Public Safety

  • “I spent almost two decades witnessing the results of domestic and sexual violence. I believe that the penalties on the books need to be enforced so that predators and pedophiles stay behind bars and off our streets. Protecting our children should be the first priority.” – State Rep. Ellen Cohen

Houstonians continue to voice public safety as a top concern. Violent crimes often grab the spotlight but a growing frustration exists as threats of identity theft and cybercrime increase.

Adding more police officers is one response to the issue of violent crimes, but locally and statewide we must look at additional and efficient means of providing law enforcement with the technological advantages they need. Across the state, we can focus on improved communication between urban entities. In the legislature, we can look at guaranteeing that penalties for cybercrimes are reflective of the negative economic impact they have on individuals and businesses.

Evidence shows that when local and state officials work together – as with the creation of municipal management districts – the benefits include public safety, business development, transportation planning, and cultural promotion. This proactive approach is an example of the type of inventive models Texas must continue to explore.

A glance at Rep. Cohen’s record on the issue of public safety:

  • Authored and passed legislation with the goal of providing $25 million for adult and child survivors of sexual assault through an Adult Entertainment Fee
  • Coauthored bill requiring booster seats for children under 8 years of age
  • Coauthored legislation allowing judges’ discretion in ordering global positioning monitoring device for family violence offenders and/or cause for an emergency protection order
  • Coauthored bill providing for prosecution, punishment and prevention of human trafficking

View Legislation »

A few facts…

  • In Texas, approximately 1.9 million adult Texans have been sexually assaulted at some point in their lifetime. However, the true magnitude of sexual violence in Texas is hard to access since sexual assault often goes unreported.
  • The number of vulnerable road users’ deaths in 2008 was 1,143 and 167 for Harris County alone. “Vulnerable road users” include highway and utility workers, stranded motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, runners, and motorcycle riders.
  • The I-10 corridor was identified as one of the main routes for human trafficking in the U.S.
  • In a study among 4 to 7 year old children, booster seats reduced the risk of serious head, spinal cord, and internal organ injuries by 59%.