Dallas County Precinct 1, Precinct 5 constables investigated

by Brian Allen of Best Southwest Citizen

What began as an investigation into towing practices by two Dallas County constables offices has suddenly grown into a case with Shakespearean levels of political intrigue.

Dallas County Judge Jim Foster and the Commissioners Court have decided to appoint an independent investigator to investigate allegations about constable precincts #1 and #5. A series of Dallas Morning News articles by Kevin Krause called attention to some of the constables’ practices.

It seems several deputy constables are driving vehicles with temporary tags and renewing them every month at $25 a pop. That has led to questions as to where the constables got the vehicles. Foster and others suspect the cars may have come from Dowdy Ferry Auto Services, the company that impounds vehicles for the constables.

Further raising questions was Krause’s discovery that some constables have applied for bonded titles, which are generally used as a sort of insurance policy against future claims on a vehicle. They are commonly used when the state denies an ownership claim because the applicant can’t prove they own the car.

"We are determined to have transparent government in Dallas County," Foster said at a Tuesday press conference. "The good citizens who pay taxes, work, raise families and go to school here deserve open and above board government at all levels. Any practices that do not pass the smell test are reasons enough to dig deeper for the people of this county. There were enough allegations forthcoming to warrant this decision to appoint an independent investigator.”

A scandal such as this would be a liability to the county at any time, but the 2010 county judge election has led to a politically charged environment. Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins is reportedly investigating the complaints against the constables. But since his office defends constables in lawsuits and seizure cases, there is the potential for conflict of interest. Attorney General Greg Abbott offered to help but Watkins rebuffed that offer.

Constable Derick Evans has thrown yet another political wrinkle into the case by hiring State Sen. Royce West, a longtime supporter and political ally of Watkins, to defend him. West is a huge power broker in the county political scene and has announced he will not support Foster for county judge.

One of the reasons for that decision has been a bitter battle between Foster, West and Commissioner John Wiley Price over the inland port being developed in southern Dallas County. Foster has accused West and Price of attempting to "shakedown" inland port developer The Allen Group.