constable Patrol subscriptions effective April 1, 2025.
At present, only 472 of 2000 homes in Woodland Heights support the Constable Patrol Program. Given this fact, we are also be seeking community support to grow the number of Constable Patrol subscribers. With more homes supporting the program, it can be expanded, and additional measures considered to enhance neighborhood security.
Neighborhood Security More Broadly
Some weeks ago there was an incident that has alarmed and upset many neighbors. This warrants a more general discussion of neighborhood security. With this in mind, we have invited an array of guests from law enforcement and local government to inform our discussion. We anticipate an animated, respectful, and informative Q&A session.
Please note: While this is a officially WHCA Member's Meeting, all Woodland Heights residents are welcome.
Neighborhood Security Report /
I would like to start off by welcoming Deputy Vest back to the neighborhood. He was out for quite some time due to Covid 19. Here are a few words he wanted to share with our community; “I would like to personally thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers when I was out sick. It means a lot to me and my family.” He also wanted me to add that our community are his eyes and ears of the neighborhood. If you see anything out of the ordinary, please do not hesitate in calling.Thank you and our neighbors for everything you do.
Number to remember:
Precinct one dispatch
713-755-7628
Those not subscribed who call may finally ask them selves, why have I waited so long to sign up?
Activity in our neighborhood for the month of July
Burglary in motor vehicle 1
Criminal mischief 1
Theft other 1
Suspicious person 4
Traffic stop 8
Stolen vehicle 1
Local alarm 1
Margaux Poizat
WHCA, Director of Security
Be Someone Who Keeps The Constable Patrol Program Funded! /
Imagine a world in the distant future… A world where Covid is a word of the past and hardly spoken. A world in which families go on vacation but do not spend every single moment of the day together. This day will come (of course not soon enough) but when it does ... Who will watch over and protect our neighborhood? Who will come to our rescue? Will it be the raccoons, possums, feral cats, lost parakeets or possibly squirrels? No, it will be our Constables.
Have you signed up? If you haven’t it’s not too late. Act now and for $350 you will receive an up-to-date sticker/sign. This will give our neighborhood a daytime and nighttime constable. You can also request to have your house checked while on vacation. Remember, your subscription is auto renewable now.
I am new to this position and want to hear from you with suggestions or concerns. This program will only be successful if we are all a part of it.
- Margaux Poizat, Dir of Security
Don’t Let Our Constable Patrol Die on the Vine! /
When the time comes and you need the Constable Patrol, think of this. Our Woodland Heights neighborhood has nearly 2,250 residences. The Constable Patrol is funded by just over 400 residences. To interject some ugly facts, last year Constable Patrol subscriptions fell significantly short of covering the cost of our two-shift patrol and, without better participation from the Neighborhood, will likely be the same this year. For these two years, the WHCA has made up the difference from its general funds. Without an increase in subscriptions, it is likely the Board will be forced to reduce costs by cutting the current two-shift patrol to a one-shift patrol. How is that making our neighborhood safer?
Now for the good news. There is no doubt, the more the merrier. The cost for the two-shift patrol is spread among the subscribers. If subscriptions increase sufficiently, the per household cost will go down. At the current cost of the Constable Patrol, it would take an additional 150 subscriptions to reduce the cost by $50 or about 260 additional subscriptions to reduce it by $100. That’s just 660 residences out of 2,250! In round numbers, 30 percent of the Neighborhood! I think that is an achievable goal.
Again, 2,250 residences and only 400 current participants. It’s krazy! How can that be? I have given the matter some thought and I think there are four main reasons for the weak rate of participation:
Financial necessity
Ignorance
Inattentiveness
Coattails
Let me address all four.
1. Financial Necessity
Fair enough. If you can’t afford the $350 per year, you can’t afford the $350 per year. There is no shame in that, and I can completely understand the numerous situations falling in this category. I feel safe in stating, those of us who are in the position to support the Constable Patrol are more than happy to support our neighbors who may be struggling. No worries.
2. Ignorance
That’s our bad. By “our”, I mean the Board of Directors of the Woodland Heights Civic Association. If you do not know of the good work the Constable Patrol does for our neighborhood, we are not getting the word our effectively.
3. Inattentiveness
Rephrased as, “I just keep forgetting to enroll.” We, the WHCA Board, will have to take a modicum responsibility for insufficient or ineffective reminders. However, we are all adults and responsible for our actions. Please go to https://www.woodland-heights.org/store and enroll. There are numerous options for payment, including good old-fashioned mail, by sending a check to Woodland Heights Civic Association, P.O. Box 7754, Houston, Texas, 77270-7754.
4. Coattails
I am hopeful this is not an elective position taken by members of our Neighborhood. In reflecting on the folks I know residing in the Woodland Heights, I can’t think of any who would consciously take the position of “I can get the use of the Constable Patrol without shouldering my share.” I am optimistic the rest of the neighborhood is the same.
Let’s band together to make this Constable Patrol work for us all. Please participate. Again, go to https://www.woodland-heights.org/store or send a check to Woodland Heights Civic Association, P.O. Box 7754, Houston, Texas, 77270-7754. Enrollment is $350. If you choose the online option, you can opt for auto-renewal and forget the hassle of annual renewals.
- Harry McMahon, President, WHCA
Announcing the 2019 WHCA Constable Patrol Program /
Since 2011, Woodland Heights Civic Association has administered a Constable Patrol Program, serviced by Harris County Precinct One. Our Constable Patrol Program is a supplemental police force that provides additional safety and security to our neighborhood through the work of two deputies hired to patrol the neighborhood for two 40-hour shifts per week.
Program Benefits:
Vacation watch and lock checks
Home security checks
Ability to link home security alert system to Precinct 1 dispatch vs. Harris county main dispatch
Constable Patrol sign in yard
Increased police presence in neighborhood
New Discounts & Incentives
In 2018, just 415 of the approximately 2000 homes in the Woodland Heights neighborhood funded the entire program. In an effort to grow the program’s participation rate and continue to provide the additional neighborhood security, we’ve arrived at a new fee structure for 2019. The rates are reduced, and include incentives for both early renewal and referring new program subscribers.
2019 Program Rates:
Early-Bird Rate: $300* (Renew before April 1)
Regular Rate: $350 (After March 31st)
Referral credit: $ 25**
*$300 paid by check, $310 if paid online using a credit card.
**Credit for each new subscriber (non-2018 participant) is $25 towards your renewal in 2020.
Now is the time to take advantage of the Early-Bird rate and help keep our neighborhood safe!
Visit https://www.woodland-heights.org/store/constable-patrol to join us in protecting the Woodland Heights.
Questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact: Cody McGregor at security@woodland-heights.org
The WHCA invites you to join or renew your subscription to the 2018-19 Constable Patrol Program /
Neighbors,
We live in one of the best neighborhoods in Houston. While we all enjoy the many benefits of the Woodland Heights, there are unfortunately a few downsides. Clean neighborhoods filled with trusting people that are near major highway systems and large city centers often attract criminals and individuals that look to take advantage of the situation.
Click on image to see larger version.
In no way is our neighborhood comparable to a crime-ridden New York or Chicago gangland, but there are individuals that seek to upset our way of life. Consider this recent post from the Crime & Safety section of NextDoor (pictured right.) In reference to an attempted break-in at their home, the homeowner states very plainly;
“...for those that are on the fence regarding the Constable program, Deputy Vest was here almost immediately after being alerted.”
The Constable Patrol Program helps keep our community safe. Through the efforts of two dedicated Constables patrolling our neighborhood, we’re able to keep crime to a minimum, and when needed, have a quick reaction force on stand-by. Not to mention the added value of vacation checks while you’re away, home security checks, rapid response to HPD dispatch requests and timely assistance when needed.
However, it is our responsibility as homeowners and members of this great community to fund this program. Since 2011, Woodland Heights Civic Association has administered a Constable Patrol Program, serviced by Harris County Precinct One. Our Constable Patrol Program is a supplemental police force, currently two deputies, hired to patrol our neighborhood for two 40-hour shifts per week.
In 2017, only 400 of approximately 2000 homes in the Woodland Heights supported this effort to keep our neighborhood safe. While some have renewed their subscriptions, going forward into 2018 we are at risk of losing all or part of the Constable Patrol Program.
Will you join this effort to ensure we keep the Constable Patrol Program? if your prefer to pay by check you can signup by mail using the form on the back of the Constable Patrol flier (downloadable here) or online at http://www.woodland-heights.org.
Should you have questions feel free to reach out to Cody McGregor, WHCA VP of
Security at: security@woodland-heights.org
The Constable Patrol: Introducing Deputy Hathhorn /
This post is part of an effort to introduce the people who patrol the Woodland Heights as part of the Constable Patrol Program.
As a native Houstonian, Deputy Hathhorn is the night time patrol Deputy for Woodland Heights. While Deputy Hathhorn is new to the Woodland Heights contract, he has been with Harris
County Constable Precinct 1 for six years.
Deputy Hathhorn served for three of those years as a Reserve Deputy. He enjoys serving others. He served the City of Friendswood, Texas as a Fire Fighter and Emergency Medical Technician for six years. In 2016 he was awarded a Bravery Medal
by Constable Alan Rosen. Without regard to his own personal safety, Deputy Hathhorn placed himself in harm’s way to savea citizen.
He has been married for sixteen years and has two children. He loves dogs, raises cattle, and enjoys outdoor life. Deputy Hathhorn believes that community policing has a huge impact
in Woodland Heights. He serves this community as if it were his own community.
The Constable Patrol: Introducing Deputy Vest /
This post is part of an effort to introduce the people who patrol the Woodland Heights as part of the Constable Patrol Program.
Deputy David Vest is originally from Alvin, Texas and now resides in Houston, graduated from Sam Houston State University with a degree in criminal science. He's been patrolling the neighborhood for three years and has been employed with Harris County Constables Office since 2005. Has a brother that is also a Deputy Sheriff in another county. He enjoys hunting, fishing, outdoor recreational activities and attends as many Texas A&M football games as his time allows. He enjoys patrolling the Woodland Heights because of the small community relations and its citizens.
