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Cite and Release
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Texas passed legislation in 2007 giving peace officers the authority to issue a citation for a narrow selection of Class A and B misdemeanors rather than arresting the individual. The citation is an order to appear in court. The person is still held accountable for the crime. The program eliminates the arrest and short incarceration of the individual who would be out on bail in a day or two.
HARRIS COUNTY’S PROGRAM
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office implemented the program, called Cite and Release, in February 2020. HCSO’s program was the first in the county. Crimes involving violence, individuals with warrants, or individuals with a history of criminality are not eligible for the program.
BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM
The program saves the county money, returns deputies to the field quicker, and eliminates the costly short-term incarceration of individuals innocent until proven guilty.
CITATIONS ISSUED
130 citations were issued by the HCSO from the program’s inception through December 2020.
Issuing a citation in lieu of arrest. The person does NOT get out of the crime. He/she still has to appear in court. Cite and Release only eliminates booking the person into jail while he/she awaits bail.
JAIL DIVERSION IN HARRIS COUNTY
1999
The NeuroPsychiatric Center (NPC), a psychiatric crisis center for people who are in mental health crisis and a danger to selves or others. No criminal charges. Over 100,000 people have been diverted to the NPC by law enforcement since the facility’s inception.
2013
The Houston Recovery Center for individuals with alcohol and substance use issues. As of 10/30/20, the facility had 42,440 intake admissions for public intoxication.
2018
Judge Ed Emmett Mental Health Diversion Center for low-level, non-violent offenders where mental illness was a factor in the commission of the crime. They have had over 3,500 intake admissions from the facility’s opening through 2020.
2020
Cite & Release program for certain offenses. Eliminates booking into jail only. Person must attend court. 272 citations were issued by Harris County law enforcement agencies in 2020.
