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

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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.

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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):

1. Always lock your doors – Even in your driveway.

2. Remove valuables – Don’t leave bags, tools, or electronics visible inside.

3. Hide or remove key fobs – Thieves often target trucks with push-button start and nearby key fobs.

4. Use a steering wheel lock – A simple but strong visual deterrent.

5. Consider GPS tracking, a kill switch, or a hidden AirTag – AirTags have recently helped recover two stolen trucks in Woodland Heights. 

6. Park smart – If possible, park in well-lit areas or in a garage. Backing into your driveway can also make theft harder.

7. 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!

President's Report February 2025

The WHCA held a Special Member's Meeting on Tuesday, February 18, in The Great Room at Zion Lutheran Church on Beauchamp Street. We nearly filled our new venue with neighbors drawn to a focus on security matters. We invited several special guests, including;

• Constable Alan Rosen, Pct 1

• Council Member Mario Castillo, COH District H

• Deputy Constable Jacob Lemmons, Pct 1

• Deputy Constable Amanda Suggs, Pct 1

• Sergeant Graham, HPD Central Division

• Lt James Mancango,HPD Central Division

WHCA Constable Patrol 2025-26

The first order of business for the gathering was to announce a change to the Woodland Heights Constable Patrol program. WHCA Co-Director of Security Beth Sorensen began by giving an overview of the program and its benefits to the community.
 
She was followed by WHCA Treasurer Doug Carroll, who explained the numbers that illustrate why the board felt it necessary to raise the program's membership cost. The current $350/yr rate was established in 2019. That price has remained unchanged, even as the cost of the contract has increased every year.

In point of fact, the Constable Patrol Program has been losing money for many years. For a time, that loss was offset by revenue from special events, including the Home Tour and Lights in the Heights. When COVID hit, special event revenue imploded. We missed one entire cycle of Home Tour. And Lights in the Heights actually lost money for several years, only just returning to break even in 2024.

With revenue sources declining and costs increasing, the board unanimously decided to raise the price for the Constable Patrol. We considered several possible rates, eventually settling upon $420/yr. This new rate will take effect on April 1, 2025. That's just $1.15 a day.

From a purely analytical perspective, this change is a 20% increase over the 2019 price, even though the contract cost has increased 26% over that time. Further, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports inflation (CPI) as 25% over the same period.

Much of how the change is enacted is dictated by the credit card payment processor used by our web host. Most CPP supporters participate in the program by way of auto-renewing subscriptions. They will receive a message notifying them of the change and when it will impact them. If your subscription renews before April 1, 2025, you'll already be paid up for the year. You won't pay the new price until 2026.

Neighborhood Safety More Broadly

The Constable Patrol had been an issue being considered by the board for several months. We had already been planning a meeting to go over those details when, on January 27, the neighborhood was rocked by the assault of a young girl on her way home from Travis Elementary School. To address this matter in depth, we invited local government and law enforcement representatives.

Constable Alan Rosen, Precinct One

Constable Alan Rosen was the first to address the gathering. He was very well informed about the situation, going into depth about the perpetrator, Carlos Jose Ayala Morales, a registered sex offender, released in 2024, who, as of this writing, remains a fugitive. The constable was able to detail this person's criminal history and how he was released in Harris County without local law enforcement being alerted to his presence.

The constable took questions from the crowd for 30 minutes.

Council Member Mario Castillo, District H

Council Member Mario Castillo, District H, addressed the gathering regarding his concern for public safety and the additional resources and initiatives his office has taken. In particular, he highlighted a program funded through his office called the District H Patrol initiative.

"This new public safety initiative includes community patrolling by the Houston Police Department's Differential Response Team (DRT), the use of two new Polaris vehicles, and the community-led District H Patrol Task Team." District H Patrol website

CM Castillo noted, "This program is not meant to just be enforcement, but it's also meant to be educational. And so we have done workshops in the past. We did a firearm safety storage and handling workshop where we also gave folks gun safes so they can properly store their firearms. We're in the in the works of planning a CPR one and we're open to ideas. If there are other workshops that communities want to do, as part of this initiative, we can bring one to the Woodland Heights or to the surrounding area. But I do want to make sure that y'all utilize the program."

Council Member Castillo stressed the importance of using other resources provided by the City of Houston and Harris County Precinct 1.

• COH 3-1-1 system - Call for non-emergency access to city services

• 9-1-1 - Call to report a life-or-death emergency that requires an immediate response from police, fire, or ambulance personnel.

• (713) 755-7628 - Precinct One Constable Dispatch number for the WHCA Constable Patrol

Sergeant Clayton Graham, HPD Central Division

Sergeant Graham from HPD Central Division stepped up to describe the Central Division, which includes Woodland Heights. He emphasized how HPD and the Constables work in partnership and noted,

"Regarding the incident on the 27th, I do know that they are actively trying to track where the suspect is. He's sold all his property and is not in Harris County right now. I can tell you that much. Because if he was, we would find him."

Sergeant Clayton addressed numerous further questions from the crowd. Questions he could not answer were addressed by some of the many Deputy Constables and HPD officers in attendance.

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Wrapping It Up

As I conclude this report, let me share the board's primary message to the neighborhood. We are working to ensure the WHCA Constable Patrol Program's future by stabilizing its financial path.

First, I encourage you to subscribe to the program. The new price, $420 a year, going into effect on April 1, 2025, is less than a cup of coffee a day at your favorite shop. Personally, I think it's a pretty good investment to provide increased security for your family and your neighbors.

Second, if we can secure funding to sustain the two patrol shifts and we get an overwhelming response from our neighbors, we could look into adding a third shift. That would provide 24-hour security with dedicated officers patrolling Woodland Heights streets. Their ability to respond to neighborhood crime when it happens is key. Officers you know, looking out for you and your family, is priceless in a city as large as Houston.

Finally, if we are not able to raise enough funding to add a third patrol but have enough to have two patrols with some additional funding left over, we could consider some new strategies. Both the Constables and HPD have spoken highly of the Flock Safety camera systems. These surveillance cameras monitor traffic at key entry points to the neighborhood, logging vehicle information, including license plates.

Our own Deputy Lemmons devoted many hours to reviewing Flock footage from elsewhere in the city to help identify the truck associated with the January 27th incident. This is how they ID'd the suspect. Just imagine how useful such a system could be if we had cameras closer to home! But this system is on our wish list and is on standby until we're able to get our financial footing again for the WHCA Constable Patrol as it currently stands.

I know this is a lot of words, but I hope you understand how much work, discussion, and even debate your WHCA Board has had over this issue. I hope you understand and join us in supporting the program. We thank you in advance for that support.

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:

1. Financial necessity

2. Ignorance

3. Inattentiveness

4. 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

WHCA Membership & Constable Patrol Subscriptions

Harry McMahon, President, addressing the November WHCA General Meeting

At the most recent Woodland Heights Civic Association General Meeting, the Board of Directors announced a significant change in the way we take payments for subscriptions for both WHCA Membership and WHCA Constable Patrol. For those of you who did not brave the unseasonably cold weather that night, I would like to reiterate that announcement.

Commencing immediately, those who sign-up for WHCA membership and/or the Constable Patrol Program via our website can select a one-time transaction or an annually auto-renewing subscription. The auto-renewing option ensures your WHCA membership and/or support of the Constable Patrol Program never lapses.

Current WHCA memberships and CP subscriptions will expire on March March 31, 2020. You can renew online at the WHCA store or send a check to:

Woodland Heights Civic Association
P.O. Box 7754
Houston, Texas 77270-7754

If you are not a current subscriber, all you have to do is go to the WHCA online store and subscribe (auto-renewing or one-year.) You can also make your payment by mail.

Signs, signs, everywhere a sign....
Now for the tough part… delivery of Constable Patrol signs and sign stickers. As a Board, we have struggled in getting the stickers delivered. However, we are working diligently and have made excellent strides in getting the existing signs updated. If you have not had your active subscription sticker delivered and if you would like to pick-up your sticker, send an email request to Kelly Hare at membership@woodland-heights.org. She will put a sticker for you in a specifically designated mailbox at her home.

For those subscribers who don’t have a sign, we have ordered new signs and will deliver them as soon as we can.

I am in the process of updating our subscriber database and need your help. If you have paid for Constable Patrol and don’t have a 2019 sticker for your old sign or don’t have a sign, please let me know. You can email me at president@woodland-heights.org.

I want to thank all the Woodland Heights residents who have subscribed to the Constable Patrol or enrolled in the Woodland Heights Civic Association. The Constable Patrol is 100% funded by subscriber dues. Constable Patrol dues fund the Constable Patrol only; nothing else. The more folks who subscribe, the better patrol coverage we can fund.

I also want Membership subscribers to know we use the funds from dues to support many efforts around the neighborhood. Beautification, deed restriction support, infrastructure issues, neighborhood involvement events and civic awareness are all issues we regularly and ardently champion.

Please be involved. Please be a Member. We can all help to move our wonderful neighborhood forward with your support.

- Harry McMahon, President
Woodland Heights Civic Association

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.

View fullsize

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.

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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.

January 2017 Constable Patrol Update

Subscriber Stats

The Constable Patrol operates on a fiscal year ending March 31. Through January, we have approximately 409 subscribers, which is below our usual amount from past years. To sustain two deputy shifts for an entire year, we need 460 subscribers. Luckily, we have had a little bit of a surplus to help fill the gap this year due to a donation by Greystar Apartments. We have about 1-2 months left of a surplus. In other words, if we do not get our membership numbers up next year, we may not be able to have two full deputy shifts for 12 months. More details to come next month as we officially start the renewal campaign.

Please support the Constable Patrol, and please let me know of any ideas you have on how to improve the program and make it sustainable moving forward.

Testimonial

Here is a recent testimonial from a subscriber about her experience with the vacation watch.

“I sent in a vacation watch form to let the constable know I would have a house guest. I indicated on the form I would be in town. I have a new Ring Video Doorbell Pro, and was surprised when a female officer went to my front door and tried the handle. Then the next day I saw remotely that a male officer did the same thing.

On the third day it happened when I was home and went upstairs and turned on the light - and I saw the officer parked across the street, waiting. I called the constable to ask why they kept trying my front door. It turned out that somehow it was entered into "the system" that I was on vacation. I felt so protected that they would check my house EVERY DAY.

I also have experienced that the constable will show up in under 10 minutes, while HPD can take up to an hour. The constable patrol is well worth the investment."

Crime Stats

Here is a summary of the criminal activity in our neighborhood over the past month.

Crime Map

Here is a map giving a snapshot of the criminal activity, showing most activity around Houston Avenue near I-45. Legend: car (thefts of/from vehicle); star (burglaries); ring (other theft); hand (violent crime).

Constable Patrol Activity

Wonder what our Constables do, other than generally patrol the neighborhood to be seen and prevent crime? Here is a summary of “Contract Activity Report.” There were 403 activities logged, about half coming during our day shift and half during our evening shift. Some activities were logged by constables patrolling nearby neighborhoods when our constables were off duty (which is another perk of the program).

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We remind everyone for a crime in progress, please call 911 first. 

If our deputies are on duty, they should be monitoring those calls, though you can also call Precinct One dispatch after calling 911 for crimes in progress.   Do not hesitate to call Precinct One for something that doesn’t look right.  Our deputies want you to err on the side of calling things in.  Our neighborhood is big, and you can help direct our deputies to suspicious activity.    

Brad Snead,
VP-Security WHCA