EAST TEXAS COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
REGIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE PLAN
2015
A Strategic Plan for Meeting the
Criminal Justice Needs of the ETCOG Region
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EAST TEXAS COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
3800 STONE ROAD l
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3 - 7..............................................................................................................REGIONAL PROFILE
8 - 11............................................................................................................... PLANNING TEAM
12 - 13.......................................................................................................EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
14 - 16......................................................................................................REGIONAL PRIORITIES
17 - 23......................................................................................LAW ENFORCEMENT PRIORITIES
24 - 31..........................................................................................JUVENILE JUSTICE PRIORITIES
32 - 48............................................................................................VICTIM SERVICES PRIORITIES
49 - 55......................................................... MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE ABUSE PRIORITIES
56 - 58.....................................................................................................REGIONAL RESOURCES
59….......................................................... AGENCY COOPERATION/REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
60............................................................................................................REGIONAL SOLUTIONS
61 - 131.........................................................................REGIONAL INFORMATION & STATISTICS
132....................................................................................FUTURE STEPS & IMPLEMENTATION
133.....................................................................................................................HELPFUL LINKS
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Regional Profile
Areas Represented by the East Texas Council of Governments
14 Counties:
Anderson
Camp
Cherokee
Gregg
Harrison
Henderson
Marion
Panola
Rains
Rusk
Smith
Upshur
Van Zandt
Wood
Cities, Towns & Communities: (incorporated and unincorporated)
Alba
Alto
Arp
Athens
Beckville
Ben Wheeler
Berryville
Big Sandy
Brownsboro
Bullard
Caney City
Canton
Carlisle
Carthage
Chandler
Clarksville City
Coffee City
Crims Chapel
Cuney
Diana
East Mountain
East Tawakoni
Easton
Edgewood
Edom
Elderville
Elkhart
Emory
Eustace
Frankston
Fruitvale
Gallatin
Gary
Gilmer
Gladewater
Grand Saline
Gun Barrel City
Hallsville
Hawkins
Henderson
Hideaway
Holly Lake
Jacksonville
Jefferson
Karnack
Kilgore
Laird Hill
Lakeport
Laneville
Leesburg
Leverett’s Chapel
Liberty City
Lindale
Log Cabin
Longview
Mabank
Malakoff
Marshall
Maydelle
Mineola
Monroe
Montalba
Moore Station
Mt. Enterprise
Murchison
Neches
Nesbitt
New Chapel Hill
New London
New Salem
New Summerfield
Noonday
Ore City
Overton
Palestine
Payne Springs
Pittsburg
Point
Poynor
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Quitman
Reklaw
Rocky Mound
Rusk
Seven Points
Scottsville
Smithland
Star Harbor
Tatum
Tennessee Colony
Tool
Trinidad
Troup
Tyler
Uncertain
Union Grove
Van
Warren City
Waskom
Wells
Whitehouse
White Oak
Wills Point
Winnsboro
Winona
Woodlawn
Yantis
Independent School Districts within the 14 counties:
Anderson County
Cayuga ISD
Elkhart ISD
Frankston ISD
Landmark Charter
Neches ISD
Palestine ISD
Slocum ISD
Westwood ISD
Camp County
Pittsburg ISD
Cherokee County
Alto ISD
Jacksonville ISD
New Summerfield ISD
Rusk ISD
Wells ISD
Gregg County
East Texas Charter
Gladewater ISD
Kilgore ISD
Longview ISD
Pine Tree ISD
Sabine ISD
Spring Hill ISD
White Oak ISD
Harrison County
Elysian Fields ISD
Hallsville ISD
Harleton ISD
Karnack ISD
Marshall ISD
Waskom ISD
Henderson County
Athens ISD
Brownsboro ISD
Smith County
Arp ISD
Bullard ISD
Cross Roads ISD
Eustace ISD
LaPoynor ISD
Malakoff ISD
Murchison ISD
Trinidad ISD
Chapel Hill ISD
Lindale ISD
Troup ISD
Tyler ISD
Whitehouse ISD
Winona ISD
Marion County
Jefferson ISD
Upshur County
Big Sandy ISD
Gilmer ISD
Harmony ISD
New Diana ISD
Ore City ISD
Union Grove ISD
Union Hill ISD
Panola County
Beckville ISD
Carthage ISD
Gary ISD
Rains County
Rains ISD
Van Zandt County
Rusk County
Carlisle ISD
Henderson ISD
Laneville ISD
Leverett's Chapel ISD
Mt. Enterprise ISD
Overton ISD
Tatum ISD
West Rusk CSD
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Canton ISD
Edgewood ISD
Fruitvale ISD
Grand Saline ISD
Martins Mill ISD
Van ISD
Wills Point ISD
Wood County
Alba-Golden ISD
Hawkins ISD
Mineola ISD
Quitman ISD
Winnsboro ISD
Yantis ISD
Colleges & Universities
within the region:
Baptist Missionary Association
Theological Seminary
Cherokee County
East Texas Baptist University
Harrison County
Jacksonville Baptist College
Cherokee County
Kilgore College – Longview Campus
Gregg County
Trinity Valley Community College
Henderson County
LeTourneau University
Gregg County
Tyler Junior College
Smith County
Panola College
Panola County
TJC West Campus & Law Enforcement
Academy
Smith County
Jarvis Christian College
Wood County
Texas Baptist Institute & Theological
Seminary
Rusk County
Kilgore College
Gregg & Rusk Counties
Texas College
Smith County
Kilgore College - East Texas Police &
Fire Academies
Gregg & Rusk Counties
Texas State Technical College – East
Texas Center
Harrison County
University of Texas at Tyler
Smith County
University of Texas Health – Science
Center
Smith County
University of Texas, Tyler – Longview
Center
Gregg County
Wiley College
Harrison County
Small business in this region is often driving force behind growth:
Longview, Texarkana, Tyler listed on Forbes Best Small Places for
Business & Careers - KYTX CBS 19 Tyler - Posted Aug. 14, 2013
LONGVIEW/GREGG COUNTY (KYTX) – Longview ranked 49th on the 2013 Forbes list of “Best Small Places for Business and Careers”.
Forbes said Longview is among the top 15 small cities in the nation for job growth and the cost of doing business – but was outside the top 150
for education. .. Longview’s metro area has about 217,000 people with a 5.9% unemployment rate, a $47,408 median household income and a
17.1% college attainment among its residents, according to Forbes. The cost of living is 5.9% below the national average.
Texarkana ranked number 73 and Tyler ranked number 77… According to Forbes, Tyler’s metro area has about 215,300 residents, a $48,848
median household income and 24.2% college attainment among its residents, with a cost of living that is 2.7% below the national average.
Tyler has had a net migration of nearly 1,500 people into the metro area, over the past year. …
This article, written by CBS 19 Tyler, talks about small business growth in our region and is a refreshing
reminder that small business is what our communities pride themselves on. While small businesses are alive
and well in our communities the recent lifting of regulatory restraint on drilling has opened the flood gates
for drilling in our counties. Our region is on the up and up again!
There is very small growth in jobs but the growth is welcomed none the less. Due to small growth in jobs,
and companies investing again in our communities, the region is seeing an influx in people. This influx
though creates its own set of challenges. These challenges include, but are not limited to: the need for new
infrastructure, better community plans, more strategic planning, increased law enforcement,
better/advanced technologies, and more state, federal and foundation funding.
The East Texas of Governments has helped coordinate funding at the local level, provided technical
assistance to applicants, and always supports ongoing projects within the region. With that in mind, the
types of funding that are needed to keep our region moving forward do not come from local businesses but
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rather from the state and federal government. ETCOG will promote local initiatives, dedicate resources, and
promote cost effectiveness and efficiency while at the same time continuing to build strong, effective
partnerships and local planning efforts.
Brief Description and History of the East Texas Council of Governments:
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) is a voluntary association of counties, cities, school
districts and special districts within the fourteen-county East Texas region. ETCOG assists local
governments in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit and coordinating for sound
regional development. Either directly, or through our contractors, ETCOG provides programs and services
for East Texas seniors, employers and job seekers. We also build the 9-1-1 emergency call delivery system,
provide peace officer training and homeland security planning services; and deliver rural transportation
services, business finance programs, grant writing services and environmental grant funding for the region.
Its service area is 10,000 square miles and contains over 830,000 people.
Centrally located within the United States, East Texas is easily accessible by air, rail and road. Our region
has top-notch education and workforce training institutes. And you just will not find anywhere else with the
combination of rolling hills, piney woods and vast, clear lakes that comprise the largely undeveloped East
Texas landscape.
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REGIONAL POPULATION DEMOGRAPHICS
The following table represents the overall growth in population over the last two years in the ETCOG
region. The population has grown from 829,753 to well over 839,357. This equals a change of more than
9,000 residents. The largest changes in population can be seen in Gregg and Smith counties. The average
growth over the 14 county region is 643 people per county. Some small towns, within these counties, don’t
even have 643 people. This is like adding another small town in a matter of 2 years. With that in mind, this
kind of growth places financial burdens on our small communities.
Regional Population by County
County
Anderson
Camp
Cherokee
Gregg
Harrison
Henderson
Marion
Panola
Rains
Rusk
Smith
Upshur
Van Zandt
Wood
Totals
2010 Census
58,458
12,401
50,845
121,728
65,632
78,536
10,536
23,796
10,914
53,332
209,714
39,318
52,582
41,961
829,753
2013 Estimate
57,938
12,413
50,878
123,024
66,886
78,675
10,235
23,870
11,065
53,622
216,080
39,884
52,481
42,306
839,357
900,000
800,000
700,000
600,000
500,000
400,000
300,000
200,000
100,000
0
2010 Census
2013 Estimate
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Planning Team
PLAN COORDINATOR: Stephanie Heffner / Director of Public Safety, ETCOG
In developing this Regional Plan, members of the team were divided into focus groups for the purpose of
narrowing the scope of research and data that are incorporated into the Plan. Some members may serve in
multiple capacities/categories.
JUVENILE SERVICES:
Cheri L. Lee
Justin Harris
Leslie Saunders
Sybil Norris
Kimberly Lewinski
Lauren Vera
Lyndell McAllister
Marianne Jones
Roger Pharr
Whitney Tharpe
Principal Marianne Jones
Monique Navarrette
LEAD Academy – Longview ISD
Van Zandt County Juvenile Detention Center
Henderson County HELP Center
Malakoff ISD
Longview Teen Court
Longview Teen Court
Partners in Prevention
Brownsboro ISD
Crisis Center of Anderson & Cherokee Counties
Gregg County Juvenile Probation Department
Brownsboro ISD Alternative Campus
DORS Youth Transition Center
VICTIM SERVICES:
Jalayne Robinson
Leslie Saunders
Christie Martin
John Shinn
Marlena Taylor
Christy Hutson
Suzanne Smith
Aneshia Bridges Thompson
Becky Ojeman
Roger Pharr
Lana Peacock
Teresa Richenberger
Shannon Trest
Kelly Horn
Wood County District Attorney’s Office
Henderson County HELP Center
Van Zandt County District Attorney’s Office
Van Zandt County District Attorney’s Office
Family Peace Project, Inc.
Family Peace Project, Inc.
Anderson County
Anderson County District Attorney’s Office
Upshur County
Crisis Center of Anderson & Cherokee Counties
East Texas Crisis Center
Rehab’s Retreat
Women’s Center of East Texas
Women’s Center of East Texas
LAW ENFORCEMENT:
Chief Robert Herbert
Lt. Jeff Powell
Sgt. David Hall
Toska Graham
Chris Miller
Sheriff David McKnight
Lt. Anthony Boone
Palestine Police Department
Palestine Police Department
Tyler Police Department
Tyler Police Department
Tyler Police Department
Marion County Sheriff’s Office
Longview Police Department
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Sgt. Laura Samples
Chief Joe C. Hall
Chief Betty Davis
Matthew Graham
Marc Nichols
Chief Paul Montoya
Sgt. Brian Best
Brian Bathke
Chief Rick South
Mike Hamilton
Constable John Cortleyou
Assistant Chief Roman Roberson
Sgt. Johnathan Gage
Captain Michael Kirkwood
Chief Deputy Constable Bob Keltner
Jennifer Nicholson
Fire Marshall Bert Scott
Fire Marshall Tully Davison
Leslie Lehmann
Longview Police Department
Jefferson Police Department
East Mountain Police Department
East Mountain Police Department
East Mountain Police Department
Hallsville Police Department
Hallsville Police Department
Henderson Police Department
East Tawakoni Police Department
East Tawakoni Police Department
Camp County Sheriff’s Office
Kilgore Police Department
Kilgore Police Department
Gladewater Police Department
Van Zandt County Constable Precinct 4
Henderson County
Harrison County Fire Marshall’s Office
Grand Saline Fire Department
Grand Saline Police Department
MENTAL HEALTH:
Leslie Saunders
Roger Pharr
Beverly Brooks
Henderson County HELP Center
Crisis Center of Anderson & Cherokee Counties
East Texas Council of Governments
SUBSTANCE ABUSE:
Sybil Norris
Kimberly Lewinski
Lauren Vera
Beverly Brooks
Malakoff ISD
Longview Teen Court
Longview Teen Court
East Texas Council of Governments
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Law Enforcement Planning Session – 01/08/14
Juvenile Justice and Victim Services Planning Session – 01/14/14
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Juvenile Justice, Victim Services, and Law Enforcement Planning Session – 01/23/14
These photos represent the hard work, leadership and organizational team work of ETCOG and its
communities. The leaders in our communities work hard to solve the ever growing challenges that face the
region and its communities. ETCOG brings many resources to the region while helping to build
collaborative efforts. These relationships and resources often meet and exceed the needs of our leaders and
their communities. Criminal Justice is just a small part of the overall achievements of ETCOG’s ongoing
success.
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STRATEGIC PLANING IS WHERE IT ALL
BEGINS!
(Source: uic.blackboard.com)
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Executive Summary
This plan is formally known as the ETCOG Regional Criminal Justice Strategic Plan and encompasses the
fourteen counties of; Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk,
Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt and Wood, which comprise the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG)
service area. This area is 10,000 square miles and contains approximately 839,357 people. (2013 US Census QuickFacts)
The purpose of this Strategic Plan is to identify gaps in services regarding Juvenile Justice, Victims Services, Law
Enforcement/Criminal Justice, and Mental Health/Substance Abuse Services. The Governor’s Office, Criminal
Justice Division (CJD) requires that Criminal Justice Strategic Plans be developed and maintained by counties
and/or regions throughout Texas. This Plan is in accordance with §2.F in the current Interlocal Cooperation
Agreement between CJD and ETCOG.
Though the final draft of this plan has been completed, this is a work in progress. This plan is subject to change
from year to year when new criminal justice goals are identified and requirements concerning the makeup of this
plan change. ETCOG is interested in keeping up with these changes and will include updates that will be posted
from time to time.
If you are reading this plan and have not been involved in its development, you are invited to join in this ongoing
endeavor. Any questions you may have can be addressed to the Strategic Plan Coordinator at the East Texas
Council of Governments (ETCOG). Contact information is provided within this document.
The ETCOG Executive Committee supports the concept of community/strategic planning by providing staff
support and resources for development and implementation of this plan. Additionally, ETCOG supports grant
applications from county departments as well as community organizations that address gaps in services identified
in the Strategic Plan.
Planning Process
The ETCOG Criminal Justice Strategic Plan emerged from the framework of existing community plans. The
Criminal Justice Advisory Committee and current providers of services in the ETCOG region, covering all areas,
were asked to provide input into the strategic planning process. Stakeholders consisting of non-profits, law
enforcement, victims service providers, school districts, and governmental entities provided advice throughout
the planning process. The input process included meetings, focus groups, and interviews to determine needs and
service priorities. The Strategic Plan, that is represented here, reflects the efforts of many in the ETCOG region
that are concerned with assuring that any gaps in services are closed, thus making our communities safer places
in which to live and work.
Below are local priorities for each of the following areas: Juvenile Justice, Victim Services, Law
Enforcement/Criminal Justice, and Mental Health & Substance Abuse.
Juvenile Justice Priorities:
 Substance Abuse Treatment/Counseling programs and activities related to youth and recovery;
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
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Vocational Training/Career Planning programs that include learning a trade, job readiness,
interviewing, resume writing, etc.;
Mental Health Services to improve, diagnose, and provide treatment to youth;
Prevention Programs that help kids prevent/reduce risky behavior, and provide a safe/structured
environment for youth;
After School Programs that focus on development, homework assistance/academic enrichment,
mentoring, community service projects and sports/recreation for youth;
Truancy Programs that help address poor attendance, skipping school, look at short and long term
consequences, what factors contribute to truancy, and taking action to keep kids on track;
Bullying Programs for youth of all ages, that help reduce and prevent bullying, improve peer
relationships and provide kids with the tools needed to make better decisions;
Parenting Programs that strengthen families, improves parent/child relationships, builds self-esteem
among youth and shows how to reduce stress between parents/children;
Youth Shelter/Transitional Living programs that serve homeless youth, pregnant adolescents, and
kids that have aged out of foster care which provide a supervised setting that assists youth with life skills
training, counseling, education support, goal-setting, and teaches them how to live independently.
Teen Dating Violence Programs that can/will work with teens, schools, parents, mental health
professionals, health care professionals, the courts and victim service providers/domestic violence
organizations;
Programs that provide immediate, and sustained Support Services for juveniles who are victims of
child abuse or violent crimes that include support during criminal justice processes, counseling/therapy,
and legal advocacy; and
Programs that support training for law enforcement on juvenile justice issues.
Victim Services Priorities:
 Direct services to victims of Sexual Assault;
 Direct services to victims of Domestic Violence;
 Direct services to victims of Child Abuse;
 Direct services to victims of Other Violent Crimes;
Violent Crimes Against Women Priorities:
 Improve court services regarding domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking;
 Improve the criminal justice system response to victim of violence against women;
 Increase collaboration and communication across all levels of government and among all victims
services;
 Strengthen victim restoration.
Law Enforcement / Criminal Justice Priorities:
 Crime Data – Enhancements to records management systems (RMSs) to allow local law enforcement to
contribute appropriate data to: N-DEx; TDEx; DPS and/or NIBRS through the Uniform Crime
Reporting system at the Texas Department of Public Safety;
 Mental Health – Specialized training to increase the number of mental health officers and the ability of
peace officers to work with individuals diagnosed with mental illness and/or substance abuse; and
subject matter experts to train them in all aspects of cyber/sex predators & evidence retrieval;
 System Improvements – Projects that promote efficiency, accuracy and credibility of law enforcement
agencies and prosecutors;
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
Innovative or Evidence Based Programs – Projects that reduce crime and violence in areas with high
crime rates or organized criminal activity;
Trafficking – Projects that disrupt drug & human trafficking including areas along and near major state
“contraband corridors”, with special emphasis on training law enforcement, using “subject matter
experts” to teach the best practices in Contraband Detection, Search & Seizure, and understanding the
local Gangs & Cartels modus operandi.
Mental Health & Substance Abuse Priorities:
 Funding for professional therapy and counseling services for mental health and substance abuse;
 Funding for law enforcement dealing with mental health subjects; and
 Funding for additional/other mental health and substance abuse providers and services.
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REGIONAL PRIORITIES
I
n each of the areas on the following pages, problems are identified and data is included that supports both the
existence and severity of gaps as they are found in the ETCOG region Below the description and data are a
discussion of the problems, the manner in which the problems are being addressed, and strategically how
responses to these community problems could be improved.
Members of the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee (CJAC) met for the purpose of prioritizing local score sheet
priorities, per CJD, which have been incorporated into this Plan. CJAC members may serve in multiple
capacities/categories.
CJAC Membership List
Chair, Diane Isham
Maxey Cerliano
John Cortleyou
Clint Davis
Ted Debbs
David Dobbs
Michael Ferguson
Kathy Jackson
Carl Long
Eric McGee
Frank Cason
Charles Helton
Paul McGaha
Linda Oyer
Mark Taylor
Shannon Trest
Drug Abuse Prevention/ Mental Health/ Nonprofit
Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement
Concerned Citizen/ Prosecution/Courts
Drug Abuse Prevention/ Juvenile Justice /Mental Health/ Nonprofit
Concerned Citizen/ Prosecution/Courts
Education/ Law Enforcement
Prosecution/Courts/ Victim Services
Drug Abuse Prevention/ Juvenile Justice / Mental Health
Drug Abuse Prevention/ Juvenile Justice / Mental Health
Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement / Juvenile Justice
Drug Abuse Prevention / Education / Mental Health
Drug Abuse Prevention / Non-Profit
Concerned Citizen/ Prosecution/ Courts
Nonprofit/ Victim Services
The CJAC plays a vital role in the ETCOG community and we are sincerely grateful for their service.
Local Score Sheet Priorities, by area, are designated as follows:
LAW ENFORCEMENT PRIORITIES
Local Priority
Enter Local Priority Name
Number
Local Priority 1
Local Priority 2
Local Priority 3
Crime Data - Enhancements to records management systems to allow law enforcement to
contribute appropriate data: a) to the National Data Exchange (N-Dex) through the
Texas Data Exchange (TDex) application hosted by DPS, or b) to NIBRS through the
UCR section at DPS. (NOTE: LE are encouraged to take advantage of this priority in the event
reporting crime data in the NIBRS format becomes an eligibility requirement for future funding.);
Mental Health - Specialized training to increase the number of mental health officers and
the ability of law enforcement to work with individuals diagnosed with mental illness;
System Improvements - Projects that promote efficiency, accuracy and credibility of law
enforcement agencies and prosecutors;
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Local Priority 4
Local Priority 5
Innovative or Evidence Based Programs - Projects that reduce crime and violence in
areas with high crime rates or organized criminal activity; and
Trafficking - Projects that disrupt drug and human trafficking including areas along and
near major state corridors.
JUVENILE JUSTICE PRIORITIES
Local Priority
Number
Local Priority 1
Local Priority 2
Local Priority 3
Local Priority 4
Local Priority 5
Enter Local Priority Name
Diversion – Programs to divert at-risk juveniles from entering the juvenile justice system. For
this funding opportunity, CJD has defined at-risk as having had documented discipline problems
in the school system or contact with law enforcement or juvenile probation.
School Based Delinquency Prevention –Education programs and/or related services to
prevent truancy, suspension, and expulsion. School safety programs may include support for
school resource officers and law-related education.
Substance Abuse – Programs, research, or other initiatives to address the use and abuse of
illegal and other prescription and nonprescription drugs and abuse of alcohol. Programs include
control, prevention, and treatment.
Job Training – Projects to enhance the employability of juveniles or prepare them for future
employment. Such programs may include job readiness training, apprenticeships, and job
referrals.
Professional Therapy and Counseling/Mental Health Services - include, but are not limited
to, the development and/or enhancement of diagnostic, treatment, and prevention instruments;
psychological and psychiatric evaluations; counseling services; and/or family support services.
GENERAL VICTIM ASSISTANCE PRIORITIES
Local Priority
Enter Local Priority Name
Number
Local Priority 1
Local Priority 2
Local Priority 3
Direct services to victims of Sexual Assault;
Direct services to victims of Domestic Violence;
Direct services to victims of Child Abuse; and
Local Priority 4
Direct services to victims of Other Violent Crimes.
Preference given to applicants that provide the above core services to victims and that promote comprehensive victim
restoration, while incorporating an emphasis on cultural competency in underserved populations.
VIOLENT CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN PRIORITIES
Local Priority
Enter Local Priority Name
Number
Local Priority 1
Local Priority 2
Local Priority 3
Local Priority 4
Improve court services regarding domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and
stalking;
Improve the criminal justice system response to victims of violence against women;
Increase collaboration and communication across all levels of government and among all
victim services; and
Strengthen victim restoration.
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Preference will be given to applicants that promote comprehensive victim restoration or cultural competency in
underserved populations.
MENTAL HEALTH/SUBSTANCE ABUSE PRIORITIES
Local Priority
Enter Local Priority Name
Number
Local Priority 1
Local Priority 2
Local Priority 3
Provide funding for Professional Therapy and Counseling Services for Mental Health &
Substance Abuse;
Provide funding for law enforcement dealing with mental health subjects; and
Provide funding for additional/other mental health and substance abuse providers and
services.
Local Priorities are Criminal Justice Division Funding Priorities for Plan Year 2016 categorized by the
ETCOG Criminal Justice Advisory Committee. Detailed information concerning state priorities/funding
opportunities can be found at the following link - https://egrants.governor.state.tx.us/fundopp.aspx.
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Law Enforcement Priorities
The regional crimes statistics shown below are for the past three years. The table on the top left shows the number of
crimes committed from 2010-2012 for each of the 14 counties. The table at the bottom left shows the number of
police departments, sheriff offices, staff for law enforcement agencies in the region, officers, and training hours
completed. The chart on the top right is intended to give a side by side comparison for the previous three years of
crime statistics per county. The pie chart on the bottom right is to help illustrate crime ratios per county.
REGIONAL CRIME STATISTICS*
TOTAL # Crimes
Committed by COUNTY
Three Year Crime Statistics per County
2010
2011
2012
Blue 2010
AVERAGE CRIME COMPARISONS
Red 2011
Green 2012
9,000
ANDERSON
1,382
1,684
1,584
8,000
CAMP
316
384
375
7,000
CHEROKEE
1,766
1,817
1,690
6,000
GREGG
6,760
5,871
6,469
HARRISON
1,999
1,992
1,764
HENDERSON
2,636
2,573
2,390
MARION
348
318
347
PANOLA
463
607
751
RAINS
136
204
206
RUSK
1,296
1,447
1,555
SMITH
8,516
7,768
7,712
UPSHUR
829
938
1,010
VAN ZANDT
1,139
1,257
1,033
WOOD
818
903
864
TOTALS
REGIONAL LOGISTICS*:
Number of PDs & SOs
# Agencies with Staff <100
# with Staff 100-200
# with Staff > 200
Peace Officers**:
# of Peace Officers*
# Trained in FY2012-13
# Total Training Hours
27,404
27,763
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
-
REGIONAL CRIME RATIO
27,750
UPSHUR
4%
VAN ZANDT WOOD
4%
3%
CAMP
1%
ANDERSON
6%
95
80
11
4
CHEROKEE
6%
SMITH
28%
GREGG
23%
4,058
3,419
115,588
RUSK
5%
*Taken from Texas DPS Uniform Crime Reports, 2011-2013
** Taken from ETCOG-ETPA Stats for FY12-13
RAINS
1%
HENDERSON
9%
HARRISON
6%
PANOLA MARION
3%
1%
The tables and graphs above show direct correlations between growing counties and a rise in crime rates. Take Smith
County for example, it has seen a growth in population over the last three years but also seen an increase in crime thus
placing more strain on its resources. Meanwhile, the more stagnated communities, growth wise, have seen a decrease in
population and a decrease in crime. However, on the same note, some stalled communities have seen an increase in crime
as well. This may have a double effect on limited community resources due to the fact that their economy struggles and
their resources still take a hit leaving them more vulnerable to crime and draining of resources. The crime ratio pie chart
indicates 100% of regional crime and the percentages of those crimes that occur in each county. These counties need more
funding and resources to grow with society and keep up with the latest advances in technology.
19
Priority #1
Problem Identified: Crime Data Improvements
1. Funding needed to enhance local RMSs for the reporting of law enforcement statistical data to:
DPS – UCR, T-DEx, N-DEx, and NIBRS;
2. Numerous law enforcement agencies need to implement changes to their computers in order to
comply with several facets of SJIS compliance; and
3. Lack of equipment for law enforcement to receive or transmit warrant/arrest data from patrol
units.
Data:
1. Our Region had such a lack of funding assistance for this type of technological equipment improvement
that when DPS announced such funds were available in 2011 to assist in TDEx reporting 13 Municipal
Police Departments and 1 County Sheriff’s Office from our region received awards to upgrade their RMS
systems. (TX DPS T-DEx 2011 RMS Funding Awards)
2. Computers, both desk top and mobile, are currently running on a version of windows that are not capable
of being upgraded to the Windows 7 platform due to lack of memory and processing power. Therefore,
numerous law enforcement agencies will need to replace their computers and aging server infrastructure to
meet technology/SJIS compliance.
Agency administrators need to know methods & means for them to obtain the needed technologies, in
order to; A.) Adequately report their logistical statistics to the required State & Federal governing bodies,
and B.) Attempt to stay in lock-step compatibility-wise with neighboring agencies, as they all work to
combat crime, so they can best serve & protect their respective communities/jurisdictions.
TEXAS
TEXAS
Full-time Law Enforcement Employees
Full-time Law Enforcement Employees
by City, 2013 (FBI.gov)
by Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Counties, 2013
Total law
Total
Total
Total law
Total
Total
enforcement
officers
civilians
enforcement
officers
civilians
Arp
employees
4
4
0
Athens
29
23
6
Big Sandy
5
5
0
Carthage
23
17
6
East
Mountain
2
2
0
Edgewood
2
2
0
Frankston
7
6
1
Gilmer
18
14
4
Gladewater
23
17
6
Grand
Saline
6
6
0
Gun Barrel
City
20
14
6
CITY
COUNTY
employees
Anderson
Camp
Cherokee
Gregg
82
17
75
254
35
7
32
106
47
10
43
148
Harrison
Henderson
Marion
Panola
Rains
107
148
11
59
25
58
82
10
27
10
49
66
1
32
15
Rusk
73
35
38
Smith
307
178
129
20
Hallsville
5
5
0
Hawkins
4
4
0
Henderson
41
33
8
Jefferson
7
6
1
Kilgore
48
37
11
Lindale
21
15
6
Longview
219
160
59
Malakoff
6
6
0
Mineola
18
12
6
Overton
10
7
3
Palestine
42
27
15
Pittsburg
12
10
2
Plainview
39
32
7
Rusk
12
11
1
Seven
Points
11
7
4
Tool
10
6
4
Troup
9
8
1
Tyler
242
191
51
Van
7
7
0
Whitehouse
16
15
1
White Oak
19
15
4
Winnsboro
13
9
4
Upshur
Van Zandt
Wood
Not Available
74
62
31
27
638
43
35
733
Potential Response to Problem:
1. Update older and outdated systems until new funding is allocated to completely replace out dated
technology.
2. Replace outdated law enforcement computers and systems with more advance technologies so they can
become compliant with SJIS.
3. Update communication and network technologies which, in return, will allow patrol units to gain better
access to warrant and arrest data.
Priority # 1 is the need for data improvement in our communities. The state and federal government often
times wants our region to comply with certain criteria. These criteria are often impossible to meet without
additional funds. Most of our smaller counties do not have the resources to comply with these guidelines
and do well just to balance local budgets. According to recent grant applications, surveys, work group
meetings and other community members there is a huge gap in small town/rural funding and technology
which the state and federal government would like to see improved.
21
Priority #2
Problem Identified: Mental Health Issues for Law Enforcement
1. Specialized training for law enforcement which will help them deal with mental subjects while working
calls/cases;
2. “State funding for the four Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHAs) serving the ETCOG region is not
sufficient to meet regional needs” (Morningside Research and Consulting Inc. (MCRI), Mental Health Care Services and
Expenditures Report, December 2013);
3. Our state funded mental health hospital is unfunded and undersized placing the burden of housing on our
jails and public hospitals;
4. The hospitals and jails are not adequately equipped/funded to deal with mental health patients; and
5. Lack of bilingual peace officers.
Data:
Since 2011, a concerted effort has been made to tackle Law Enforcement’s “Mental Health Double-edged Sword”: The
ever-growing number of risk-laden calls taken daily that involve “Mental Subjects” – those suffering from a diagnosed
mental disorder, the psychological effects of alcohol &/or drug abuse, and military veterans who’ve returned to their
communities from active service and are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These, plus a plethora of
other job-related factors, profoundly increase their stress levels resulting in many of our Peace Officers suffering
(consciously or not) from PTSD themselves.
1. Apart from the already long-held “Crisis Intervention” training and with the State Legislature now requiring each
county to have at least 1 “Mental Health Peace Officer”, 35 from the ETCOG region has attended since 2011. Other
Mental Health-related courses of varying levels, taken by regional law enforcement include: Child Abuse; Child –
Internet Predator; Psychology of Criminal Sexuality; Preventing Sex Misconduct; Suicide/Crisis Intervention – 295
total trained.
2. Due to all the above, plus the needs of the returning Military Veterans and the added stressors of being in the public
eye, challenges & threats exist for this 24/7 profession. With that in mind, we endeavor to hold some form of PTSD –
Stress Management training on a regular basis.
PEACE OFFICERS' Trainings**
Mental Health Peace Officer
Child Abuse - Predator
Criminal Sexuality
Crisis - Suicide Intervention
PTSD - Stress Management
TOTAL MH FIELDS TRAINED
** FY'11-'13 ETCOG - ETPA Totals
35
118
126
101
135
515
3. “The 14 counties in the ETCOG region are spending $2.3 million of county resources on addressing the needs of
county residents with mental health and substance use disorders. These costs are most likely underreported. Some
counties do not track some of the expenses that are incurred, such as court costs and transportation provided by the
sheriff’s departments. County’s incur expenses for the following items related to addressing the needs of residents with
mental health disorders:
 Local matching funds to the four LMHAs serving counties in the ETCOG region
 Some direct services through contract with the LMHAs and other service providers
 Processing of Emergency Detention Warrants (EDWs) and Orders of Protective Custody (OPCs)
 Providing public defenders
 Transporting residents from hospital emergency rooms and jails to psychiatric inpatient services” (MCRI)
22
4. Providing psychotropic medications and other services in county jails
Potential Response to Problem:
1. Apply for more funding, when it becomes available, to better train local law enforcement how to identify mental
health issues during their day to day activities.
2. Ask legislatures to pass additional funding for LMHAs as well as funding for or local Rusk State hospital. This will
allow better evaluations of mental health patients, better training and facilities for care and housing.
3. Request additional funding to build more innovative mental health facilities and fund older facilities to deal with
growing needs.
4. Request funding for hospitals and jails to treat, transport and house mental patients.
5. Request funding to train/hire qualified bilingual officers.
23
Priority #3
Problem Identified: System Improvements
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Lack of equipment for law enforcement to receive or transmit warrant/arrest data from patrol units;
Need new vehicles to replace old worn out cruisers, SUVs, and trucks for law enforcement;
Lack of K-9s, equipped vehicles, and specialized training;
Lack of desk top and mobile computers for law enforcement;
Lack of Tasers and training for law enforcement;
Lack of cameras for audio and video evidence (body cameras and in-car cameras);
Lack of crime analysis software;
Lack of funding for local Crime Stopper Programs; and
Lack of equipment for juvenile detention centers.
Data:
85% of our local jurisdictions have inadequate software and technology (information based on applicants of funding for
these technologies at local COG level).
90% of our local law enforcement agencies come in and apply for some type of new technology or equipment (according
to data retained by ETCOG).
13+ municipalities applied for funding through DPS to update their outdated Record Management Systems.
100% of school districts and local law enforcement departments would like to have at least one canine unit per school
district/department. Although many larger counties have canines they would like additional resources. Many counties do
not have one of the three or all of the three types of canines (drug, bomb, and cadaver). Dogs are typically only trained in
one area. 35+% of local law enforcement agencies don’t have any type of canine unit. The estimated cost of training a dog
and purchasing a specialized vehicle is approximately $50,000 ($35,000/vehicle plus cost of equipment and $6,500 for a
dog). [Data gathered from applicants.]
100% of all dispatch centers report some sort of shortfall when it comes to technology and communication systems. This
could be radios, head sets, consoles, computers and software.
The COG is currently working on expanding networks, connectivity and communications in our PSAPS. We have spent
over 1.5 million on funding for a new 9-1-1 MPLS VOIP phone system, routers, etc. Many of our local law enforcement
agencies still have shortfalls when it comes to communications and interoperability. It is estimated that law enforcement
and departments still need close to $789,696 in upgrades (based on applications received as of 02/28/14).
Potential Response to Problem:
1. Purchase newer receivers, radios, vehicles, cameras, radar, computers, ballistic vests, mobile surveillance
equipment which will allow law enforcement to carry out their day to day duties in a more safe, productive and
adequate manner.
2. Apply for funding for specific vehicular needs of local law enforcement which will replace high mileage and worn
out, underperforming units.
3. Purchase K-9s, specialized equipment/vehicles and provide training for K-9 officers and their companions. This
will result in more seizures, safer police officers, better communities, and better detection of contraband.
4. Apply for funding to purchase new desk top and mobile devices. This will result in a more productive, efficient,
and safe work environment.
5. Purchase non-lethal devices to apprehend suspects and provide training on these technologies.
24
6. Funding for IT departments to update and maintain local crime analysis software. This will result in overall
organization of intelligence, education, and analysis of crime.
7. Apply for funding for Crime Stopper Programs that help aid and assist in the arrest and prosecution of crime.
This in return will help prevent future crime and address needs for funding of these programs.
8. Lack of available funding for juvenile detention centers to maintain/upgrade their current camera/security
systems.
Priority #4
Problem Identified: Innovative or Evidence Based Programs
1. Law Enforcement RMS systems cannot access RMS data from neighboring jurisdictions or states;
2. Lack of funding/programs that are dedicated to contraband corridors;
3. Lack of innovative processes for identifying, gathering and collecting drug hotspot data; and
4. Lack of qualified detectives in smaller jurisdictions that are capable of analyzing crime data and
investigating known hotspots.
Data:
Law enforcement agencies with electronic Records Management Systems (RMS) cannot access RMS data from
neighboring jurisdictions or other jurisdictions in Texas and neighboring states. With this in mind, criminals do
not recognize jurisdictional boundaries. They live in our region, commit their crimes in and around our
neighborhoods and our Law Enforcement cannot analyze that data. Unless law enforcement agencies have a
crime analyst they do not have the tools to analyze their own RMS data so they can allocate the resources where
they need to be within their jurisdictions. Our region’s law enforcement cannot link suspects in their cases, with
other crimes, within other jurisdictions without calling other investigators and having them access their
databases.
Our region is traversed via I-20, US-59, US-69 & US-79, among many others, which are known as drug or
“Contraband Corridors”. Cocaine and Heroin is moving from the DFW Metroplex through our communities or
up from the Mexican border into East Texas. Without evidence based programs, our community is at risk of
further violent crime when making traffic stops on vehicles that may be known traffickers from the west or
south coming through East Texas.
Methamphetamine and other illegal drugs manufactured in East Texas travel down Highways 59 and/or 69, to
the Houston-Galveston & Beaumont–Port Arthur areas. Without innovative tools, our region is at risk of
further violent crime and our Peace Officers are in greater danger, when making traffic stops on vehicles that
contain known traffickers, traveling from and through East Texas. Our communities are at greater risk of crime
when we have no data or limited data available to analyze trends and identify “Hot Spots” or predict where other
crimes are most likely to occur, based on analysis of our data and that of neighboring agencies.
•
Cross jurisdictional information sharing with Crime and Link Analysis tools will allow our region’s Law
Enforcement to adequately predict where crimes are most likely to occur, both in & around our communities.
•
We can then identify “Hot Spots” where specific crimes occur, at greater frequency than other areas of the
community, and apply the required resources to that area to address the identified crime problems.
•
By identifying linkages between suspects in local cases with suspects in other neighboring jurisdictions,
improving the “closure rate by arrest” and removing dangerous offenders for longer periods of confinement.
25
With Link Analysis connections they would be able to show to when &/or where multiple crimes exist and
present better cases to the Prosecutor.
The above achievements should then result in the location, detection, apprehension, prosecution, conviction and
hopefully incarceration of more criminals, especially the drug and human traffickers who reside &/or traverse
through our region.
Potential Response to Problem:
1. Extension and Implementation of the “LEAP” program in the ETCOG region.
2. Provide cross jurisdictional information sharing with Crime and Link Analysis tools which will allow our
region’s Law Enforcement to adequately predict where crimes are most likely to occur, both in &
around our communities.
3. Purchase innovative tools that identify “Hot Spots” where specific crimes occur, at greater frequency
than other areas of the community, and apply the required resources to that area to address the
identified crime problems.
4. Hire more seasoned investigators and put wider evidence based programs in place which will tie
together a vast network of data. The hiring and placement of these new tools will allow local authorities
to tie together data and evidence from other jurisdictions in return creating a safer community. This will
result in lower fences, more arrests, better prosecution, and larger scale indictments.
Priority #5
Problem Identified: - Trafficking - Mexican Drug Cartels and Gangs
1. Lack of equipment/technology to assist in gathering intelligence;
2. Lack of specialized gang training for law enforcement;
3. Lack of officers to patrol highways, interstates and back county roads for trafficking of
humans and drugs;
4. Lack of public awareness of human and drug trafficking issues;
5. Lack of funds to hire additional officers and pay overtime;
6. Lack of qualified bilingual peace officers.
Data:
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) recently said that the most significant organized crime threat, to
the state, is Mexican drug cartels. Out of eight Mexican cartels (3) are currently operating in East Texas. They
are: La Familia, Los Zetas, and the Gulf Cartel.
26
ETCOG Region Latino Gangs Guide
Tango Blast Gangs use no colors
Tattoos are:
“TB” “PTB” “16-20-2”
Hometown Area Code and Sports Team logos
Tango Blast
Logo
Tattoos
Cartel
Austin
Capital
512
Corpus
Charcos
361
MxCrtls
MxCrtls
Dallas
Cowboys
214
MxCrtls
Tango Blast
Logo
Tattoos
Cartel
El Paso
Chucos
915
MxCrtls
Ft. Worth
Houston
Hollow Star
Astros
817
713
MxCrtls
MxCrtls
Rio Grande
Vallucos
956
MxCrtls
San Antonio
West Texas
Spurs
Wesos
210
432
MxCrtls
Sinaloa
Gang
Nuestra Fam
Colors
Red
Tattoos
NF
Cartel
-
ParRevMex
S Side Loco
Suernos
N/A
Blue
Blue
Drunk
13
13
Gulf
Sinaloa
TxChicBro
TxMxMafia
N/A
N/A
TCB
Hand
Gulf
Sinaloa
TxSyndicate
N/A
TS
Los Z
Gang
18th Street
Barrio
Aztec
Border
Bros
HermPisLa
LatintKings
Mara Salva
Nortenos
Colors
Blk &
White
N/A
N/A
N/A
Blk &
Gold
Blk or
Blue
Red
Tat
too
18s
666
BA21
BB22
Gu
ns
Cro
Los Z
Sinaloa
Sin/Gul
f
Sinaloa
wn
MS
Sin/LZ
14Nor
Cartel
Los Z
-
(The Expert wishes to remain anonymous.)
Data concerning interstates and highways:
DPS reports Interstate 20, 30, 35 and Hwy 59 are all major roads for trafficking. Local officials and law
enforcement have found Hwy 69 and other local roads as hubs for trafficking as well.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Potential Response to Problem:
1. Provide the public with information concerning cartels through the use of social media, pamphlets and
brochures explaining what to look for when these events arise.
2. Provide better equipment for inspecting trafficking issues over highways and roads including mobile
computers, radios, LPRs, ballistic vests, body cameras, night vision, etc.
3. Provide financial assistance for more specialized gang training and classes.
4. Create a localized regional database that tracks cartels, crime rates, aliases and known affiliates of East Texas
which will assist law enforcement in their day to day duties.
5. Find state, federal or foundation funding to hire and assist local peace officers and the war against organized
crime.
6. Request funding to train/hire qualified bilingual officers.
27
Juvenile Justice Priorities
Priority #1
Problem Identified: Diversion
1. Lack of mentoring programs;
2. Lack of life skills and job skills programs;
3. Lack of afterschool/summer programs;
4. Lack of parent and youth education;
5. Lack of residential facilities for homeless and runaway youth;
6. Lack of gang prevention and intervention programs;
7. Lack of financial assistance for families who can’t afford juvenile programs;
8. Lack of equipment for juvenile detention centers; and
9. Lack of funding for additional juvenile probation officers, case workers and social workers.
Data: The data shows that in our region referrals have fallen slightly across the board. This drop in referrals
may be due to better education, tougher laws, growing awareness, and higher graduation rates. Some recent
data suggest that this may continue to decline as long as we recover economically and programs are put into
place to support programs and education for you and parents alike. Our communities still have a lot of work to
do to improve our numbers but with the right funding and programs it is very possible
2011 ETCOG Juvenile Probation Statistics
Population
Referrals
Referral
Rate
per 1,000
Anderson
4,449
72
16
Camp
1336
23
17
Cherokee
5118
116
23
Gregg
11613
434
37
Harrison
Henderson
6619
7245
154
128
23
18
Marion
822
12
15
Panola
2270
22
10
Rains
1054
24
23
Rusk
4857
66
14
Smith
20940
468
22
Upshur
3920
71
18
Van Zandt
5287
61
12
County
Wood
3574
97
27
(SOJPAT - November 2013 / TX Juvenile Justice Department)
Texas Juvenile Justice
Department
Juvenile Probation Disposition Activity by County
01/01/11
thru
Refused/Dismissed
Diverted/Not Guilty
Supervisory
Caution
Deferred
Prosecution
Adjudicated
to Probation
28
Modified
Probation
Committed
to TYC
Certified as
Adult
Consolidated/
Transferred
Total
Dispositions
12/31/11
Anderson
15
6
14
10
0
0
0
4
49
Camp
2
4
9
5
0
0
0
0
20
Cherokee
10
25
38
38
6
2
0
12
131
Gregg
74
115
139
48
31
7
0
21
435
Harrison
Henderso
n
Marion
57
11
58
22
10
1
1
1
161
47
23
33
21
9
1
0
7
141
2
4
6
1
0
0
0
0
13
Panola
9
1
6
6
0
0
0
0
22
Rains
3
0
11
8
1
0
0
0
23
Rusk
14
11
24
10
1
0
0
3
63
Smith
49
59
149
174
45
13
2
19
510
Upshur
11
9
33
10
0
3
0
6
72
Van Zandt
11
13
45
2
0
0
0
1
72
Wood
11
42
5
21
18
1
1
2
101
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Kids Receiving Free/Reduced Lunch
Location
Data
Type
20072008
20082009
20092010
20102011
20112012
Anderson
Number
4,661
4,733
5,024
5,146
5,231
Percent
59.0%
60.0%
63.0%
64.4%
66.8%
Number
1695
1,708
1,851
1,928
1,928
Percent
74.00%
75.00%
81.60%
83.10%
83.40%
Number
5,783
5,864
6,303
6,497
6,536
Percent
74.0%
75.0%
78.6%
78.9%
81.8%
Number
11,879
12,540
13,734
13,985
14,408
Percent
54.0%
57.0%
61.6%
30.8%
64.8%
Number
6,448
6,839
7,450
7,635
7,627
Percent
55.0%
57.0%
62.1%
64.0%
62.8%
Number
5,996
6,259
6,668
6,755
6,851
Percent
62.0%
64.0%
67.9%
66.7%
70.7%
Number
870
903
934
919
939
Percent
78.0%
77.0%
82.1%
78.0%
83.3%
Number
1,487
1,585
1,836
1,906
2,223
Percent
41.0%
43.0%
52.6%
52.4%
58.9%
Number
815
832
854
890
931
Percent
55.0%
56.0%
58.4%
57.8%
59.4%
Number
4,370
4,550
4,845
4,989
5,088
Camp
Cherokee
Gregg
Harrison
Henderson
Marion
Panola
Rains
Rusk
29
Smith
Upshur
Van Zandt
Wood
Percent
61.0%
63.0%
67.4%
46.5%
69.0%
Number
18,186
19,130
20,379
21,306
22,080
Percent
57.0%
59.0%
61.6%
63.1%
65.1%
Number
3,236
3,457
3,884
4,043
4,085
Percent
48.0%
50.0%
57.1%
60.1%
61.6%
Number
4548
4766
5320
5396
5484
Percent
50.0%
52.0%
56.5%
57.9%
59.1%
Number
3,137
3,253
3,539
3,576
3,668
56.0%
60.9%
60.8%
63.1%
Percent
54.0%
(Source - datacenter.kidscount.org)
Number of Children receiving SNAP (food stamps) Ages 0-17
County
Anderson
Camp
Cherokee
Gregg
Harrison
Henderson
Marion
Panola
Rains
Rusk
Smith
Upshur
Van Zandt
Wood
Data Type
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
2012
3,248
28.4%
1,455
43.8%
4,393
33.2%
9790
31.0%
5099
29.7%
5,899
33.0%
777
39.2%
1,359
23.3%
525
22.5%
2,926
23.6%
14,803
27.0%
2,687
27.7%
3,113
25.0%
2,300
27.1%
2013
3,339
N/A
1,442
N/A
4,393
N/A
9911
N/A
5110
N/A
6,004
N/A
738
N/A
1,426
N/A
496
N/A
3,210
N/A
14,358
N/A
2,697
N/A
3,129
N/A
2,266
N/A
Increase?
yes
no
same
yes
yes
yes
no
yes
no
yes
no
yes
yes
no
(SNAP) – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(Source: Texas Health and Human Services – Center for Public Policy Priorities
30
Priority #2
Potential Response to Problem:
1. Request funding from the state, federal government or foundations to provide local mentoring programs.
This in return will keep youth from making poor decisions and provide them guidance and a place to turn
in a time of need.
2. Request monies to fund local area organizations that handle specific youth life skills and job skills
programs. This will better prepare our youth for real life applications and skill sets.
3. Provide a place for youth/minors that are not old enough to work the opportunity to participate in
founded fundamental extracurricular activities. This will help reduce juvenile crime, keep kids busy and
off the streets, allow children another positive community environment.
4. Request funding to create a department at the COG that handles youth and parent outreach. This will
allow the community to develop organizations locally that handle educational and developmental needs.
5. Hire additional case workers and/or social workers to continue working with juveniles, upon completion
of their diversion program.
6. Promote expansion of proven successful programs, to areas/ISDs, where no such program is present.
7. Encourage juvenile probation officers to work with/in the ISDs.
8. Provide more mentoring and life skills programs for youth.
9. Request funding for residential based programs which help transition kids back with their families.
10. Look at implementing programs like Adult Relating to Kids through alternative education programs or
through juvenile probation departments.
11. Lack of available funding for juvenile detention centers to maintain/upgrade their current
camera/security systems.
31
Problem Identified: School Based Delinquency Prevention
1. Lack of school police officers or school resource officers;
2. Lack of school counselors; (guidance, chemical dependency, etc.)
3. Lack of juvenile probation officers to work in the school system;
4. Lack of education specialists;
5. Lack of funding for alternative education and development;
6. Lack of parental involvement in the schools;
7. Lack of bullying programs; and
8. Lack of evidence based prevention programs.
Data:
County Average Daily Attendance Report
2004-2005
ADA
County Name
ANDERSON
COUNTY
2005-2006
ADA
2006-2007
ADA
2007-2008
ADA
2008-2009
ADA
2009-2010
ADA
2010-2011
ADA
2011-2012
ADA
7,869.508
8,030.672
7,967.577
7,886.500
7,904.119
7,869.792
7,885.718
7,826.757
2,241.771
2,266.285
2,290.726
2,260.509
2,213.020
2,259.487
2,328.522
2,310.593
7,586.516
21,642.699
7,584.628
21,715.946
7,684.319
21,626.071
7,663.974
21,479.779
7,650.141
21,681.730
7,814.329
21,702.911
7,963.245
22,015.278
7,994.685
22,241.547
HARRISON COUNTY
HENDERSON
COUNTY
MARION COUNTY
PANOLA COUNTY
RAINS COUNTY
RUSK COUNTY
11,431.155
11,481.928
11,496.526
11,534.326
11,776.601
11,945.772
12,061.951
12,145.694
9,835.266
1,282.846
3,489.718
1,508.536
6,875.572
9,828.796
1,267.465
3,520.012
1,515.959
6,973.802
9,659.175
1,218.668
3,451.987
1,517.036
7,045.957
9,642.484
1,158.951
3,537.396
1,545.973
7,081.647
9,627.416
1,144.993
3,568.089
1,525.505
7,117.024
9,655.136
1,138.000
3,606.790
1,489.607
7,143.200
9,688.564
1,138.385
3,762.136
1,528.456
7,296.070
9,662.824
1,126.214
3,774.259
1,566.413
7,369.408
SMITH COUNTY
UPSHUR COUNTY
VAN ZANDT
COUNTY
30,839.485
6,284.361
31,425.521
6,389.942
31,451.103
6,454.229
31,865.638
6,497.242
32,281.779
6,585.541
32,878.276
6,514.937
33,522.630
6,588.286
33,791.561
6,634.766
9,140.397
9,244.850
9,263.943
9,253.500
9,248.102
9,402.036
9,295.163
9,275.158
5,758.123
5,683.688
5,696.106
5,656.812
5,658.890
5,693.585
5,696.946
5,812.410
CAMP COUNTY
CHEROKEE
COUNTY
GREGG COUNTY
WOOD COUNTY
Annual Dropout Rate for Grades 9-12 by School Year
High School Completion for Grades 9-12 by Class Year
Class of
2006
Class of
2007
Class of
2008
Class of
2009
Class of
2010
Number In
Class
10,927
10,835
10,937
10,985
10,832
797
Graduation
Rate
85.30%
83.90%
85.10%
86.10%
89.40%
48,317
Continued
HS Rate
5.00%
4.70%
5.90%
5.00%
3.80%
Received
GED Rate
2.40%
2.20%
1.30%
1.20%
1.10%
Longitudinal
Dropout Rate
7.30%
9.20%
7.70%
7.70%
5.70%
Completion I
Rate
90.30%
88.60%
91.00%
91.10%
93.10%
Completion
II Rate
92.70%
90.80%
92.30%
92.30%
94.30%
2005-06
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
Annual Dropout
Rate
2.70%
2.70%
2.10%
2.30%
1.60%
Number of
Dropouts
1,401
1,335
1,058
1,134
Total Number of
Students
51,214
50,045
49,609
48,805
32
Note:
1. Rates may not add to 100 percent because of rounding.
5.
Texas Education Agency – Region 7 Level Annual Discipline Summary for 2012 - 2013
SECTION
HEADING
HEADING NAME
A-Participation
A01
Region Cumulative Year End
Enrollment
B-Discipline Data Trends
D-Expulsion Actions
E-DAEP Placements
F-Out of School Suspensions
G-In School Suspensions
Completion I consists of students who graduated or continued high school.
Completion II consists of students who graduated, continued high school, or
received a general educational development certificate (GED).
YR13
178,342
A02
Region Discipline Population
27,218
A03
Region Discipline Record
County
78,851
B04
County of Students Expelled
67
B05
B06
Mandatory Expulsions
Discretionary Expulsions
33
35
B07
Count of Students Removed to
a DAEP
3,021
B08
B09
Mandatory DAEP removals
Discretionary DAEP removals
961
2,699
B10
County of students suspended
in school
23,491
B13
Students suspended out of
school
8,191
C10
Black or African American
23
C11
C13
Hispanic/Latino
Two or more races
C14
C15
White
American Indian or Alaska
Native
C16
Asian
N/A
C17
C18
Black or African American
Hispanic/Latino
1,322
827
C19
C20
Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific
Two or more races
N/A
94
C21
C22
White
American Indian or Alaska
Native
1,389
48
C23
Asian
N/A
C24
C25
Black or African American
Hispanic/Latino
7,546
4,141
C26
C27
Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific
Two or more races
N/A
448
C28
C29
White
American Indian or Alaska
Native
4,436
252
C30
Asian
N/A
N/A
30
15
129
33
I-Special Education Expulsions
J-Special Education DAEP Placements
K-Special Education Out of School
Suspension
L-Special Education in School Suspension
N-Economically Disadvantaged
Expulsions
O-Economically Disadvantaged DAEP
Placements
P- Economically Disadvantaged Out of
School Suspension
Q-Economically Disadvantaged in School
Suspension
C31
Black or African American
19,640
C32
C33
Hispanic/Latino
Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific
12,168
17
C34
C35
Two or more races
White
1,654
23,130
D04
Special Education Students
Expelled
15
D05
D06
Special Education Expulsions
Non Special Ed Expulsions
15
53
D07
Special Ed Students in DAEP
placement
541
D08
Special Ed DAEP Placements
686
D09
Non Special ED DAEP
Placements
2,974
D10
Special Ed Students out of
School suspension
1,498
D11
Special Ed Out of School
Suspension
3,233
D12
Non Special Ed Out of School
Suspension
13,425
D13
Special Ed Students in School
Suspension
3,243
D14
Special Ed in School
Suspension
8,485
D15
Non Special Ed in School
Suspension
48,505
E05
Economically Disadvantaged
Students Expelled
48
E06
Economically Disadvantaged
Expulsions
48
E07
Non Economically
Disadvantaged Expulsions
20
E09
Economically Disadvantaged
Students Placed in DAEP
2,352
E10
Economically Disadvantaged
DAEP Placements
2,896
E11
Non Economically
Disadvantaged DAEP
Placements
E13
Economically Disadvantaged
Students Out of School
6,726
E14
Economically Disadvantaged
Out of School Suspension
14,175
E15
Non Economically
Disadvantaged Out of School
Suspension
2,483
E17
Economically Disadvantaged
Students Suspension in School
17,565
34
764
S-At Risk Expulsions
T-At Risk DAEP Placements
U-At Risk Out of School Suspension
V-At Risk in School Suspension
W-Reason Incident Counts
E18
Economically Disadvantaged In
School suspensions
44,811
E19
Non Economically
Disadvantaged in School
Suspensions
12,179
F05
At Risk Students Expelled
43
F06
F07
At Risk Expulsions
Non At Risk Expulsions
43
10
F08
Unknown At Risk Status
Expulsions
15
F09
At Risk Students Placed in
DAEP
2,126
F10
At Risk DAEP Placements
2,618
F11
Non At Risk DAEP Placements
700
F12
Unknown At Risk Status
DAEP Placements
342
F13
At Risk Students Out of School
Suspension
5,440
F14
At Risk Out of School
Suspension
11,938
F15
Non At Risk Out of School
Suspension
3,543
F16
Unknown At Risk Status Out of
School Suspension
1,177
F17
At Risk Students Suspension In
School
13,330
F18
F19
At Risk In School Suspensions
Non At Risk In School
Suspensions
35,354
18,664
F20
Unknown At Risk Status in
School Suspension
2,972
G01
01- Permanent Removal by
Teacher
241
G02
02- Conduct Punishable as a
Felony
62
G04
G05
04- Controlled Substance/Drug
05- Alcohol Violation
464
98
G06
06- Abuse of a Volatile
Chemical
N/A
G07
07- Public Lewdness/Indecent
Exposure
43
G08
08- Retaliation Against District
Employee
N/A
G09
09- Title 5 Felony - Off
Campus
24
G10
10- Non Title 5 Felony Off
Campus
31
35
X-Discipline Action Counts
G11
11- Firearm Violation
G12
G13
12- Illegal Knife
13- Club
15
N/A
G14
G16
14- Prohibited Weapon
16- Arson
8
N/A
G18
G21
18- Indecency with a Child
21- Violated Local Code of
Conduct
G22
22- Criminal Mischief
48
G26
G27
26- Terroristic Threat
27- Assault-District Employee
48
26
G28
28- Assault-Non District
Employee
140
G30
30- Aggravated Assault-Non
District Employee
N/A
G31
31- Sexual Assault-District
Employee
N/A
G32
32- Sexual Assault –Non
District Employee
N/A
G33
G34
33- Tobacco
34- School Related Gang
Violence
278
17
G35
35- False Alarm/False Report
10
G36
36- Felony Controlled
Substance Violation
5
G41
G42
41- Fighting/Mutual Combat
42- Truancy - Parent Contribute
To
G43
43- Truancy - 3 Unexcused
Absences
399
G44
44- Truancy - 10 Unexcused
Absences
813
G45
G46
45- Truancy - Failure to Enroll
46- Aggravated Robbery
N/A
N/A
G49
G50
49- Engage in Deadly Conduct
50- Non Illegal Knife
N/A
40
G58
58- Breach of Computer
Security
N/A
G59
59- Serious Misbehavior while
in DAEP
16
H01
01- Expulsion without
Education placement
30
H03
03- Expulsion to On Campus
DAEP
28
H04
04- Expulsion to Off Campus
DAEP
8
H05
05-Out of School Suspension
13,121
36
8
6
63,160
1,614
274
H06
06-In-School Suspension
43,927
H07
07- Placement in Off Campus
DAEP
3,380
H08
08-Continue with Other
District DAEP Placement
88
H09
09-Continue Other District
Expulsion
N/A
H10
10- Continue with District Prior
Year DAEP
153
H11
11- Continue District Prior
Year Expulsion
N/A
H16
16- Truancy Charges Filed with
Fine
1,226
H17
17- Truancy Charges Filed with
out Fine
262
H25
25- Part Day Out of School
Suspension
3,537
H26
26-Part Day in School
Suspension
13,063
H27
27-Mandatory Action Not
Taken Special Ed
6
H28
28-Mandatory Action Not
Taken
17
H54
54-Special hearing Placed
On/Off Campus
N/A
(Source - Texas Education Agency PEIMS Discipline Data. www.esc7.net)
“Parent Involvement
As a member of the Statewide Parent Involvement Initiative, Region 7 encourages collaboration among all stakeholders that serve children and
families and believes the results will promote educational excellence in achievement for all students across the state. Priorities include:
1. Promoting supporting and encouraging engagement of parents at each of the following three parent involvement levels:
Level 1--This level includes a broad representation of parents who are not frequently visible in schools but make sure their children are prepared
mentally, physically and nutritionally with materials and supplies needed for success.
Level 2--This level includes a smaller representation of parents who are visible in schools daily, weekly or monthly. These parents assist in a
variety of ways at schools (office assistants, library assistance, paperwork, classrooms, discipline, etc.)
Level 3--This level includes an even smaller representation of parents who participate in school planning and governance. This is a group of
parent leaders who motivate the involvement of other parents, give input on required parent policies and compacts, lead parent discussions, and
give advice on parent needs.
Regardless of the level of engagement, parental involvement is needed, appreciated and essential in helping students reach their
fullest academic potential.
2. Support for parents, schools and community members as they collaborate to provide the best "village effort" to produce excellent schools in
great communities.
37
3. Offer trainings that will five parents, schools and community members the knowledge needed to carry out effective school, parent and
community partnerships. “ (Source - www.ESC7.net)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Potential Response to Problem:
1. Request funding to hire additional School Resource Officers to combat truancy, crime, and external threats.
2. Request funding to hire more qualified counselors that deal with specific student needs in addition to a background in
behavioral studies.
3. Request funding to hire education specialists to deal with at-risk students that lag behind in specific subjects.
4. Request funding for accredited alternative schools as well as staff and teachers.
5. Help counties bring awareness to their communities through the use of educational materials. These materials will guide
parents in educating them about current conditions of the schools, students, and community.
6. Request funding for transitional shelters for youth. These types of shelters are a huge need for kids aging out of the
foster care system.
7. Connect ISD staff with local non-profit youth organizations to help develop prevention activities that address bullying,
identify “hot spots”, increase adult interaction, and provide early intervention.
8. Look at implementing programs like “Adults Relating to Kids” through alternative education programs or through
juvenile probation departments.
9. Request funding for ISDs to purchase/upgrade their truancy software which assists them with monitoring youth and
tracking those that have violated truancy codes.
Priority #3
38
Problem Identified: Substance Abuse
1. Lack of substance abuse education in our regional school systems;
2. Lack of youth programs like DARE;
3. Lack of rehabilitation centers for youth;
4. Lack of transportation funding and support for these programs in our region; and
5. Lack of qualified counselors/providers that speak Spanish.
Data:
A significant number of youth, which are brought into the juvenile justice system, admit to using alcohol and
drugs on a regular basis. Substance abuse in turn offers motivation for other crimes. Because of these factors
additional strains are placed on the juvenile justice system for services. If funding can be provided for substance
abuse education, prevention, testing and/or treatment we will likely see other affected areas, involving youth,
diminish such as: mental health issues, poor school performance, poor peer relationships, family issues, coping
skills improve, and physical illness.
Regional Substance Abuse Statistics:
Fiscal Year 2009
Substance Abuse Screenings – Region 4
Gender
Female
Male
Age
Age
Youth
Number
of
Screenings
Adult
Number
of
Screenings
Youth
Number
of
Screenings
Adult
Number
of
Screenings
Total
Number
of
Screenings
73
2,101
304
2,503
4,981
(Source - Texas Department of Health Services)
FY2009 Priority Population
Admissions – Region 4
All other substance abusers
Honorably discharged veteran
Injecting drug user
Parents w/children in foster care
Pregnant injecting drug user
Pregnant substance abuser
Totals
2,077
13
364
45
3
49
2,551
Potential Response to Problem:
1. Request funding for training of law enforcement, youth organizations, ISD staff, social workers, judges,
and others to help understand the issues surrounding substance abuse prevention and treatment.
2. Request funding for after-school problems AND transportation for youth which will help keep kids busy,
engaged, and involved in extra-curricular activities.
3. Request funding for life skills training and parenting training for families. These services will help to
provide a more stable home life.
4. Development of a plan to identify community partners, coordination of services, facilities, and
collaboration among programs/departments.
5. Request funding to hire qualified multi-lingual counselors, advocates, etc.
39
Priority #4
Problem Identified: Job Training
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Lack of juvenile programs that offer job/trade/readiness training;
Lack of juvenile programs that offer life skills training;
Lack of facilities to offer job training for youth which will help them prepare for the future;
Lack of qualified people to run juvenile job training programs; and
Lack of juvenile apprenticeship programs and job referral programs
Data:
Job, trade, readiness and life skills programs are desperately needed in the ETCOG region. Programs of this
nature provide needed employment skills for youth which prepare them for life after high school. Students that
successfully complete these types of programs show a marked improvement in self-confidence, self-esteem, and
motivation.
At this time, our region only has one agency that provides these types of services which is the Van Zandt County
- Vocational/Occupational Initiatives Creating Employment (V.O.I.C.E.S) project. This project has shown such
success that ETCOG would welcome expanding this project into all ETCOG counties. A brief synopsis of this
program is as follows:
“The program is designed to decrease juvenile delinquent conduct by addressing each youth’s risk factors. The
youth in this vocational CAP-IT program build dog houses, podiums, and smoke pits. The youth are currently
working with wood to create dog bowl holders for a local program that has at-risk youth working with dogs to
develop responsible behavior. Additionally, we complete an estimated 2000 hours of community service learning
annually; community service learning involves cleaning roads, washing cars, landscaping, painting, life
skills/cognitive skills training, taking career assessments, volunteering at food drives, and other various activities.
This program utilizes the ODYSSEY Credit Recovery program to assist youth in regaining lost credits in school
and provides them with an opportunity to catch up with their peers or even graduate early. This program helps
youth obtain jobs which involves vocational hands on training, seeking out employment opportunities, teaching
them to fill out applications, and performing mock interviews for educational purposes. They also utilize mental
health services to improve social behavior and substance abuse services to encourage youth to stay clean, healthy,
and productive. This allows the youth to maintain employment, helps them complete school, and prevents them
from committing further delinquent conduct.” (Source – V.O.I.C.E.S. September 17, 2013 PPRI report)








Since the V.O.I.C.E.S. project began 342 youth have been served
Within the last six months 62 males were served and 21 females
Youth served by this project were between the ages of 10 – 18 years old (four 10 – 12 year olds, fortyfour 13 – 15 year olds, twenty six 16 year olds, and nine 17 – 18 year olds)
41 of these youth are below the poverty level
4 youth have known mental or physical disabilities
77 youth showed marked improvement in family relationships
72 youth exhibited an increase in job skills
9 program youth reoffended
Additional Regional Statistics:
40
Children Living in Poverty - Ages 0-17
Location
Anderson
Data Type
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Number
2,674
2,917
3,072
3,051
3,090
3,059
Percent
24.1%
25.8%
27.2%
27.0%
27.8%
27.7%
Camp
Number
906
1,089
1,109
1,148
1,143
1,067
Percent
26.3%
30.9%
33.7%
35.7%
35.8%
33.5%
Cherokee
Number
3,643
4,108
4,605
4,242
5,027
4,789
Percent
29.5%
32.8%
35.4%
32.2%
38.3%
37.0%
Gregg
Number
5,758
7,106
9,084
7,987
8,641
7,636
Percent
18.8%
22.4%
29.8%
25.9%
27.9%
24.5%
Harrison
Number
3,372
3,795
4,259
4,262
4,407
4,274
Percent
22.1%
23.4%
25.6%
25.2%
26.1%
25.8%
Henderson
Number
4,260
5,077
5,388
4,683
5,996
6,460
Percent
23.7%
28.4%
30.7%
26.7%
34.2%
37.3%
Marion
Number
705
745
698
653
716
739
Percent
34.7%
36.6%
35.4%
33.3%
36.9%
39.4%
Panola
Number
1,026
1,097
1,187
1,303
1,152
1,157
Percent
19.3%
19.1%
20.5%
22.4%
19.9%
20.0%
Rains
Number
568
622
654
680
656
695
Percent
25.1%
27.4%
28.1%
29.2%
28.8%
30.7%
Rusk
Number
2,419
2,731
2,894
2,901
2,979
3,392
Percent
21.7%
23.4%
23.6%
23.4%
24.1%
27.6%
Smith
Number
10,078
12,428
11,529 12,666
13,159 13,533
Percent
19.8%
23.9%
21.7%
23.6%
24.5%
25.3%
Upshur
Number
2,000
2,329
2,421
2,375
2,422
2,431
Percent
22.1%
24.5%
25.5%
24.5%
25.1%
25.9%
Van Zandt
Number
2568
2623
2913
3309
3445
3,147
Percent
21.6%
21.8%
23.6%
26.7%
28.3%
26.1%
Wood
Number
2,053
2,098
2,821
2,270
2,162
2,307
Percent
23.75
23.95
33.9%
27.5%
26.3%
28.2%
(Two Sources – http://datacenter.kidscount.organd the SAIPE program thru the U.S. Census Bureau, 2015)
Economically Disadvantaged Children - Ages 0-17
Location
Anderson
Camp
Cherokee
Gregg
Harrison
Henderson
Marion
Panola
Rains
Data Type
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
2009-2010
4,950
58.4
1,833
75.2
6,288
73.7
13,496
57.0
7,175
56.2
6,570
63.2
908
73.0
1,793
45.3
843
53.7
2010-2011
5,119
60.4
1,892
75.5
6,416
74.6
13,762
57.2
7,404
57.2
6,560
62.8
903
73.7
1,861
45.3
894
55.1
2011-2012
5,244
62.6
1,910
77.0
6,459
75.1
14,045
58.3
7,497
57.5
6,627
63.7
920
75.4
2,066
49.9
920
56.2
41
2012-2013
5,180
62.1
1,987
78.8
6,437
75.1
14,136
58.4
7,487
57.8
6,580
63.6
895
72.1
2,004
48.6
978
59.1
2013-2014
5,088
62.1
1,934
78.8
6,494
75.1
14,302
59.7
7,428
56.6
6,694
64.6
914
75.2
1,939
47.8
945
58.3
Rusk
Number
4,739
4,860
Percent
61.2
61.6
Smith
Number
20,024
20,833
Percent
56.9
58.0
Upshur
Number
3,767
3,816
Percent
53.7
53.4
Van Zandt
Number
5,220
5,324
Percent
52.0
53.3
Wood
Number
3,326
3,424
Percent
54.4
55.5
(Source: http://datacenter.kidscount.org, 2015)
4,904
61.4
21,370
59.3
4,063
56.7
5,311
53.6
3,527
56.6
5,040
62.6
21,699
59.9
3,953
55.5
5,338
54.3
3,603
57.6
5,175
62.7
21,936
59.7
4,120
57.8
5,449
55.3
3,575
57.7
Priority #5
Problem Identified: Professional Therapy & Counseling / Mental Health
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Lack of psychological and psychiatric evaluations for youth with mental health issues;
Lack of funding for diagnostic, treatment, and prevention instruments;
Lack of counseling services, behavioral management therapy, and family support services;
Lack of qualified professionals to work with juvenile mental health and substance abuse issues;
Lack of technologies and facilities to properly assess, evaluate and treat juveniles; and
6. Lack of local awareness and education on juvenile mental health and substance abuse issues.
Data: Grant N funding was given to most Texas Juvenile Probation Departments in 2013. At this time,
ETCOG is currently working with each JPD in our region to help address gaps in services. ETCOG currently
has a grant, through CJD, that pays for psychological and psychiatric evaluations for youth and substance abuse
testing and/or treatment for youth referred to juvenile probation departments in the region. Because our
member counties are predominately rural in nature funding for this project helps our region significantly.
This project directly addresses objectives noted in the 2013 ETCOG Regional Community Plan which are: (1)
lack of affordable services for at-risk youth; (2) increasing behavioral problems with elementary students; (3) lack
of support services for juveniles when dealing with bullying and anger management, teen pregnancy and sexual
related issues; (4) increase in crime and family violence situations due to deterioration of family systems; (5) lack
of funds for qualified staff to conduct specialized evaluations; (6) lack of mental health services and substance
abuse counseling; and (7) lack of services targeted to/for children under 10 years of age.
Regional Mental Health Statistics:
Fiscal Year 2009
Screenings – Region 4
Gender
Female
Age
Male
Age
Youth Number
of Screenings
Adult Number
of Screenings
Youth
Number of
Screenings
Adult Number
of Screenings
Total Number
of Screenings
73
2,101
304
2,503
4,981
“Screenings – are a process where a staff person from the local mental health authority/community mental health center talks to you and your child,
either face-to-face or over the phone, to gather information to find out if there is a need for a detailed mental health assessment.” (Source - Texas
42
Department of Health Services)
Fiscal Year 2009
Assessments – Region 4
Gender
Female
Age
Male
Age
Youth
Number of
Assessments
Adult
Number of
Assessments
Youth Number
of Assessments
Adult
Number of
Assessments
Total
Number of
Assessments
28
973
243
1,550
2,794
“Assessments determine whether or not a child is eligible for
services from the local mental health authority. To be eligible a child must meet the definition of "priority population", be between the ages of 3 through 17, and have a
diagnosis of mental illness and exhibit serious emotional, behavioral or mental disorders and have a serious functional impairment, are at risk of disruption of a preferred
living or child care environment due to psychiatric symptoms, or are enrolled in a school system's special education program because of a serious emotional
disturbance.” (Source - Texas Department of Health Services)
Children:
$383 - average monthly cost to receive mental health services through DSHS per child.
92% of children were authorized to receive monthly services.
85% of children received their minimum hours authorized for mental health services.
0.07% of children were admitted 3 or more times in a 180 day period for mental health services.
38% of children showed improvement following services.
42% of children receiving mental health services with improved or acceptable problem severity
75% of children receiving mental health services showed improved school behavior
95% of children receiving mental health services showed improvement with re-arrests
83% of children receiving mental health services showed improvement with co-occurring substance use
$13 - substance abuse prevention program cost per child
$44 - substance abuse intervention program cost per child
$3,246– completion cost for substance abuse treatment programs per youth
$4,245 – cost per female served in specialized substance abuse programs per year
$5,866 – cost per female completing specialized substance abuse programs per year
(Source – TDSHS Behavioral Health Data Book, Oct. 2013)
Other Regional Mental Health Statistics:
“The key mental health and behavioral health challenges for the ETCOG region include:
Over 85 percent of counties in Northeast Texas have a shortage of mental health providers
The patient-to-provider ratio is some areas of Northeast Texas is close to 25,000 to 1, which is
seven times the state average
Most of the 14 counties have approximately one-fifth to one-quarter of their population uninsured.
On average, a majority of the counties’ populations are considered rural; no city in the region has a population that
exceeds 100,000
The median household income is approximately $40,000 and with approximately 8 percent
unemployment
On average, over one-quarter of children in the 14 counties live in poverty
There is a significant shortage of mental health professionals in each of the counties in the ETCOG region” (MRCI)
43
Proposed Response to Problem:
1. Request funding to provide psychological and psychiatric evaluations for youth that will help diagnose
and chart the best course of action for their care.
2. Request funding to hire qualified counselors to offer needed services.
3. Request funding for facilities, technology, and education for juvenile mental health issues. This will in
turn result in a healthier community, a broader understanding of the issues, and promote public
awareness.
Victim Services AND Violence Against Women
Priorities
Priority #1
Problem Identified: Sexual Assault, Dating and Stalking
1. Lack of sustained services for victims;
2. Lack of training for staff, law enforcement, counselors, advocates and judges to help them
understand the process of working with victims and what services are available;
3. Lack of funding for shelters and care;
4. Lack of transportation to assist victims with needed services; and
5. Lack of community awareness.
44
Data:
50% of our region has some access to facilities, housing, counseling, programs for sexual assault victims.
However, the other 50% of the counties have insufficient funding, non-existent programs. This in return causes
transportation issues, the in-ability to receive help, and causes many sexual assaults to go unreported.
Sexual Assaults by County
in 2012
County
# of Assaults
Anderson
40
Camp
6
Cherokee
52
Gregg
113
Harrison
15
Henderson
68
Marion
23
Panola
12
Rains
5
Rusk
39
Smith
149
Upshur
41
Van Zandt
28
Wood
35
(Source –DPS)
Proposed Response to Problem:
1. Request funding to support new and existing programs, local shelters, and counselors.
2. Request funding for annual training of staff, law enforcement, counselors, advocates, Judges and all
agencies that work with victims.
3. Request funding to build new shelters/facilities for victims including monies for travel/transportation of
victims to needed services.
Priority #2
Problem Identified: Domestic/ Family Violence
1. Lack of funding for marriage counseling;
2. Lack of funding for public education and awareness information;
3. Lack of funding for adult education;
45
4.
5.
6.
7.
Lack of funding for direct services for victims of domestic/family violence;
Lack of funding for both male and female shelters;
Lack of funding for transportation of victims to local shelters; and
Lack of local family support groups.
Data: The data here correlates very well with the data from early population charts. The larger the population of a
county the more need for family violence programs and funding for Smith, Gregg, and Henderson counties which
are good references for data analysis like this.
Family Violence by County in
2012
County
# of Assaults
Anderson
339
Camp
102
Cherokee
547
Gregg
1249
Harrison
343
Henderson
461
Marion
103
Panola
127
Rains
18
Rusk
522
Smith
1073
Upshur
220
Van Zandt
123
Wood
178
(Source – DPS)
Proposed Response to Problem:
1. Continue to request funding to support existing programs, local shelters, and counselors.
2. Request funding to build new facilities and proved services to domestic/family violence victims.
3. Request funding to hire new staff and caseworkers to offer direct services.
4. Increase the availability of protective orders for low income victims of domestic abuse.
5. Educate the public concerning domestic/family violence issues which will help raise public awareness.
6. Request funding to provide new/additional training to advocates and law enforcement.
46
Priority #3
Problem Identified: Child Abuse and Neglect
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Lack of qualified providers/counselors;
Lack of facilities that offer care to children;
Lack of sustained/continued services for children;
Lack of funding to hire/train qualified staff and/or law enforcement for investigation and prosecution units;
Lack of funding to provide training to staff, advocates, and law enforcement for internet crimes against
children; and
6. Lack of public education materials and awareness information.
Data:
When it comes to child abuse and neglect in East Texas, the following agencies work together to try and
investigate/address these issues:












Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS)
CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocates
Crisis Center of Anderson & Cherokee Counties
Rusk County Children’s Advocacy Center
Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center, Inc. (NETCAC)
Martin House Children’s Advocacy Center
Henderson County HELP Center
Children’s Advocacy Center of Van Zandt County
Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County
County Advocacy Sexual Response Teams
Criminal District Attorney Office’s
Local Law Enforcement Agencies
Confirmed Victims of Child Abuse
County
Anderson
Data Type
Number
Rate per 1,000
children ages 0-17
Camp
Number
Rate per 1,000
children ages 0-17
Cherokee
Number
Rate per 1,000
children ages 0-17
Gregg
Number
Rate per 1,000
children ages 0-17
Harrison
Number
Rate per 1,000
children ages 0-17
Henderson
Number
Rate per 1,000
children ages 0-17
Marion
Number
Rate per 1,000
children ages 0-17
Panola
Number
Rate per 1,000
children ages 0-17
Rains
Number
2009
228
19.8
2010
247
21.0
2011
145
12.2
2012
187
16.3
2013
174
15.1
71
21.1
74
21.9
42
12.3
32
9.4
67
19.7
170
13.3
192
15.2
167
13.1
169
12.6
145
10.7
435
14.2
353
11.2
313
9.8
373
11.8
506
15.9
213
13.9
217
13.9
219
14.0
184
10.7
241
13.9
354
18.8
366
20.2
319
17.5
161
8.9
252
13.8
19
8.5
24
10.8
33
14.8
25
12.7
92
47.2
67
12.5
78
14.1
45
8.2
47
8.0
51
8.7
29
34
35
15
20
47
Rusk
Rate per 1,000
children ages 0-17
12.9
16.5
17.0
6.3
8.4
Number
148
12.6
162
14.4
171
15.1
144
11.4
178
13.9
517
10.1
363
6.9
480
9.0
493
9.0
506
9.1
143
15.7
130
14.5
91
10.1
91
9.3
122
12.4
213
17.0
258
20.9
163
13.1
170
13.4
153
12.1
150
18.9
150
18.6
102
12.5
122
14.0
145
16.6
Rate per 1,000
children ages 0-17
Smith
Number
Rate per 1,000
children ages 0-17
Upshur
Number
Rate per 1,000
children ages 0-17
Van Zandt
Number
Rate per 1,000
children ages 0-17
Wood
Number
Rate per 1,000
children ages 0-17
(Source: datacenter.kidscount.org)
We are region 4 as identified by the DFPS. Regional statistics are listed below.
2004
160.8
29.3%
$32,436
8,561
728
124
Region 4
Caseworkers
Turnover
Average Base Salary
Completed Investigations
Removals
Adoptions Consummated
2011
246.7
22.0%
$34,790
9,088
1,028
254
(Source – DFPS 2011 Data Book)
In 2011, DFPS compiled the following figures:


9,088 child abuse/neglect investigations completed
Confirmed allegations were for: physical abuse – 35, sexual abuse – 299, emotional abuse – 13, abandonment – 5, medical neglect –
88 and physical neglect – 338
 Neglectful supervision – 2,293
 Refusal to accept parental responsibility – 27
 Total confirmed allegations of child abuse/neglect – 3,698
 Percent of child abuse/neglect – 4.8%
 Unduplicated confirmed victims – 3,096
 Children in cases opened for services as a result of a completed investigation: in-home direct delivery – 1,463,in-home purchased –
1, % opened in home – 58.3%, family substitute care – 1,048 = 2,512 total
 Rate of child abuse/neglect, in the region, per 1,000 children in Texas – 56.8%
 CPS confirmed victims where the perpetrator was a parent – 3,013
 Monthly average # of families receiving preservation services – 610
 Monthly average # of families receiving reunification services – 101
 Children placed in adoptive homes – 265
(Source – DFPS 2011 Data Book)
CAC of Gregg & Harrison Counties
Total # of Interviews Conducted
County
Gregg
Harrison
FY2013
286
139
FY2012
239
172
FY2011
254
127
48
Other/Courtesy
49
474
Other Services Provided in 2013
County
Gregg
Harrison
Other/Courtesy
15
426
3
384
# of Children
Receiving
SANE
services
Mental
Health
Services
Provided
# of Children
Referred to
30
12
1
194
67
18
5
7
1
Bikers Against
Child Abuse
Crisis Center of Anderson & Cherokee Counties
# of juvenile/child victims served
51
# of child abuse or neglect victims
224
# of children receiving therapy/counseling
98
# of CAC children
168
# of children receiving crisis services
567
# of families receiving case management
617
# of hotline calls
239
# of families receiving info & referrals
359
# of families receiving financial assistance
6
Children's Advocacy Center of Smith County
# of Victims
Served
295
835
16
Type of Victimization
Child Physical Abuse
Child Sexual Abuse
Survivors of Homicide Victims
4
3
Assault
Kidnapping
2
7
Stalking
Trafficking
# of Victims who received the following services
150
209
Crisis Counseling
Therapy
87
321
Group Treatment/Support
Information/Referral
10
34
Justice Support/Advocacy
Assistance Filing Compensation Claims
4
337
Personal Advocacy
Forensic Interviews
412
1
Provisions of Goods or Services
Supervised Visitation
181
VINE
Henderson County HELP Center, Inc.
# of Victims
Served
Type of Victimization
50
323
Child Physical Abuse
Child Sexual Abuse
67
Domestic Violence
49
# of Victims who received the following services
42
Crisis Counseling
170
2138
Follow-up
Therapy
3
189
Group Treatment/Support
Information/Referral
110
12
Justice Support/Advocacy
Emergency Financial Assistance
22
23
Assistance Filing Compensation Claims
Personal Advocacy
170
26
Forensic Interviews
Provisions of Goods or Services
2
Translating
(Source –PPRI Reports submitted to aTm)
Proposed Response to Problem:
1. Request funding to hire qualified staff and counselors.
2. Request funding to build/expand existing facilities.
3. Request funding for new programs that offer direct services to children/victims.
4. Request funding to provide new/additional training to advocates and law enforcement.
5. Request funding to hire/train personnel for investigative and prosecution functions.
6. Provide training regarding internet crimes against children for staff, caseworkers, advocates, law enforcement,
etc.
50
Priority #4
Problem Identified: Other Victims of Crime
1. Lack of training for staff, law enforcement, counselors, advocates and judges to help them
understand the process of working with victims and what services are available;
2. Lack of collaboration among partnering agencies such as law enforcement, victim services
providers, prosecutors, etc.; and
3. Lack of public education materials and awareness information.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Data:
2012 Uniform Crime Report Data, per DPS
MURDER
ROBBER
Y
AGGRAVATED
ASSAULT
BURGLARY
LARCENY
AUTO
THEFT
TOTAL
# of offenses
1
2
46
199
204
41
493
rate per 100,000
2.6
5.1
117.9
510
522.8
105.1
1263.5
# of clearances
1
3
40
34
53
18
% cleared
100
150
87
17
26
44
149
0.30223
1
# of arrest
0
4
11
23
9
1
48
# of offenses
2
21
121
211
616
51
1022
rate per 100,000
10.6
110.9
639
1114.3
3253.1
269.3
5397.2
# of clearances
2
4
26
11
117
3
% cleared
100
19
21
5
19
6
163
0.15949
1
# of arrest
1
5
19
7
73
1
106
# of offenses
0
0
2
17
27
1
47
rate per 100,000
0
0
160.9
1367.7
2172.2
80.5
3781.3
# of clearances
0
0
2
0
5
0
% cleared
0
0
100
0
19
0
7
0.14893
6
# of arrest
0
0
3
0
4
1
8
AGENCY
ANDERSON
COUNTY
Anderson CO
Population 39,021
Palestine PD
Population 18,936
Frankston PD
Population 1,243
CAMP COUNTY
Camp County SO
Population 8,026
51
# of offenses
0
1
7
6
88
4
106
rate per 100,000
0
12.5
87.2
747.6
1096.4
49.8
1993.5
# of clearances
0
0
1
5
4
1
% cleared
0
0
14
8
5
25
11
0.10377
4
# of arrest
0
0
1
3
1
1
6
# of offenses
0
2
21
46
138
3
210
rate per 100,000
0
43.8
459.8
1007.2
3021.7
65.7
4598.2
# of clearances
0
1
14
14
39
2
% cleared
0
50
67
30
28
67
70
0.33333
3
# of arrest
0
1
8
6
9
1
25
# of offenses
1
3
62
209
357
73
705
rate per 100,000
3.2
9.6
199.1
671.2
1146.5
234.4
2264
# of clearances
1
2
36
29
62
19
% cleared
100
67
58
14
17
26
149
0.21134
8
# of arrest
1
2
29
40
42
11
125
# of offenses
1
22
117
200
480
27
847
rate per 100,000
6.7
148.1
787.6
1346.3
3231
181.7
5701.4
# of clearances
1
9
35
33
202
12
% cleared
100
41
30
17
42
44
292
0.34474
6
# of arrest
1
4
21
19
163
3
211
# of offenses
0
0
16
26
62
1
105
rate per 100,000
0
0
282.6
459.3
1095.2
17.7
1854.8
# of clearances
0
0
13
8
20
1
42
% cleared
0
0
81
31
32
100
0.4
# of arrest
0
0
11
5
15
0
31
Pittsburg PD
Population 4,567
CHEROKEE COUNTY
Cherokee County
SO
Population 32,294
Jacksonville PD
Population 14,856
Rusk PD
Population 5,661
Alto PD
52
Population
N0 data available
# of offenses
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
rate per 100,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
# of clearances
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
% cleared
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
# of arrest
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Wells PD
Population
N0 data available
# of offenses
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
rate per 100,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
# of clearances
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
% cleared
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
# of arrest
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
# of offenses
0
6
37
157
340
27
567
rate per 100,000
0
25.7
158.6
673
1457.5
115.7
2430.5
# of clearances
0
2
34
29
92
10
% cleared
0
33
92
18
27
37
167
0.29453
3
# of arrest
0
3
23
32
74
4
136
# of offenses
0
7
25
68
201
11
312
rate per 100,000
0
105.9
378.1
1028.4
3039.9
166.4
4718.7
# of clearances
0
3
6
1
10
1
% cleared
0
43
24
1
5
9
21
0.06730
8
# of arrest
0
2
8
2
19
1
32
# of offenses
0
9
48
102
547
43
749
rate per 100,000
0
67.6
360.7
766.6
4110.9
322.2
5628
# of clearances
0
2
36
20
161
13
% cleared
0
22
75
20
29
30
232
0.30974
6
# of arrest
0
1
14
20
90
4
129
GREGG COUNTY
Greg County SO
Population 23,327
Gladewater PD
Population 6,612
Kilgore PD
Population 13,306
Longview PD
53
Population 82,554
# of offenses
8
131
297
952
2932
314
4634
rate per 100,000
9.7
158.7
359.8
1153.2
3551.6
380.4
5613.4
# of clearances
4
29
109
75
615
34
866
% cleared
50
22
37
8
21
11
0.18688
# of arrest
5
18
68
87
606
26
810
# of offenses
0
0
3
36
71
19
129
rate per 100,000
0
0
45.2
542
1069
286.1
1942.3
# of clearances
0
0
3
1
11
8
% cleared
0
0
100
3
15
42
23
0.17829
5
# of arrest
0
0
0
1
8
2
11
# of offenses
1
3
66
251
289
16
626
rate per 100,000
2.7
8
175.5
667.4
768.5
42.5
1664.6
# of clearances
1
2
20
21
33
4
% cleared
100
67
30
8
11
25
81
0.12939
3
# of arrest
1
1
18
41
72
6
139
# of offenses
0
1
4
24
18
1
48
rate per 100,000
0
27.4
109.4
565.5
492.3
27.4
1222
# of clearances
0
0
4
5
4
1
% cleared
0
0
100
21
22
100
14
0.29166
7
# of arrest
0
0
3
5
1
1
10
# of offenses
2
13
121
299
587
49
1071
rate per 100,000
8.3
53.9
501.9
1240.2
2434.8
203.2
4442.3
# of clearances
2
9
101
67
211
33
% cleared
100
69
83
22
36
67
423
0.39495
8
# of arrest
3
5
43
34
133
8
226
White Oak PD
Population 6,642
HARRISON COUNTY
Harrison County SO
Population 37,607
Hallsville PD
Population 3,565
Marshall PD
Population 24,109
54
Hallsville ISD PD
Population 3,565
# of offenses
0
0
0
1
7
0
8
rate per 100,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
# of clearances
0
0
0
1
6
0
7
% cleared
0
0
0
100
86
0
0.875
# of arrest
0
0
2
3
6
0
11
# of offenses
2
7
164
419
609
129
1330
rate per 100,000
3.6
12.7
298.3
762.1
1107.7
234.6
2419
# of clearances
1
2
82
42
101
30
% cleared
50
29
50
10
17
23
258
0.19398
5
# of arrest
1
0
30
60
130
16
237
# of offenses
0
6
35
104
320
21
486
rate per 100,000
0
46.3
270.4
803.3
2471.8
162.2
3754
# of clearances
0
3
34
28
137
11
% cleared
0
50
97
27
43
52
213
0.43827
2
# of arrest
0
1
8
10
88
3
110
# of offenses
0
0
1
8
22
0
31
rate per 100,000
0
0
42.2
338
929.4
0
1309.6
# of clearances
0
0
1
0
2
0
% cleared
0
0
100
0
9
0
3
0.09677
4
# of arrest
0
0
1
0
1
0
2
# of offenses
0
3
4
18
79
4
108
rate per 100,000
0
200.9
267.9
1205.6
5291.4
267.9
7233.7
# of clearances
0
0
0
0
5
1
% cleared
0
0
0
0
6
25
6
0.05555
6
# of arrest
0
0
0
1
4
0
5
Henderson County
Henderson County
SO
Population 55,188
Athens PD
Population 12,946
Malakoff PD
Population 2,367
Seven Points PD
Population 1,493
55
Gun Barrel City PD
Population 5,777
# of offenses
0
2
19
81
201
17
320
rate per 100,000
0
34.6
328.9
1402.1
3479.3
294.3
5539.2
# of clearances
0
1
12
7
84
5
% cleared
0
50
63
9
42
29
109
0.34062
5
# of arrest
0
0
10
12
90
10
122
# of offenses
0
0
3
28
35
1
67
rate per 100,000
0
0
131.8
1229.7
1537.1
43.9
2942.5
# of clearances
0
0
3
4
2
0
% cleared
0
0
100
14
6
0
9
0.13432
8
# of arrest
0
0
0
2
0
0
2
Tool PD
Population 2,277
Coffee City PD
Population
NO DATA
# of offenses
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
rate per 100,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
# of clearances
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
% cleared
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
# of arrest
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
# of offenses
1
3
48
96
111
12
271
rate per 100,000
11.7
35.2
562.6
1125.2
1301
140.6
3176.3
# of clearances
1
0
18
7
10
2
% cleared
100
0
38
7
9
17
38
0.14022
1
# of arrest
2
1
50
19
46
3
121
# of offenses
0
2
12
19
33
1
67
rate per 100,000
0
93.8
562.9
891.2
1547.8
46.9
3142.6
# of clearances
0
4
11
4
17
0
% cleared
0
200
92
21
52
0
36
0.53731
3
MARION COUNTY
Marion County SO
Population 8,532
Jefferson PD
Population
56
# of arrest
0
4
9
2
11
0
26
# of offenses
0
4
26
58
243
8
339
rate per 100,000
0
57.5
373.9
834.1
3494.4
115
4874.9
# of clearances
0
0
3
5
13
1
% cleared
0
0
12
9
5
13
22
0.06489
7
# of arrest
0
2
8
9
16
2
37
# of offenses
0
0
14
53
122
10
199
rate per 100,000
0
0
124.7
472.2
1086.9
98.1
1781.9
# of clearances
0
0
4
5
19
2
% cleared
0
0
29
9
16
20
30
0.15075
4
# of arrest
0
0
38
10
64
5
117
# of offenses
0
8
88
254
388
47
785
rate per 100,000
0
23.6
259.7
749.6
1145.1
138.7
2316.7
# of clearances
0
1
28
14
18
3
% cleared
0
13
32
6
5
6
64
0.08152
9
# of arrest
0
9
23
15
22
3
72
# of offenses
2
18
207
772
996
168
2163
rate per 100,000
2
18.3
211
787
1015.3
171.3
2204.9
# of clearances
1
5
194
100
237
91
% cleared
50
28
94
13
24
54
628
0.29033
7
# of arrest
1
3
10
16
14
6
50
0
0
0
0
0
0
PANOLA COUNTY
Panola County SO
Population 6,954
RAINS COUNTY
Rains County SO
Population 11,225
RUSK COUNTY
Rusk County SO
Population 33,833
SMITH COUNTY
Smith County SO
Population 98,095
Arp PD
Population 1,003
NO DATA
# of offenses
0
57
rate per 100,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
# of clearances
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
% cleared
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
# of arrest
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
# of offenses
0
4
11
38
67
10
130
rate per 100,000
0
80.4
221.1
764
1347
201
2613.5
# of clearances
0
1
5
10
17
3
% cleared
0
25
45
26
25
30
36
0.27692
3
# of arrest
0
2
4
11
21
2
40
# of offenses
0
0
3
21
38
4
66
rate per 100,000
0
0
155.4
1088.1
1968.9
207.3
3419.7
# of clearances
0
0
1
1
5
1
% cleared
0
0
33
5
13
25
8
0.12121
2
# of arrest
0
0
1
2
2
1
6
# of offenses
3
92
397
1025
3336
129
4982
rate per 100,000
3
92
396.8
1024.6
3334.7
128.9
4980
# of clearances
3
35
263
145
1154
43
% cleared
100
38
66
14
35
33
1643
0.32978
7
# of arrest
4
38
90
88
1073
14
1307
# of offenses
0
1
5
22
53
3
84
rate per 100,000
0
12.6
63.2
278
669.8
37.9
1061.5
# of clearances
0
0
3
0
7
0
% cleared
0
0
60
0
13
0
10
0.11904
8
# of arrest
0
0
3
0
8
0
11
0
0
3
0
97
1
101
Lindale PD
Population 4,974
Troup PD
Population 1,930
Tyler PD
Population 100,040
Whitehouse PD
Population 7,913
Tyler Jr. College PD
Population
# of offenses
58
rate per 100,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
# of clearances
0
0
1
0
2
1
% cleared
0
0
3
0
2
100
4
0.03960
4
# of arrest
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
# of offenses
0
0
0
4
31
0
35
rate per 100,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
# of clearances
0
0
0
0
1
0
% cleared
0
0
0
0
3
0
1
0.02857
1
# of arrest
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
# of offenses
0
0
1
2
4
0
7
rate per 100,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
# of clearances
0
0
1
0
1
0
% cleared
0
0
100
0
25
0
2
0.28571
4
# of arrest
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
# of offenses
0
0
7
6
35
3
51
rate per 100,000
0
0
274.9
235.7
1374.7
117.8
2003.1
# of clearances
0
0
6
1
13
2
% cleared
0
0
86
17
37
67
22
0.43137
3
# of arrest
0
0
2
2
8
0
12
# of offenses
0
1
59
274
365
43
742
rate per 100,000
0
3.4
200
928.6
1237
145.7
2514.7
# of clearances
1
1
43
92
192
21
% cleared
0
100
73
34
53
49
350
0.47169
8
# of arrest
2
1
56
16
53
10
138
UT Tyler PD
Population
UT Health Science
Center Tyler
Population
Bullard PD
Population 2,546
UPSHUR COUNTY
Upshur County SO
Population 29,506
Big Sandy PD
59
Population 1,380
# of offenses
0
0
1
4
5
0
10
rate per 100,000
0
0
72.5
289.9
362.3
0
724.7
# of clearances
0
0
1
0
1
0
2
% cleared
0
0
100
0
20
0
0.2
# of arrest
0
0
1
0
1
0
2
# of offenses
0
7
21
27
164
7
226
rate per 100,000
0
139.2
417.5
536.8
3260.4
139.2
4493.1
# of clearances
0
5
19
1
61
6
92
% cleared
0
71
90
4
37
86
0.40708
# of arrest
0
0
7
0
37
1
45
# of offenses
1
0
1
14
6
2
24
rate per 100,000
122
0
122.7
1717.8
736.2
245.4
2944.1
# of clearances
1
0
2
0
4
1
% cleared
100
0
100
0
67
50
8
0.33333
3
# of arrest
1
0
2
0
2
1
6
# of offenses
4
5
66
267
352
87
781
rate per 100,000
10.3
12.8
169.2
684.7
902.7
223.1
2002.8
# of clearances
2
3
40
75
79
42
% cleared
50
60
61
28
22
48
241
0.30857
9
# of arrest
1
2
19
38
36
16
112
# of offenses
0
1
3
12
90
3
109
rate per 100,000
0
27.5
82.5
329.9
2474.6
82.5
2997
# of clearances
0
0
3
4
29
0
% cleared
0
0
100
33
32
0
36
0.33027
5
# of arrest
0
0
2
1
6
2
11
Gilmer PD
Population 5,030
East Mountain PD
Population 815
VAN ZANDT
COUNTY
Van Zandt County
SO
Population 38,996
Canton PD
Population 3,637
60
Edgewood PD
Population 1,467
# of offenses
0
0
1
1
1
0
3
rate per 100,000
0
0
68.2
68.2
68.2
0
204.6
# of clearances
0
0
0
1
1
0
% cleared
0
0
0
100
100
0
2
0.66666
7
# of arrest
0
0
0
1
1
0
2
# of offenses
0
0
1
9
61
2
73
rate per 100,000
0
0
31.3
594.7
1909.2
62.6
2597.8
# of clearances
0
0
0
3
12
1
% cleared
0
0
0
16
20
50
16
0.21917
8
# of arrest
0
0
0
4
5
1
10
# of offenses
0
0
0
2
0
0
2
rate per 100,000
0
0
0
74.5
0
0
74.5
# of clearances
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
% cleared
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
# of arrest
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
# of offenses
0
0
9
17
29
0
55
rate per 100,000
0
0
250.8
473.8
808.2
0
1532.8
# of clearances
0
0
9
1
11
0
% cleared
0
0
100
6
38
0
21
0.38181
8
# of arrest
0
0
6
3
1
0
10
# of offenses
1
2
23
202
334
29
591
rate per 100,000
3.1
6.2
71.3
625.9
1034.9
89.9
1831.3
# of clearances
1
0
6
16
10
4
% cleared
100
0
26
8
3
14
37
0.06260
6
# of arrest
0
0
18
11
15
4
48
Grande Saline PD
Population 3,196
Van PD
Population 2,683
Wills Point PD
Population 3,588
WOOD COUNTY
Wood County SO
Population 32,273
61
Hawkins PD
Population 1,303
# of offenses
0
0
5
14
32
2
53
rate per 100,000
0
0
383.7
1074.4
2455.9
153.5
4067.5
# of clearances
0
0
5
14
28
2
% cleared
0
0
100
100
88
100
49
0.92452
8
# of arrest
0
0
3
3
2
1
9
# of offenses
0
1
7
19
100
2
129
rate per 100,000
0
21.8
152.5
413.9
2178.6
43.6
2810.4
# of clearances
0
0
1
0
1
0
% cleared
0
0
14
0
1
0
2
0.01550
4
# of arrest
0
0
2
2
0
1
5
# of offenses
0
0
0
18
7
1
26
rate per 100,000
0
0
0
975.6
379.4
54.2
1409.2
# of clearances
0
0
0
11
3
1
% cleared
0
0
0
61
43
100
15
0.57692
3
# of arrest
0
0
0
1
0
1
2
# of offenses
0
0
11
19
27
4
61
rate per 100,000
0
0
314.8
543.8
772.8
114.5
1745.9
# of clearances
0
0
7
5
3
1
% cleared
0
0
64
26
11
25
16
0.26229
5
# of arrest
0
0
10
0
1
0
11
Mineola PD
Population 4,590
Quitman PD
Population 1,845
Winnsboro PD
Population 3,494
(Source - https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/crime_records/pages/crimestatistics.htm)
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Proposed Response to Problem:
1. Request funding for annual training of staff, law enforcement, counselors, advocates, Judges and all agencies
that work with victims.
2. Work with agencies on a collaborative effort to establish better communications among partnering
organizations, work to establish protocols that should be followed for victims in need of services, decide
what agencies should receive which referrals, discuss how to enhance public awareness, etc.
3. Request funding for public awareness campaigns, brochures with local point of contact information for
62
services, social media PSAs along with television and radio, etc.
ARTICLES COVERING LOCAL PRIORITIES/PROJECTS:
Senator Cornyn visits ETX to explain, "Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act"
Posted: Feb 16, 2014 9:57 PM CST
LONGVIEW (KYTX) -New legislation in the works to help fight sex trafficking. And the bill is backed by
Texas Senator John Cornyn.
CBS 19's Katiera Winfrey was in Longview at a roundtable discussion with law enforcement and advocacy
groups about the new: Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.
The image of human sex trafficking isn't' always foreign, it happens right here in east Texas.
"The majority of what we're seeing in east Texas is a psychological bondage, a manipulation of victims," said
Julie with For the Silent. It’s a non-profit organization that works to fight human trafficking.
'We know no 13 year old girl leaves home to be rapped and exploited every night," said her partner Kenny.
The duo was one of several organizations present for a roundtable discussion with Sen. Cornyn to talk
about his and Representative Ted Poe's initiative to battle against human trafficking.
The act, --if approved by both sides of the government-- would provide increased penalties for trafficking
violators, give law enforcement better tools to target suspects, and create a fund that would provide grants
and resources for trafficking victims.
Cornyn said, "Technology really does make this a whole lot easier to occur."
He says the fight against human trafficking will never be over, but when you count one success at a
time, it's all worth it.
Mother of murdered man, "Victims Services changed my life"
Posted: Feb 27, 2014
5:55 PM CST by Courtney Friedman - bio | email
TYLER (KYTX) - Being a victim of a violent crime or losing a loved one to violence, means you bear a
burden.
Most people don't know about a department within the District Attorney's Office created specifically to
help lift this burden. It's called the Crime Victims Services Department.
"Brandon was a good boy. He just finally got his life together," his mother, Cindy Beam, says.
63
His sister Stephanie Malone says, "Brandon was a very loving, outgoing person and I don't want anyone to
forget that."
Brandon Lee was 24 years old when he was murdered. It was December 2009 when 22-year-old Joshua
Barnes stabbed Lee to death after an argument at a party.
"It's been four years and I still cry over it. I do. That was my child," Beam says.
She feels the pain like it was yesterday, and remembers the person who helped her manage that pain.
Sherry Magness with the DA's Office Crime Victim Services called Brandon's mother after the murder and
told her all the things she could help her with.
"They paid a big chunk of my son's funeral and if it wasn't for them, we wouldn't have known. We would
have been lost," Beam says.
Before Brandon's death, Beam didn't even know there was a state fund to help crime victims pay for things
like funerals or counseling. The services didn't stop there.
"They fill out the applications and paperwork so that's one less thing you have to deal with," Malone says.
Sherry went with the family to every court hearing for Brandon's killer.
"Had our tissues and sat with us the whole time!" Beam says.
District Attorney Matt Bingham consulted with the family when deciding on Barnes' 45 year sentence after
he pleaded guilty.
The department even added Brandon's name to a monument set in the downtown Tyler square honoring
victims of violent crimes.
Their pain may never go away, but both Beam and Malone know, without Victims’ Services, they would
have never made it this far.
"They're like our family now. I feel that way. They have taken us in and just done a lot for us," Beam says.
(It’s) a life changing service that will never be forgotten.
If you'd like to learn more about the Smith County District Attorney's Office victims’ services, you can call
this number: (903) 590-1742.
Focus on sex trafficking moves to finding solutions
By Richard Yeakley ryeakley@news-journal.com | Posted: Friday, January 31, 2014 4:00 am
64
East Texas law enforcement officials got easy-to-implement tips on how to fight sex trafficking Thursday at
a seminar sponsored by the Women’s Center of East Texas.
The sessions at “Trafficking: Next Steps,” a day-long conference, ranged from using language to accurately
depict crimes against women to setting up successful stings to discussing a case study that took an “ultraviolent human trafficker” off the streets of Las Vegas.
“This is huge,” said Chris Baughman, who led the last session of the day.
“It is important to bring in law enforcement officers and investigators that are doing it in some of the major
cities, because that is going to give some of the guys here ... some cutting-edge techniques that they might
not pick up otherwise unless they go to a conference,”
Baughman is the author of the best-selling true human trafficking series “Off the Street” and will soon host
a show on MSNBC about human trafficking.
Brooke Barton, the nonresidential projects director for the Women’s Center of East Texas, said the
nonprofit agency’s first conference in 2012 focused on diagnosing the problem.
“This is here in our communities, so now we are looking at next steps. Now that we know it is here, what
do we do about it,” Barton said.
Baughman, whose talk focused on his second book “Off the Street: Redemption,” said Longview’s
positioning makes focusing on trafficking prevention more important.
“You are right on the pipeline between Dallas and Shreveport,” he said. “That freeway takes you right
through Dallas-Fort Worth through Longview. The fact that you are located in between a pretty big hub and
a place where there is quite a bit of money is important.”
It is estimated that between 100,000 and 300,000 children are being forced into commercial sexual
exploitation in the United States each year.
The Women’s Center is a Longview nonprofit agency that serves Gregg, Upshur, Harrison, Marion, Rusk
and Panola counties.
The center provides a safe haven, crisis intervention and support services to victims of domestic and sexual
violence, and is committed to breaking the cycle of violence.
“I think that we are moving in that direction. I think it is just one of those pieces that is really time
consuming. It takes a lot of effort to move through this process,” Barton said.
Attendees included representatives from Tyler, Longview, Kilgore and Overton police departments, Child
Protective Services, the Gregg County District Attorney’s office, and a number of non-governmental
organizations.
65
Mental Health & Substance Abuse Priorities
Priority #1
Problem Identified: Need for Professional Therapy and Counseling Services
1. Lack of professional therapy and counseling services;
2. Lack of qualified counselors/providers;
3. Lack of mental health and substance abuse facilities and services;
4. Lack of family support services; and
5. The demand for services far exceed ETCOG’s current infrastructure.
Data:
“The key mental health and behavioral health challenges for the ETCOG region include:
Over 85 percent of counties in Northeast Texas have a shortage of mental health providers
The patient-to-provider ratio is some areas of Northeast Texas is close to 25,000 to 1, which is
seven times the state average
Most of the 14 counties have approximately one-fifth to one-quarter of their population uninsured.
The median household income is approximately $40,000 and with approximately 8 percent
unemployment
On average, over one-quarter of children in the 14 counties live in poverty
The only public psychiatric hospital in the region is Rusk State Hospital and it was on diversion for over half of FY
2012
Approximately 85,000 people in East Texas suffer from a serious mental illness
Approximately 113,000 individuals require treatment for substance abuse and do not receive it
East Texas’ suicide rate is 65 percent higher than the statewide average
There is a significant shortage of mental health professionals in each of the counties in the ETCOG region” (MRCI)
66
FY2012 Total Mental Health
Expenses by County (MCRI)
County
Total Expenses
Anderson
$110,730
Camp
$79,372
Cherokee
$159,596
Gregg
$1,051,565
Harrison
$176,420
Henderson
$156,203
Marion
$12,473
Panola
$29,500
Rains
$5,807
Rusk
$87,412
Smith
$149,013
Upshur
$35,410
Van Zandt
$93,488
Wood
$136,943
Total
$2,283,934
FY09 Co-Occurring Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Disorders (COPSD) Statistics
1. Percentage of clients
assessed to be COPSD
- each client is only counted once
per region.
2. Relapse data on COPSD clients
- the total count of (unduplicated clients)
COPSD admissions by region
3. Gap between COPSD
assessed and those getting
treatment
- the total count of
(unduplicated clients) COPSD
admissions by region
COPSD percent of
FY09 admissions
region
4
region
4
3.0
Re-admitted to COPSD in FY09-10
18.3
region
4
Demographic information on COPSD clients by region and age group
- each COPSD clients demographic information of age group, ethnicity, gender
- the percentage are for each region therefore the sum of the percentage for the region will be 100%
region
4
4
4
4
4
4
age group
18 to 20
21 to 29
30 to 39
40 to 49
50 to 59
60 to 69
percent
1.7
30.0
26.7
23.3
16.7
1.7
region
4
4
4
ethnicity
Black (not of Hispanic origin)
Hispanic - Mexican
White (not of Hispanic origin)
(Source - Texas Department of State Health Services)
67
percent
COPSD
18.3
1.7
78.3
Percent of COPSD
clients admitted to
substance abuse
treatment in FY09
48.3
Fiscal Year 2009
Screenings – Region 4
Gender
Female
Age
Male
Age
Youth Number of
Screenings
Adult Number of
Screenings
Youth Number of
Screenings
Adult Number of
Screenings
Total Number of
Screenings
73
2,101
304
2,503
4,981
“Screenings – are a process where a staff person from the local mental health authority/community mental health center talks to you and
your child, either face-to-face or over the phone, to gather information to find out if there is a need for a detailed mental health assessment.”
(Source - Texas Department of State Health Services)
Fiscal Year 2009
Assessments – Region 4
Gender
Female
Age
Male
Age
Youth
Number of
assessments
Adult
Number of
Assessment
Youth
Number of
assessments
Adult
Number of
Assessment
Total
Number of
Assessments
28
973
243
1,550
2,794
(Source - Texas Department of State Health Services)
FY2009 Admissions by Primary Substance
Region 4
Alcohol
839
Amphetamines/Methamphetamines
Anabolic Steroids
349
.
Barbiturates
Cocaine (powder)
1
63
Crack
Ecstasy (XTC), MDMA
215
1
Ephedrine/Pseudoephedrine
GHB/GBL/1,4 Butanediol
.
.
Hallucinogens
Heroin
1
75
Inhalants
Ketamine
5
.
Klonopin
Marijuana/Hashish
1
431
68
“Assessments determine whether or not a child
is eligible for services from the local mental
health authority. To be eligible a child must
meet the definition of "priority population", be
between the ages of 3 through 17, and have a
diagnosis of mental illness and exhibit serious
emotional, behavioral or mental disorders and
have a serious functional impairment, are at risk
of disruption of a preferred living or child care
environment due to psychiatric symptoms, or
are enrolled in a school system's special
education program because of a serious
emotional disturbance.”
Non-Rx Methadone
4
Other
Other Opiate/Synthetic Opiate
6
485
Other Sedatives/Hypnotics
Over-the-Counter Drugs
63
1
PCP
Rohypnol (Roche, Rope, Roach)
6
.
Tranquilizers
5
Totals
2,551
(Source - Texas Department of State Health Services)
FY09 (OSR) Assessments/Referrals between 01 SEP 2008 and 31 AUG 2009
REGION 4 - OSR Provider - East Texas Council on Alcohol/Drug Abuse
Gender
Referral Service
Female
Other
Adult
Treatment
Detoxification
Youth
Treatment
Other
Adult
Treatment
Detoxification
Youth
Treatment
Female
Female
Female
Male
Male
Male
Male
Total
Referrals
by Service
Total Distinct
Referrals by
Service
Total
Referrals
Total
Distinct
Referrals
Total
Assessments
Total Distinct
Assessments
16
16
669
430
311
284
587
58
384
56
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
8
28
7
26
.
784
.
504
.
355
.
333
515
51
366
51
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
1,453
.
934
.
666
.
617
190
96
1,453
1,002
*Outreach Screening Assessment Referral Provider (OSR)
(Source - Texas Department of State Health Services)
Adults:
$352 - average monthly cost to receive mental health services through the Texas Department of State Health Services
(DSHS) per adult.
90% of adults were authorized to receive monthly services.
84% of adults received their minimum hours authorized for mental health services.
0.43% of adults were admitted 3 or more times in a 180 day period for mental health services.
38% of adults showed improvement following services.
77% of adults receiving mental health services have acceptable housing.
84% of adults showed improvement with substance abuse issues.
51% of adults receiving mental health services show an improvement with the criminal justice system.
$15 - substance abuse prevention program cost per adult
$60 - substance abuse intervention program cost per adult
$1,617 – completion cost for substance abuse treatment programs per adult
Children:
$383 - average monthly cost to receive mental health services through DSHS per child.
92% of children were authorized to receive monthly services.
85% of children received their minimum hours authorized for mental health services.
0.07% of children were admitted 3 or more times in a 180 day period for mental health services.
38% of children showed improvement following services.
69
42% of children receiving mental health services with improved or acceptable problem severity
75% of children receiving mental health services showed improved school behavior
95% of children receiving mental health services showed improvement with re-arrests
83% of children receiving mental health services showed improvement with co-occurring substance use
$13 - substance abuse prevention program cost per child
$44 - substance abuse intervention program cost per child
$3,246– completion cost for substance abuse treatment programs per youth
$4,245 – cost per female served in specialized substance abuse programs per year
$5,866 – cost per female completing specialized substance abuse programs per year
Medical:
$160 is the average monthly cost for a person receiving new generation medication
(Source – TDSHS Behavioral Health Data Book, Oct. 2013)
Potential Response to Problem:
1. Request funding to expand counseling services in the region.
2. Request funding to hire qualified counselors to provide expanded access to care.
3. Request funding to build/expand facilities and upgrade/replace equipment.
Priority #2
Problem Identified: Law Enforcement dealing with Mental Health Subjects
1. Lack of specialized training for law enforcement which will help them deal with mental health
subjects/patients while out in the field and on calls;
2. Lack of trained Mental Health Peace Officers; and
3. Lack of funding to purchase additional vehicles for transportation of mental health subjects.
Data: Since 2011, a concerted effort has been made to tackle Law Enforcement’s “Mental Health Double-edged
Sword”: The ever-growing number of risk-laden calls taken daily that involve “Mental Health Subjects” – those
suffering from a diagnosed mental disorder, the psychological effects of alcohol and/or drug abuse, and military
veterans who’ve returned to their communities from active service and are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD). These, plus a plethora of other job-related factors, profoundly increase officer stress.
ETCOG REGION
PEACE OFFICER Trainings**
Mental Health Peace Officer
Child Abuse - Predator
Criminal Sexuality
Crisis - Suicide Intervention
PTSD - Stress Management
TOTAL MH FIELDS TRAINED
** FY'11-'13 ETCOG - ETPA Totals
35
118
126
101
135
515
Regional Mental Health Statistics:
“ The patient-to-provider ratio is some areas of Northeast Texas is close to 25,000 to 1, which is
seven times the state average
Northeast Texas is expected to grow in the future, potentially exacerbating the strains on the
70
mental health care infrastructure
The only public psychiatric hospital in the ETCOG region is Rusk State Hospital and it was on diversion for over half
of FY 2012
Approximately 85,000 people in East Texas suffer from a serious mental illness
Approximately 113,000 individuals require treatment for substance abuse and do not receive it
East Texas’ suicide rate is 65 percent higher than the statewide average
There is a significant shortage of mental health professionals in each of the counties in the ETCOG region” (MRCI)
Response to Problem:
1. Request training for additional Mental Health related courses such as: Child Internet Predator, Psychology of
Criminal Sexuality, Preventing Sexual Misconduct, Suicide/Crisis Intervention, PTSD – Stress Management
Training, etc.
2. Request funding to help address gaps in mental health services in the region.
3. Request funding for law enforcement to be able transport mental health patients to facilities (vehicle and
salary).
Priority #3
Problem Identified: Lack of additional/other Mental Health and Substance Abuse Providers and Services
1. “Lack of facilities offering short term care or stabilization for mental health/substance abuse patients;
2. Lack of available beds for mental health/substance abuse facilities;
3. Lack of qualified practitioners;
4. Lack of follow-up and medication for patients needing long term care; and
5. Lack of services for low-income individuals/families” (MRCI)
Data:
 “Over 85 percent of counties in Northeast Texas have a shortage of mental health providers
 The patient-to-provider ratio is some areas of Northeast Texas is close to 25,000 to 1, which is seven times
the state average
 Most of the 14 counties have approximately one-fifth to one-quarter of their population uninsured.
 On average, a majority of the counties’ populations are considered rural; no city in the region has a
population that exceeds 100,000
 The median household income is approximately $40,000 and with approximately 8 percent unemployment
 On average, over one-quarter of children in the 14 counties live in poverty
 Northeast Texas is expected to grow in the future, potentially exacerbating the strains on the mental health
care infrastructure
 The only public psychiatric hospital in the region is Rusk State Hospital and it was on diversion for over
half of FY 2012
 Approximately 85,000 people in East Texas suffer from a serious mental illness
 Approximately 113,000 individuals require treatment for substance abuse and do not receive it
 East Texas’ suicide rate is 65 percent higher than the statewide average
 There is a significant shortage of mental health professionals in each of the counties in the ETCOG region”
(MRCI)
71
Regional Mental Health Statistics:
Licensed Outpatient Slots and Residential Beds by Region
Region
Outpatient Slots
Residential Beds
4
1,377
235
(Source - Texas Department of State Health Services)
Adults:
$352 - average monthly cost to receive mental health services through the DSHS per adult.
90% of adults were authorized to receive monthly services.
84% of adults received their minimum hours authorized for mental health services.
0.43% of adults were admitted 3 or more times in a 180 day period for mental health services.
38% of adults showed improvement following services.
77% of adults receiving mental health services have acceptable housing.
84% of adults showed improvement with substance abuse issues.
51% of adults receiving mental health services show an improvement with the criminal justice system.
$15 - substance abuse prevention program cost per adult
$60 - substance abuse intervention program cost per adult
$1,617 – completion cost for substance abuse treatment programs per adult
Children:
$383 - average monthly cost to receive mental health services through DSHS per child.
92% of children were authorized to receive monthly services.
85% of children received their minimum hours authorized for mental health services.
0.07% of children were admitted 3 or more times in a 180 day period for mental health services.
38% of children showed improvement following services.
42% of children receiving mental health services with improved or acceptable problem severity
75% of children receiving mental health services showed improved school behavior
95% of children receiving mental health services showed improvement with re-arrests
83% of children receiving mental health services showed improvement with co-occurring substance use
$13 - substance abuse prevention program cost per child
$44 - substance abuse intervention program cost per child
$3,246– completion cost for substance abuse treatment programs per youth
$4,245 – cost per female served in specialized substance abuse programs per year
$5,866 – cost per female completing specialized substance abuse programs per year
Medical:
$160 is the average monthly cost for a person receiving new generation medication
(Source – Texas Department of State Health Services, Behavioral Health Data Book, Oct. 2013)
Things to Focus on:
 “Better follow-up and long-term care that, among other factors, includes assurance that clients are
complying with their medicine and after-release instructions;
 Reducing the number of repeat committals;
 More convenient locations such as in-patient beds and a screening venue in the county so that people do
not have to drive long distances to obtain the services; and
 Addressing the mentally ill residents who are not an immediate threat and therefore do not always receive
the attention they require.” (MRCI)
Potential Response to Problem:
1. Request funding to build/expand facilities/beds to offer short term care and/or stabilization care for
mental health patients.
72
2. Request funding to hire qualified staff to work at expanded mental health facilities (counselors,
advocates, and law enforcement).
3. Work with local agencies to help them build a plan which addresses how to follow up with after care
patients, provide new/additional services to low income families, look at what funding is needed for the
region, etc.
REGIONAL RESOURCES
Included below are resources identified by the ETCOG Planning Team that are available to provide services
that could potentially help in closing criminal justice gaps.
JUVENILE JUSTICE:
Adolescent Development & Achievement
Program of Tyler
Anderson County Juvenile Probation
Department
Camp County Juvenile Probation Department
Catholic Charities of East Texas
Marion County Juvenile Probation Department
Cherokee County Juvenile Probation
Department
Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County
Rains County Juvenile Probation Department
http://www.ccetx.org/
Martin House Children’s Advocacy Center
http://www.themartinhousecac.org/
Panola County Juvenile Probation Department
Partners in Prevention
http://pip.longviewtexas.gov/
Rusk County Juvenile Probation Department
http://cacsmithcounty.org/
Children’s Advocacy Center of Van Zandt
County
North East Texas Children’s Advocacy Center
http://netcac.org/
http://www.cactx.org/find-a-local-center/childrensadvocacy-center-of-van-zandt-county
Crisis Center of Anderson & Cherokee
Counties
Next Step Community Solutions
http://nextstepcommunitysolutions.com/blog/
http://www.mycrisiscenter.com/
East Texas Child Advocates, Inc.
Rusk and Panola County Children’s Advocacy Center
http://ruskcountycac.com/
73
Gregg County Juvenile Probation Department
Harrison County Juvenile Probation
Department
Henderson County HELP Center
Rusk County Children’s Advocacy Center
Smith County Juvenile Probation Department
Upshur County Juvenile Probation Department
http://thehelpcenter.org/
Henderson County Juvenile Probation
Department
Longview Teen Court
Van Zandt County Juvenile Probation Department
http://longviewteencourt.org/
LAW ENFORCEMENT:
ALERT Academy
Marion County Sheriff`s Office
http://www.co.marion.tx.us/default.aspx?Marion_County/Sheriff
Alba Police Department
Marion County Constable Precinct 1
http://www.albatexas.org/pages/police.php
http://www.co.marion.tx.us/default.aspx?Marion_County/Constable
Alto Police Department
Marion County Constable Precinct 2
Anderson County Sheriff’s Office
Marshall Police Department
http://www.co.anderson.tx.us/default.aspx?Anderson_County
/Sheriff
http://www.marshalltexas.net/Departments/Police/
Anderson County Constable Precinct 1
Mineola Police Department
http://altotexas.org/
http://www.co.marion.tx.us/default.aspx?Marion_County/Constable
http://www.co.anderson.tx.us/default.aspx?Anderson_County
/Constable
Anderson County Constable Precinct 2
New London Police Department
Anderson County Constable Precinct 3
New Summerfield Police Department
http://www.co.anderson.tx.us/default.aspx?Anderson_County
/Constable
http://www.co.anderson.tx.us/default.aspx?Anderson_County
/Constable
Anderson County Constable Precinct 4
Ore City Police Department
Arp Police Department
Overton Police Department
http://www.co.anderson.tx.us/default.aspx?Anderson_County
/Constable
http://www.ci.overton.tx.us/index.aspx?NID=10
Athens Police Department
Palestine Police Department
Big Sandy Police Department
Panola County Sheriff’s Office
Brownsboro Police Department
Panola County Constable Precinct 1
http://www.brownsboro.us/police--department.html
http://www.co.panola.tx.us/default.aspx?Panola_County/Constable
Bullard Police Department
Panola County Constable Precinct 2
Camp County Sheriff’s Office
Panola County Constable Precinct 3
Camp County Constable Precinct 1
Panola County Constable Precinct 4
http://www.co.camp.tx.us/default.aspx?Camp_County/
Constable
http://www.co.panola.tx.us/default.aspx?Panola_County/Constable
Caney City Police Department
Canton Police Department
Payne Springs Police Department
Pittsburg Police Department
http://www.athenstexas.us/police.cfm
http://bigsandytx.net/police-department.html
http://www.bullardtexas.net/pages/departments/policedepartment
http://www.co.camp.tx.us/default.aspx?Camp_County/
Sheriff
http://palestinepdtx.policereports.us/
http://www.panolacountytexas.us/sheriff/sheriff.htm
http://www.co.panola.tx.us/default.aspx?Panola_County/Constable
http://www.co.panola.tx.us/default.aspx?Panola_County/Constable
74
http://cantontx.gov/departments/police
Chandler Police Department
Point Police Department
http://www.chandlertx.com/index.aspx?nid=104
Cherokee County Constable Precinct 1
Quitman Police Department
Cherokee County Constable Precinct 2
Rains County Sheriff’s Office
Cherokee County Constable Precinct 3
Rains County Constable Precinct 1
Cherokee County Constable Precinct 4
Rusk County Sheriff’s Office
http://www.co.cherokee.tx.us/ips/cms/countyoffices/c
onstable.html
http://www.co.rusk.tx.us/default.aspx?Rusk_County/Sheriff
Cherokee County Sheriff`s Office
Rusk County Constable Precinct 1
http://www.co.cherokee.tx.us/ips/cms/countyoffices/s
heriff.html
http://www.co.rusk.tx.us/default.aspx?Rusk_County/Constable
Coffee City Police Department
Rusk County Constable Precinct 2
http://www.cityofcoffeecity.com/policedepartment.html
http://www.co.rusk.tx.us/default.aspx?Rusk_County/Constable
East Mountain Police Department
Rusk County Constable Precinct 3
East Tawakoni Police Department
Rusk County Constable Precinct 4
Edgewood Police Department
Rusk County Constable Precinct 5
http://www.co.cherokee.tx.us/ips/cms/countyoffices/c
onstable.html
http://www.co.cherokee.tx.us/ips/cms/countyoffices/c
onstable.html
http://www.co.cherokee.tx.us/ips/cms/countyoffices/c
onstable.html
http://cityofeasttawakoni.com/city-departments/policedepartment-2/
http://www.cityofedgewoodtexas.com/index.php/edgewood_police_d
epartment
http://quitmantx.org/policedepartment.htm
http://www.co.rains.tx.us/default.aspx?Rains_County/Sheriff
http://www.co.rains.tx.us/default.aspx?Rains_County/Constable
http://www.co.rusk.tx.us/default.aspx?Rusk_County/Constable
http://www.co.rusk.tx.us/default.aspx?Rusk_County/Constable
http://www.co.rusk.tx.us/default.aspx?Rusk_County/Constable
Emory Police Department
Rusk Police Department
http://www.emorypd.com/1024x768index.htm
http://ruskpolicedepartment.com/
Enchanted Oaks Police Department
Seven Points Police Department
East Texas Police Academy
http://kcfac.kilgore.edu/etpa/index.html
Smith County Constables Precinct 1
http://www.smith-county.com/Law/Constables/Default.aspx
Eustace Police Department
Smith County Constables Precinct 2
Frankston Police Department
Smith County Constables Precinct 3
http://www.cityoffrankston.com/wp/index.php/police/
http://www.smith-county.com/Law/Constables/Default.aspx
Gilmer Police Department
Smith County Constables Precinct 4
Gladewater Police Department
Smith County Constables Precinct 5
http://www.cityofgladewater.com/index.php?option=com_content&vi
ew=article&id=102&Itemid=219
http://www.smith-county.com/Law/Constables/Default.aspx
http://www.smith-county.com/Law/Constables/Default.aspx
http://www.smith-county.com/Law/Constables/Default.aspx
Grand Saline Police Department
Smith County Sheriff`s Office
Gun Barrel City Police Department
Tatum Police Department
Gregg County Constable Precinct 1
Tool Police Department
Gregg County Constable Precinct 2
Trinidad Police Department
http://www.gunbarrelcity.net/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={2D2
F055C-956E-4F8C-B517-CCBBD971D04E}
http://www.co.gregg.tx.us/government/Public_Safety/constables/Pre
cinct1.asp
http://www.co.gregg.tx.us/government/Public_Safety/constables/Pre
cinct2.asp
http://www.smith-county.com/Law/Sheriff/Default.aspx
http://tooltexas.org/Police_Department.html
http://trinidadtexas.com/index.php?option=com_content&view
=article&id=43&Itemid=76
75
Gregg County Constable Precinct 3
Troup Police Department
http://www.co.gregg.tx.us/government/Public_Safety/constables/Pre
cinct3.asp
http://www.trouptexas.org/newsite/content/city-government
Gregg County Constable Precinct 4
Tyler Police Department
Gregg County Sheriff`s Office
Upshur County Sheriff’s Office
Hallsville Police Department
Upshur County Constable Precinct 1
Harrison County Sheriff`s Office
Upshur County Constable Precinct 2
http://www.co.harrison.tx.us/Sheriffs%20Office/sheriff'
s_office.htm
http://www.countyofupshur.com/Departments/constable%202.htm
Harrison County Constable Precinct 1
Upshur County Constable Precinct 3
http://harrisoncountytexas.org/?page_id=168
http://www.countyofupshur.com/Departments/constable%203.htm
Harrison County Constable Precinct 2
Upshur County Constable Precinct 4
Harrison County Constable Precinct 3
Van Police Department
http://harrisoncountytexas.org/?page_id=168
http://vantx.com/city-services/police/
Harrison County Constable Precinct 4
Van Zandt County Constable Precinct 1
Hawkins Police Department
Van Zandt County Constable Precinct 2
Henderson County Sheriff`s Office
Van Zandt County Constable Precinct 3
Henderson County Constable Precinct 1
Van Zandt County Constable Precinct 4
http://www.co.gregg.tx.us/government/Public_Safety/constables/Pre
cinct4.asp
http://www.co.gregg.tx.us/government/Public_Safety/s
heriff.asp
http://cityofhallsvilletx.com/?page_id=84
http://harrisoncountytexas.org/?page_id=168
http://harrisoncountytexas.org/?page_id=168
http://henderson-county.com/departments/sherrif
http://www.tylerpolice.com/
http://www.countyofupshur.com/Departments/sheriff.htm
http://www.countyofupshur.com/Departments/constable%201.htm
http://www.countyofupshur.com/Departments/constable%204.htm
http://www.vanzandtcounty.org/default.aspx?Van-Zandt_County/Constable
http://www.vanzandtcounty.org/default.aspx?Van-Zandt_County/Constable
http://www.vanzandtcounty.org/default.aspx?Van-Zandt_County/Constable
http://henderson-county.com/departments/constable
http://www.vanzandtcounty.org/default.aspx?Van-Zandt_County/Constable
Henderson County Constable Precinct 2
Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office
http://henderson-county.com/departments/constable
http://www.vanzandtcounty.org/default.aspx?Van-Zandt_County/Sheriff
Henderson County Constable Precinct 3
Waskom Police Department
Henderson County Constable Precinct 4
Wells Police Department
http://henderson-county.com/departments/constable
http://cityofwaskom.com/policedept.html
http://henderson-county.com/departments/constable
Henderson County Constable Precinct 5
White Oak Police Department
Henderson Police Department
Whitehouse Police Department
http://hendersontx.us/index.aspx?NID=24
http://www.whitehousetx.org/cs_pd.php
Jacksonville Police Department
Wills Point Police Department
Jefferson Police Department
Winnsboro Police Department
Kilgore Police Department
Wood County Sheriff`s Office
http://cityofkilgore.com/police
http://www.mywoodcounty.com/default.aspx?name=so_countysheriff
Lakeport Police Department
Wood County Constable Precinct 1
Lindale Police Department
Wood County Constable Precinct 2
Log Cabin Police Department
Wood County Constable Precinct 3
Longview Police Department
Wood County Constable Precinct 4
http://henderson-county.com/departments/constable
http://www.jacksonvilletx.org/departments/police_depa
rtment.php
http://jeffersontxpd.org/page6.html
http://www.lindaletx.gov/pages/departments/policedepartment/police-department-information
http://cityoflogcabin.com/Police_Department.html
http://www.cityofwhiteoak.com/police.htm
http://cityofwillspoint.com/departments/police/
http://www.mywoodcounty.com/default.aspx?name=constable1
http://www.mywoodcounty.com/default.aspx?name=constable2
http://www.mywoodcounty.com/default.aspx?name=constable3
76
http://police.longviewtexas.gov/
http://www.mywoodcounty.com/default.aspx?name=constable4
Malakoff Police Department
Yantis Police Department
http://cityofmalakoff.net/departments/policedepartment.html
Independent School District Police Departments
Brownsboro ISD PD
Carthage ISD PD
http://carthageisd.org/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=310744
Jacksonville ISD PD
http://jacksonville.tx.schoolwebpages.com/education/dept/dept.php?sectionid=206&
Jefferson ISD PD
http://jeffersonisd.schoolinsites.com/?DivisionID=17212&DepartmentID=18396&ToggleSideNav=ShowAll
Malakoff ISD PD
Rains ISD PD
http://classroom.rainsisd.org/default.aspx?RainsISDPoliceDepartment
Tyler ISD PD
http://tisdpolice.tylerisd.org/modules/groups/integrated_home.phtml?&gid=2981427&sessionid=b4f96795224f72811904b4069899ecc8
Winnsboro ISD PD
VICTIM SERVICES:
Crisis Center of Anderson & Cherokee
Counties
Anderson County District Attorney’s Office
East Texas Crisis Center
Gregg County District Attorney’s Office
http://etcc.org/
http://www.co.gregg.tx.us/government/district_courts/district_attorney.asp
Family Peace Project, Inc.
Upshur County District Attorney’s Office
Henderson County HELP Center
Van Zandt County District Attorney’s Office
http://thehelpcenter.org/
http://www.vzda.org/
Smith County Crime Victim Services
Wood County District Attorney’s Office
http://www.smithcounty.com/Law/DA/Default.aspx
http://www.mywoodcounty.com/default.aspx?name=distatty
http://www.co.anderson.tx.us/default.aspx?Anderson_County/District.Attorney
http://www.mycrisiscenter.com/
http://www.familypeaceproject.org/
http://www.countyofupshur.com/Departments/district_attorney.htm
Women’s Center of East Texas
http://www.wc-et.org/
MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE ABUSE:
Azleway Boys Ranch
Methadone Clinic of East Texas
Community Healthcore
Northeast Texas Treatment Center
http://communityhealthcore.com/
http://www.nttcrusk.org/
Crisis Center of Anderson & Cherokee
Counties
Special Health Resources for Texas, Inc.
http://www.azleway.org/
http://www.methadonecliniceasttexas.com/
http://www.specialhealth.org/
http://www.mycrisiscenter.com/
DORS Youth Transition Center
Sundown Ranch, Inc.
http://dorscommunityservices.org/
http://www.sundownrecoverycenter.com/
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East Texas Council on Alcohol and Drug Van Zandt County Voices Project
http://vzcjpd.com/services/voices.html
Abuse
http://www.etcada.com/
ETMC Behavioral Health Center
http://www.etmc.org/mental/
ETCOG Regional Evaluation Services
for Youth Project
Heartlight Ministries Boarding School
http://www.heartlightministries.org/
Henderson County HELP Center
http://thehelpcenter.org/
AGENCY COOPERATION/REGIONAL
PARTNERSHIPS
In the past there has been relatively good interagency cooperation among the different branches of law
enforcement. Law enforcement needs brought them into relationship with substance abuse counseling and
mental health services as well as limited work with the school districts. However, there was little contact
with the broader scope of non-profit, educational, government service and faith-based communities.
In the fall 2013 the Strategic planning process began a move of integrating the full range of supports
available by connecting all service providers. The current directory of service providers is being updated to
include a description of service as well as contact information needed for these entities. A website with
statistical
information
for
all
fourteen
counties
is
now
available
at
http://dashboard.etcog.org/_region/AndersonCP.html.
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REGIONAL SOLUTIONS
T
he ETCOG Planning Team works in conjunction with other planning groups in the region to
ensure a regular exchange of ideas. Individuals active in the planning process generally serve on
many of these committees and share mutual concerns.
The ETCOG Planning Team strives to meet periodically to review the Plan and make necessary additions
and deletions. At least one formal meeting of the entire group is held each fall, but agency and community
representatives typically submit suggestions and changes via telephone and e-mail throughout the year to the
Planning Coordinator.
Drafts and annual updates of the Regional Plan are circulated by e-mail with requests for comments,
changes, etc. Wherever possible, e-mail is used to reduce the need for meetings, printing, postage, etc.
It is the intent of the Regional Planning Group to improve outcomes for ETCOG families struggling with
problems described in the Plan’s focus areas. Efforts are being made by many ETCOG agencies and
organizations to address problems with local funds as well as grant funds from multiple state and federal
sources. To the extent that these funds are available, the Regional Planning Team will continue to
encourage agencies to provide programming that addresses the outlined focus areas.
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REGIONAL INFORMATION & STATISTICS
Anderson County is one of about 3,141 counties or county
equivalents in the United States and first alphabetically, for
the 255 counties of Texas. It has 1,070.8 sq. miles in land
area and a population density of 54.5 per square mile. On the
most recent census form, 98.3% of the population reported
only one race, with 21.1% of these reporting AfricanAmerican. The population of this county is 15.9% Hispanic
(of any race). The average household size is 2.60 persons
compared to an average family size of 3.10 persons.
In 2011 transportation and warehousing was the largest of 20 major sectors. It had an average wage per job
of $47,513. Per capita income grew by 18.4% between 2000 and 2010 (adjusted for inflation).
Founded: 1846
County Seat: Palestine
www.co.anderson.tx.us
Total Area: 1,087 sq. mi
Physical Features: Forested, hilly, slopes to Trinity and Neches
Rivers; Lake Palestine; sandy, clay, black soils; pines, hardwoods.
History: Comanche, Waco, other tribes. Anglo-American settlers
arrived in the 1830's. County created and organized from Houston
County in 1846; named for K.L. Anderson, last vice president of
the Republic of
Texas.
Recreation: Fishing, hunting, streams, lakes, Dogwood trails, national wildlife refuge, historic sites, the
Railroad Park and museums.
Minerals: Oil and Gas.
Agriculture: Cattle, hay truck vegetables, melons,
pecans, peaches, timber.
Palestine is the county seat; clothing, metal, wood
products; transportation and agribusiness center;
scientific balloon station; historic bakery; library;
vocational-technical facilities; hospitals;
community college; dulcimer festival in March,
hot pepper festival in October.
Other towns include: Cayuga, Elkhart, Frankston
(tourism, packaging industry, oil and gas,
commuters to Tyler; depot museum, Square Fair
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in October), Montalba, Neches and Tennessee Colony (state prisons)
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Camp County is one of about 3,141 counties and
county equivalents in the United States. It has 195.8 sq.
miles in land area and a population density of 63.6 per
square mile. On the most recent census form, 97.3% of
the population reported only one race, with 17.4% of
these reporting African-American. The population of
this county is 21.4% Hispanic (of any race). The
average household size is 2.60 persons compared to an
average family size of 3.20 persons.
In 2012 retail trade was the largest of 20 major sectors.
It had an average wage per job of $21,125. Per capita
income grew by 8.5% between 2001 and 2011
(adjusted for inflation).
Founded: 1874
www.co.camp.tx.us
County Seat: Pittsburg
Total Area: 203 sq. mi
Physical Features: Forested hills; drains to Big Cypress
Creek on the north, Lake Bob Sandlin; third smallest county
in Texas
History: Caddo area. Anglo-American settlers arrived in late
1830s. County created, organized, from Upshur County in
1874. Named for jurist J.L. Camp.
Recreation: Water sports, fishing, farmstead and airship
museum, Pittsburg hot links, and Chickfest in September.
Minerals: Oil, Gas, clays and coal.
blueberries, vegetables, and forestry.
Agriculture: Poultry; beef, dairy cattle, horses; peaches, hay,
Pittsburg is the county seat,
Agribusiness, timber, tourism, food
processing, light manufacturing,
commuting to Longview, Tyler;
hospital, community college, and Prayer
Tower.
Other towns include: Leesburg (128)
and Rocky Mound (79)
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Cherokee County is one of about 3,141 counties and
county equivalents in the United States. It has 1,052.9 sq.
miles in land area and a population density of 48.6 per
square mile. On the most recent census form, 97.8% of the
population reported only one race, with 14.7% of these
reporting African-American. The population of this county
is 20.6% Hispanic (of any race). The average household size
is 2.70 persons compared to an average family size of 3.20
persons.
In 2011 manufacturing was the largest of 20 major sectors.
It had an average wage per job of $32,397. Per capita
income grew by 0.4% between 2000 and 2010 (adjusted for
inflation).
Founded: 1839
County Seat: Rusk
www.co.cherokee.tx.us
Total Area: 1,062 sq. mi
Physical Features: Hilly, partly forested; drains to Angelina and
Neches rivers; many streams; Lake Palestine, Lake Striker and
Lake Jacksonville; sandy, clay soils.
History: Caddo tribes attracted Spanish missionaries around
1720. Cherokees began settling area around 1820, and soon
afterward Anglo-Americans began to arrive. Cherokees forced
to Indian Territory 1839. Named for Indian tribe; created 1846
from Nacogdoches County.
Recreation: Water sports; fishing, hunting; historic sites and
parks, national wildlife refuge; Texas State Railroad; nature
trails through forests; lakes.
Minerals: Oil and Gas.
Agriculture: Nurseries (first in the state in
value of sales), hay, beef cattle, dairies,
poultry. Market value $140.3 million.
Timber, hunting income significant.
Rusk (5,619) is the county seat,
Agribusiness, tourism, state mental
hospital, prison unit, and the heritage
festival in October.
Jacksonville (14,773) varied manufacturing,
plastics, agribusiness, tourism, retail center;
hospitals, junior colleges; Love's Lookout;
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Tomato Fest in June.
Other towns include: Alto (1,229) farming, timber, light manufacturing, pecan festival on November; Cuney
(141); Gallatin (434); Maydelle (250); New Summerfield (1,129); Reklaw (382, partly in Rusk County); Wells
(802); Part of Bullard and part of Troup.
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91
92
Gregg County is one of about 3,141 counties and
county equivalents in the United States. It has 273.3 sq.
miles in land area and a population density of 448.8 per
square mile, making it the most densely populated county
within the ETCOG region. On the most recent census
form, 97.7% of the population reported only one race,
with 20.0% of these reporting African-American. The
population of this county is 16.4% Hispanic (of any race).
The average household size is 2.60 persons compared to
an average family size of 3.10 persons.
In 2011 healthcare and social assistance was the largest of
20 major sectors. It had an average wage per job of
$40,967. Per capita income grew by 19.3% between 2000 and 2010.
Founded: 1873
www.co.gregg.tx.us
County Seat: Longview
Total Area: 274 sq. mi
Physical Features: populous, leading petroleum county, heart of the famed East Texas oil field; bisected by
the Sabine River; hilly, timbered; with sandy, clay, alluvial soils.
History: Caddoes; later Cherokees, who were driven out in 1838 by
President Lamar. First land grants issued in 1835 by the Republic of
Mexico. County created and organized in 1873 from sections of Rusk &
Upshur counties; named for Confederate Gen. John Gregg. Oil
discovered in 1931.
Recreation: Water activities on Lake Cherokee, hunting, varied cultural
events, East Texas Oil Museum in Kilgore.
Minerals: Leading oil-producing County with more than 3 billion barrels
produced since 1931; also sand, gravel and natural gas.
Agriculture: Cattle, horses, hay, nursery crops. Market value $3.8 million. Timber sales.
Urban:
Longview (pop. 81,876, small part [1,870] in Harrison County); county seat; chemical & large machinery
manufacturing, energy industry manufacturing, distribution and
retail center; hospitals; LeTourneau University, UT-Tyler Longview
center; convention center; balloon race in July.
Kilgore (pop. 13,454, part [3,013] in Rusk County); energy
production, manufacturing & distribution center, Kilgore College,
Rangerette museum, East Texas Oil Museum and the Shakespeare
festival in summer.
Gladewater (pop. 6,580, part [2,447] in Upshur County); energy
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production, manufacturing, tourism, antiques center, library, airport, skydiving, Gusher Days in April and
daffodils in February-March.
Other towns include: Clarksville City (878), Easton (512, partly in Rusk County), Judson (1,057), Lakeport
(996), Liberty City (2,384) oil, tourism, government/services, Honor America Night in November; Warren
City (374), White Oak (6,553) oil and gas, commuting to Longview, Tyler Park, and Roughneck Days in
spring every three years.
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Harrison County is one of about 3,141 counties and
county equivalents in the United States. It has 900.0 sq.
miles in land area and a population density of 74.9 per
square mile. On the most recent census form, 98.3% of
the population reported only one race, with 21.9% of
these reporting African-American. The population of this
county is 11.1% Hispanic (of any race). The average
household size is 2.60 persons compared to an average
family size of 3.10 persons.
In 2012 manufacturing was the largest of 20 major
sectors. It had an average wage per job of $54,801. Per
capita income grew by 44.5% between 2001 and 2011 (adjusted for inflation).
Founded: 1839
County Seat: Marshall
www.co.harrison.tx.us
Total Area: 915 sq. mi
Physical Features: East Texas county, hilly, rolling, over half forested, Sabine River; Caddo Lake, and the
Brandy Branch Reservoir.
History: Agriculturist Caddo Indians whose numbers were reduced by
disease. Anglo-Americans arrived in 1830s. In 1850, the county had
more slaves than any other in the state. County created in 1839 from
Shelby County; organized in 1842. County named for the eloquent
advocate of Texas Revolution, Jonas Harrison.
Recreation: Fishing, other water activities on Caddo and other lakes;
hunting; plantation homes, historic sites; Stagecoach Days in May; Old
Courthouse Museum; Old World Store; state park, performing arts; Fire
Ant festival in October.
Minerals: Oil, gas, lignite coal, clays, sand and gravel.
Agriculture: Cattle, hay, poultry, nursery plants, horses, vegetables, and watermelons. Market value $14.1
million. Hunting leases are important. Has a substantial timber industry.
Marshall (23,783) county seat; petroleum and lumber
processing, varied manufacturing; civic center; historic sites,
including Starr Family State Historic Site; hospital; Wiley
College, East Texas Baptist University; Wonderland of
Lights in December.
Other towns include: Elysian Fields (500); Hallsville (3,783)
Western Days in October, museum; Harleton (390);
Jonesville (70); Karnack (350); Nesbitt (282); Scottsville
(387); Uncertain (91) tourism, fishing, hunting, Mayhaw
Festival in May; Waskom (2,206) oil, gas, ranching,
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Armadillo Daze in April; Woodlawn (550). Also, part [1,870] of Longview.
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99
100
Henderson County is one of about 3,141 counties
and county equivalents in the United States. It has 873.7
sq. miles in land area and a population density of 90.5
per square mile. On the most recent census form, 98.2%
of the population reported only one race, with 6.2% of
these reporting African-American. The population of this
county is 10.8% Hispanic (of any race). The average
household size is 2.50 persons compared to an average
family size of 3.00 persons.
In 2012 retail trade was the largest of 20 major sectors. It
had an average wage per job of $23.867. Per capita
income grew by 4.1% between 2001 and 2011 (adjusted
for inflation).
Founded: 1846
County Seat: Athens
www.co.henderson.tx.us
Total Area: 949 sq. mi
Physical Features: East Texas county bounded by Neches and Trinity rivers; hilly, rolling; one-third
forested; sandy, loam, clay soils; commercial timber; Cedar Creek Reservoir, Lake Palestine, Lake Athens,
Forest Grove Reservoir; Trinidad Lake.
History: Caddo area. Cherokee, other tribes migrated into the area in
1819-20 ahead of white settlement. Cherokees forced into Indian
Territory in 1839. Anglo-American settlers arrived in 1840s. County
created in 1846 from Nacogdoches, Houston counties and named for
Gov. J. Pinckney Henderson.
Recreation: Cedar Creek Reservoir, Lake Palestine, other lakes, Purtis
Creek State Park, hunting, fishing, bird-watching, Zip Line (aerial rope
slide) at New York, and the East Texas Arboretum.
Minerals: Oil, gas, lignite coal, clays, sand and gravel.
Agriculture: Nurseries, cattle, hay, horses, rabbits. Market value $44.5 million. Hunting leases and fishing.
Athens (12,896) county seat; agribusiness center,
varied manufacturing, tourism, state fish hatchery and
museum, hospital, mental health center; Trinity Valley
Community College; Texas Fiddlers’ Contest in May.
Other towns include: Berryville (987); Brownsboro
(1,075); Caney City (225); Chandler (2,789)
commuting to Tyler, retail trade, tourism, Pow Wow
Festival in October; Coffee City (291); Enchanted
Oaks (331); Eustace (1,011); Larue (250); Log Cabin
(713); Moore Station (204); Murchison (595); Payne
101
Springs (775); Poynor (305); Seven Points (1,451) agribusiness, retail trade, recreation, Monte Carlo
celebration in November; Star Harbor (456); Tool (2,242), and Trinidad (885). Also, Mabank (3,079, mostly
in Kaufman County).
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Marion County is one of about 3,141 counties and
county equivalents in the United States. It has 380.9 sq. miles
in land area and a population density of 27.1 per square mile.
On the most recent census form, 97.9% of the population
reported only one race, with 22.1% of these reporting
African-American. The population of this county is 3.1%
Hispanic (of any race). The average household size is 2.30
persons compared to an average family size of 2.80 persons.
In 2012 retail trade was the largest of 20 major sectors. It
had an average wage per job of $23.867. Per capita income
grew by 4.1% between 2001 and 2011 (adjusted for
inflation).
Founded: 1860
www.co.marion.tx.us
County Seat: Jefferson
Total Area: 420 sq. mi
Physical Features: Northeastern county; hilly, three-quarters forested with pines, hardwoods; drains to
Caddo Lake, Lake O’ the Pines, Big Cypress Bayou; Johnson Creek Reservoir.
History: Caddoes forced out in 1790s. Kickapoo settled in the area
when settlers arrived from Deep South around 1840. An Antebellum
slaveholding area, the county was created 1860 from a former portion
of Cass County, organized the same year; named for Gen. Francis
Marion of the American Revolution.
Recreation: Lake activities, hunting, Excelsior Hotel, 84 medallions
on historic sites including Jay Gould railroad car, museum, historical
homes tour in May, Spring Festival.
Minerals: Iron ore, natural gas, oil.
Agriculture: Beef cattle, hay. Market value at $4.2
million. Forestry is the most important industry.
Jefferson (pop. 2,109) county seat, tourism,
syrup works, forestry; museum, library and
historical sites.
Other towns include: Lodi (175).
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Panola County is one of about 3,141 counties and county
equivalents in the United States. It has 801.7 sq. miles in land
area and a population density of 30.0 per square mile. On the
most recent census form, 98.2% of the population reported only
one race, with 16.3% of these reporting African-American. The
population of this county is 8.3% Hispanic (of any race). The
average household size is 2.50 persons compared to an average
family size of 3.0 persons.
In 2012 construction was the largest of 20 major sectors. It had
an average wage per job of $50,436. Per capita income grew by
40.2% between 2001 and 2011 (adjusted for inflation).
Founded: 1846
www.co.panola.tx.us
County Seat: Carthage
Total Area: 821 sq. mi
Physical Features: East Texas county; sixty percent forested, rolling plain; broken by Sabine, Murvaul
Creek; Toledo Bend Reservoir, Lake Murvaul, Martin Creek Lake.
History: Caddo area. Anglo-American settlement established in
1833. An Antebellum slaveholding area, the county name is an
Indian word for cotton; created from former sections of Harrison
& Shelby counties in 1846.
Recreation: Lake fishing, water activities, hunting, Jim Reeves
memorial, Tex Ritter museum and Texas Country Music Hall of
Fame.
Minerals: Oil, gas.
Agriculture: Broilers, cattle, forages. Market value $63.4 million.
Timber sales significant.
Carthage (6,894) county seat; petroleum processing, poultry, sawmills; hospital, junior college; Oil & Gas
Blast in October.
Other towns include: Beckville (859), Clayton (125),
DeBerry (200), Gary (319), Long Branch (150), and
Panola (305). Also Tatum (1,417), which lies mostly in
Rusk County.
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Rains County is one of about 3,141 counties and county equivalents
in the United States. It has 229.5 sq. miles in land area and a population
density of 47.7 per square mile. On the most recent census form, 98.4%
of the population reported only one race, with 2.3% of these reporting
African-American. The population of this county is 7.7% Hispanic (of
any race). The average household size is 2.50 persons compared to an
average family size of 2.9 persons.
In 2012 retail trade was the largest of 20 major sectors. It had an average
wage per job of $22,589. Per capita income grew by 16.5% between 2001
and 2011 (adjusted for inflation).
Founded: 1870
www.co.rains.tx.us
County Seat: Emory
Total Area: 259 sq. mi
Physical Features: Northeastern county, rolling, partly Blackland, sandy loams, sandy soils, Sabine River,
Lake Tawakoni, Lake Fork Reservoir.
History: Caddo area. In the 1700s, Tawakoni Indians entered the area.
Anglo-Americans arrived in the 1840s. County, county seat named for
Emory Rains, Republic leader; created in 1870 from Hopkins, Hunt and
Wood counties, organized the same year; birthplace of National Farmers
Union, 1902.
Recreation: Lake Tawakoni and Lake Fork Reservoir activities; birding,
Eagle Fest in February.
Minerals: Oil, gas.
Agriculture: Beef, forages, dairies, vegetables
(second in sweet potato acreage), fruits, nurseries.
Market value $13.9 million.
County seat - Emory (pop. 1,270); local trade,
tourism, government/services, commuting to
Greenville and Dallas, and the African-American
museum.
Other towns include: East Tawakoni (896) and Point
(821), manufacturing, tourism, and Tamale fest on
July 4. Also, part of Alba (515), mostly in Wood
County.
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Rusk County is one of about 3,141 counties and county equivalents in
the United States. It has 924.0 sq. miles in land area and a population
density of 58.5 per square mile. On the most recent census form, 98.0% of
the population reported only one race, with 17.7% of these reporting
African-American. The population of this county is 14.3% Hispanic (of any
race). The average household size is 2.6 persons compared to an average
family size of 3.1 persons.
In 2012 mining was the largest of 20 major sectors. It had an average wage
per job of $96,667. Per capita income grew by 12.1% between 2001 and
2011 (adjusted for inflation).
Founded: 1843
www.co.rusk.tx.us
County Seat: Henderson
Total Area: 939 sq. mi
Physical Features: A county on the Sabine-Angelina divide; varied deep, sandy soils; over half in pines,
hardwoods; Martin Creek Lake, Lake Cherokee, Lake Striker.
History: Caddo area. Cherokees settled in the 1820s and were removed in
1839. First Anglo-Americans arrived in 1829. An Antebellum slave-holding
area, the County was named for the Republic’s state leader Thomas J.
Rusk. The county was created and organized from Nacogdoches County in
1843.
Recreation: Water sports, state park, Depot Museum, historic homes and
sites, scenic drives, site of East Texas Field discovery oil well; Henderson
syrup festival in November.
Minerals: Oil, natural gas, lignite, clays.
Agriculture: Beef cattle, hay, broilers, nursery plants. Market value $56.1 million. Timber income substantial.
Henderson (pop. 13,990) county seat; power plant,
mining, lumber, state jails, hospital and museum.
Other towns include: Joinerville (140); Laird Hill
(300); Laneville (169); Minden (150); Mount
Enterprise (439); New London (1,002) site of 1937
school explosion that killed 293 students and faculty;
Overton (2,568, partly in Smith County) oil,
lumbering center, petroleum processing, prison,
A&M research center, blue grass festival in July;
Price (275); Tatum (1,417, partly in Panola County);
Turnertown-Selman City (271).
Also, part of Easton (512, mostly in Gregg County),
part of Reklaw (382, mostly in Cherokee County)
and part [3,013] of Kilgore (13,454 total).
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120
Smith County is one of about 3,141 counties and county
equivalents in the United States. It has 921.5 sq. miles in land
area and a population density of 233.1 per square mile. On the
most recent census form, 98.0% of the population reported
only one race, with 17.9% of these reporting AfricanAmerican. The population of this county is 17.2% Hispanic (of
any race). The average household size is 2.6 persons compared
to an average family size of 3.1 persons.
In 2012 health care and social assistance was the largest of 20
major sectors. It had an average wage per job of $49,530. Per
capita income grew by 8.9% between 2001 and 2011 (adjusted
for inflation).
Founded: 1860
www.co.smith.tx.us
County Seat: Tyler
Total Area: 949 sq. mi
Physical Features: Populous East Texas county with rolling hills, many timbered, Sabine and Neches
rivers, other streams, Lake Palestine, Lake Tyler, Lake Tyler East, alluvial, gray, sandy loam, and clay soils.
History: Caddoes of area reduced by disease and other tribes in the
1790s. Cherokees settled in the 1820s; removed in 1839. In the late
1820s, first Anglo-American settlers arrived. Antebellum slaveholding
area. County named for Texas Revolutionary General James Smith,
county created and organized in 1846 from Nacogdoches County.
Recreation: Activities on Palestine, Tyler lakes; Rose Garden; state
park; Goodman Museum; Caldwell Zoo; collegiate events; Juneteenth
celebration, Rose Festival in October, Azalea Trail, East Texas Fair in
September/October.
Minerals: Oil and gas.
Agriculture: Horticultural crops and nurseries, beef cattle, forages, fruits and vegetables, horses, Christmas
trees (first in acreage). Market value $68 million. Timber sales substantial.
Tyler (99,428) county seat; health services,
education, retail center, varied manufacturing;
University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler Junior College,
Texas College, University of Texas Health
Center; hospitals, nursing school; museums,
Camp Ford historic park; claims title, “Rose
Capital of the Nation."
Other towns include: Arp (992) Strawberry
Festival in April; Bullard (2,553, part in Cherokee
County); Flint (2,500); Hideaway (3102); Lindale
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(5,019) distribution center, foundry, varied manufacturing, Country Fest in October; New Chapel Hill (616);
Noonday (802) Sweet Onion festival in June; Troup (1,894, part in Cherokee County); Whitehouse (7,886)
commuters to Tyler, government/services, Yesteryear festival in June; Winona (587). Part of Overton
(2,568, mostly in Rusk County).
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Upshur County is one of about 3,141 counties and county
equivalents in the United States. It has 582.9 sq. miles in land area
and a population density of 68.6 per square mile. On the most
recent census form, 97.8% of the population reported only one
race, with 8.7% of these reporting African-American. The
population of this county is 6.6% Hispanic (of any race). The
average household size is 2.6 persons compared to an average
family size of 3.0 persons.
In 2012 educational services was the largest of 20 major sectors. It
had an average wage per job of $32,657. Per capita income grew by
27.7% between 2001 and 2011 (adjusted for inflation).
Founded: 1846
www.co.upshur.tx.us
County Seat: Gilmer
Total Area: 593 sq. mi
Physical Features: East Texas county; rolling to hilly, over half forested; drains to Sabine River, Little
Cypress Creek, Lake O’ the Pines, Lake Gilmer, Lake Gladewater.
History: Caddoes; reduced by epidemics in 1700s. Cherokees were in
area in 1820s. Anglo-American settlement in the mid-1830s. County
created from Harrison, Nacogdoches counties in 1846, organized the
same year; named for U.S. Secretary of State A.P. Upshur.
Recreation: Scenic trails, hunting, fishing, fall foliage, East Texas
Yamboree in October.
Minerals: Oil, gas, sand, and gravel.
Agriculture: Dairies, beef cattle, hay, vegetable crops, poultry. Market
value $48.9 million. Timber a major product.
Gilmer (4,992) county seat,
manufacturing, communications,
electric power; hospital, museums,
and Texas Motorized Trails.
Other towns include: Big Sandy
(1,365); Diana (585); East Mountain
(812); Ore City (1,161); Union Grove
(364). Part [2,447] of Gladewater
(6,580).
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Van Zandt County is one of about 3,141 counties and county
equivalents in the United States. It has 842.6 sq. miles in land area
and a population density of 62.2 per square mile. On the most
recent census form, 98.2% of the population reported only one
race, with 2.7% of these reporting African-American. The
population of this county is 9.2% Hispanic (of any race). The
average household size is 2.6 persons compared to an average
family size of 3.0 persons.
In 2012 retail trade was the largest of 20 major sectors. It had an
average wage per job of $23,042. Per capita income grew by
16.2% between 2001 and 2011 (adjusted for inflation).
Founded: 1848
County Seat: Canton
www.vanzandtcounty.org
Total Area: 859 sq. mi
Physical Features: Eastern county in three soil belts, level to rolling, Sabine, Neches rivers, Lake
Tawakoni, partly forested.
History: Caddo tribes, reduced by epidemics before settlers arrived.
Cherokees settled in 1820s; removed in 1839 under policies of Republic
President Lamar; Anglo-American settlement followed. County named
for Republic leader Isaac Van Zandt; created from Henderson County
in 1848, organized the same year.
Recreation: Canton First Monday trades days, lake activities, state
parks, historic sites.
Minerals: Oil, gas.
Agriculture: Nurseries, hay and foliage, beef cattle, dairies. First in
nursery acreage. Market value $95.2 million.
Canton (3,610) county seat, tourism, agribusiness, commuters, museums, and the bluegrass festival in June.
Wills Point (3,525) government/services, retail,
tourism, commuters to Dallas and Tyler; depot
museum, bluebird festival in April.
Other towns include: Ben Wheeler (504);
Edgewood (1,448) commuters, heritage park,
antiques; Edom (374) arts and crafts; Fruitvale
(419); Grand Saline (3,156) salt plant, hospital,
Salt Palace museum, birding, Bloomin’ Festival
in March; Van (2,673) oil center, hay, cattle, oil
festival in October.
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Wood County is one of about 3,141 counties and county equivalents in
the United States. It has 645.2 sq. miles in land area and a population density
of 65.1 per square mile. On the most recent census form, 98.6% of the
population reported only one race, with 4.7% of these reporting AfricanAmerican. The population of this county is 8.5% Hispanic (of any race). The
average household size is 2.4 persons compared to an average family size of
2.8 persons.
In 2012 retail trade was the largest of 20 major sectors. It had an average
wage per job of $26,678. Per capita income grew by 22.4% between 2001
and 2011 (adjusted for inflation).
Founded: 1850
www.co.wood.tx.us
County Seat: Quitman
Total Area: 696 sq. mi
Physical Features: Hilly northeastern county almost half forested; sandy to alluvial soils; drained by Sabine
and tributaries; Lake Fork Reservoir, Lake Quitman, Lake Winnsboro, Lake Hawkins, Holbrook Lake.
History: Caddo Indians, reduced by disease. Anglo-American settlement
developed in 1840s. County created from Van Zandt County in 1850,
organized the same year; named for Gov. George T. Wood.
Recreation: Autumn trails; lake activities; hunting, fishing, birding; Gov.
Hogg shrine and museum; historic sites; scenic drives; Mineola depot.
Minerals: Gas, oil, sand, and gravel.
Agriculture: Cattle, dairies, poultry, forages, vegetables, nurseries. Market
value $104 million. Timber production significant.
Quitman (1,790) county seat, tourism,
food processing, some manufacturing,
hospital, botanical gardens, and
Dogwood Fiesta.
Mineola (4,528) agribusiness, some
manufacturing, railroad center
(Amtrak), antiques shops, museum,
library, nature preserve, and the
Ironhorse Festival.
Winnsboro (3,458, partly in Franklin
County) poultry production, dairies,
distribution, prison, hospital.
Other towns include: Alba (515, partly
in Rains County); Golden (398) Sweet
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Potato festival in October; Hawkins (1,250) petroleum, water bottling, Jarvis Christian College; oil festival in
October; Holly Lake Ranch (2,728); Yantis (386).
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FUTURE STEPS AND IMPLEMENTATION
T
he ETCOG Planning Team works in conjunction with other planning groups in the region to
ensure a regular exchange of ideas. Individuals active in the planning process generally serve on
many of these committees and share mutual concerns.
The ETCOG Planning Team strives to meet periodically to review the Plan and make necessary additions
and deletions. At least one formal meeting of the entire group is held each fall, but agency and community
representatives typically submit suggestions and changes via telephone and e-mail throughout the year to the
Planning Coordinator.
Drafts and annual updates of the Regional Plan are circulated by e-mail with requests for comments,
changes, etc. Wherever possible, e-mail is used to reduce the need for meetings, printing, postage, etc.
It is the intent of the Regional Planning Group to improve outcomes for ETCOG families struggling with
problems described in the Plan’s focus areas. Efforts are being made by many ETCOG agencies and
organizations to address problems with local funds as well as grant funds from multiple state and federal
sources. To the extent that these funds are available, the Regional Planning Team will continue to
encourage agencies to provide programming that addresses the outlined focus areas.
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HELPFUL LINKS
GENERAL STATISTICS AND DEMOGRAPHICS
 US Census Bureau Statistics: www.census.gov
 Us Census Bureau, American Fact Finder:
http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtml
 Texas Workforce Commission Statistics: http://www.twc.state.tx.us/customers/rpm/rpm.html
 Center for Public Policy Priorities: http://www.cppp.org
CRIME JUSTICE STATISTICS
 Federal Bureau of Investigation, Uniform Crime Report: http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/ucr.htm
 Texas Department of Public Safety:
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/crime_records/pages/
JUVENILE JUSTICE STATISTICS
 Texas Education Agency Reports:
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index.aspx?id=2147495413&menu_id=680&menu_id2=797&cid=21474
83656
 Texas Juvenile Justice Department: http://www.tjjd.texas.gov/
 Texas Department of State Health Services, Center for Health Statistics:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/chs/default.shtm
 Office of juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention – http://www.ojjdp.gov/
 Office of Safe and Healthy Students http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oese/oshs/index.html.
 Anti-bullying Programs - http://antibullyingprograms.org/.
VICTIM SERVICES STATISTICS
 Texas Department of State Health Services, Infectious Disease Control Unit:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/
 Texas Association Against Sexual Assault: http://www.taasa.org
 Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network: http://www.rainn.org
 Texas Department of Public Safety https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/crime_records/pages/ucr.htm.
 Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Demographics and Statistics:
http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/EDI/p-srrtc.cfm
 Office for Victims of Crime – http://www.ovc.gov
SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH STATISTICS
 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - http://www.samhsa.gov/
 Texas Department of State Health Services - http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/mhsa-decisionsupport.aspx.
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PLANNING LIAISONS FROM ETCOG
Stephanie Heffner, Director of Public Safety
Phone: (903) 218-6461
stephanie.heffner@etcog.org
Beverly Brooks, Public Safety Planner
Phone: (903) 218-6414
beverly.brooks@etcog.org
This Plan is available online at http://www.etcog.org/565/Community-Planning.htm
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