Harris County Council for a Safer County is formed due to growing safety concerns

Due to growing concern about public safety in Harris County, a group of clergy, community and county leaders and Houston city officials have formed the Harris County Council for a Safer County.

The Council for a Safer County (CSC) has been established to work collaboratively for a safer society through innovative prevention, intervention and effective policies that promote justice and order, according to a press release.

The CSC's mission will be to improve communication among the leaders in the community and, through them, the people they serve. The group will work to identify needs and problems in the criminal justice system and suggest solutions. Another focus will be ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of law enforcement activities and the administration of justice.

The formation of the CSC is being led by Bishop James Dixon, who will serve as chair of the council. Leading clergy members include Rev. Bill Lawson, Rev. Manson Johnson, Rev. James Nash and Bishop Robert Jefferson.

Public officials on the council are Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia, Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland and Harris County District Attorney Patricia Lykos, along with education officials and other community leaders.

The announcement was made at a press conference held Thursday, June 14 at the Harris County District Attorney's Office.