Batton on Harris County's purported trimming of constables' budgets: 'You just snatch it from them like a thief'

Despite Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo's assertions that law enforcement budgets aren't being slashed, the county's eight constables allege in writing that the heavily Democratic commissioners court and County Administrator David Berry have siphoned more than $4 million from their agencies, according to a report from Houston FOX affiliate KRIV.

The constables' letter to Berry, which was penned by Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen, labelled the county's actions akin to "defunding" law enforcement, alluding that officials ran afoul of Texas Senate Bill 23, KRIV reported.

The measure, approved by the Texas Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott last year, bars local governments from making cuts to law enforcement budgets.

According to the station, the constables gave the county five days to address the matter.

Harris County Deputies Association Executive Director Eric Batton backs the constables.

"It's troubling that you take money from elected officials who've been good stewards of their funding, and you just snatch it from them like a thief," Batton said, KRIV reported.

Batton also believes Hidalgo's claims that law enforcement budgets are increasing is hollow.

"Our job is, our commitment is and our passion is, to make sure the people of this county are safe, and it's fallen on deaf ears and blind eyes to what it is we need to do our job," Batton told the station.

Houston NBC affiliate KPRC reported that the Houston area lost four law enforcement officers during the first four months of this year, including Harris County Precinct 7 Constable Deputy Jennifer Chavis.

The 32-year-old Chavis died on April 2 when a suspected drunk driver rear-ended her patrol unit and caused the vehicle to catch on fire.