The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce’s Governmental Relations Division held it’s first State of Criminal Justice: Are You Safe in Fort Bend County? with Fort Bend District Attorney, Brian Middleton. The event was held Thursday, January 25 at Safari Texas Ranch and included sponsors: Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, Stonehenge Holdings, LLC, B. Keith Jackson Attorney & Counselor at Law, and Triquest Management Services, Inc.
A full house expertly led by First Assistant District Attorney Ibrahim Khawaja, converged to hear Fort Bend District Attorney Brian Middleton, distinguished researchers Beth L. Gilmore, PhD, and Kevin Buckler, PhD, alongside an esteemed panel of law enforcement leaders: Sheriff Eric Fagan of Fort Bend County, Police Chief Kenny Seymour of Fulshear, Police Chief Jeff Craig of Richmond, and Police Chief Mark Poland of Sugar Land.
Is Fort Bend County safe? Amidst questions about safety in Fort Bend County, District Attorney Brian Middleton and his team embarked on a crucial research mission. With Fulshear growing at a record rate, the study revealed that property crimes primarily occur at construction sites, not at commercial or residential facilities within the City of Fulshear. Crime data for Sugar Land revealed spikes in property-related crimes connected to entertainment venues and sports facilities during events. The District Attorney’s office plans to conduct the research yearly, closing the gap as they do more analysis, thus helping them develop better strategies. They are also working on issues arising from a lack of law enforcement personnel and utilizing technology and data science to help bridge the gap. This innovative and proactive approach to criminal justice supplements the typical reactive response of law enforcement necessitated by the incident-driven criminal justice system.
The Governmental Relations Division provides Chamber members with access to local, state and federal officials, promotes the understanding of current legislative issues and gives its membership the opportunity for input. This Division also provides a forum for discussion of relevant legislative matters, updates on key legislation, and provides leadership on legislation which is important to its members. During election years, the division conducts community candidate forums for municipal, primary, secondary and higher education, county, state and federal elections that provide a fair and unbiased opportunity for members to understand the qualifications and positions of the candidates as well as the key issues affecting an election.
About the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce
The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce is a 5-star accredited and the largest single-county chamber in the greater Houston region. As the advocate for excellence in Fort Bend County and beyond, we do essential work to protect the business interests in our region. The organization has been able, over the last 50 years, to be a strong and successful voice for business due to the solid and impressive investment of our members. The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce creates, enhances and promotes the dynamic environment in which we work and live.
