Q The corner where I live is a hub of activity for high school students. Every weekday between 3 and 5 p.m., it plays host to illegal parking, blaring music, gambling, marijuana smoking and fights – sometimes involving more than 50 students. I typically come home from work later than 5 p.m., but every time I’m home to witness this activity, I call 911. My neighbors say this occurs daily and have called police as well. Unfortunately, this has not stopped our corner from being “the spot” for illegal after-school activities. Do you have any suggestions to stop this from occurring?
Living in close proximity to schools is often viewed as an asset to new home-buyers, but it can also be very frustrating when they have to deal with the associated problems, usually in the afternoons when schools are dismissed and large groups of students begin their journeys home.
Since you have called 911 in the past when you observed illegal activity, I assume the officers responded and dealt with the conduct at that time, but that did not prevent a reoccurrence at a later date. I would suggest that you meet with the principal of the school to inform him or her of your concerns and ask for assistance. It would probably be helpful to also ask the Interactive Community Policing officer from the police station covering your area to join you in the meeting. You can arrange a meeting by calling 214-670-7247 and asking to speak to ICP supervisor Brenda Manning. Inform her of your problem and request assistance.
Finding a lasting solution will require the cooperation of the school, the students and their parents, and the police. We will work with you to find a solution to this problem.
Q Are there any new laws or ordinances on the books that we may not be aware of?
Every session of the legislature generates new legislation, or modifies current law. Anytime there is a major change in the law, there will be a media campaign to educate and inform the public. If you watch your local news or read the newspaper, you should feel pretty comfortable with your knowledge of the law. If you have a specific question concerning a state law, you can find the Texas Penal Code on the Internet at www.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/petoc.html. If you have a question about a city ordinance, or do not have access to the Internet, you can call your division station and we will be glad to answer your question.
