Montgomery County commissioners are exploring the purchase of a law enforcement watch tower for its south county patrol to be used during large-scale events to offer more security.
Consideration of the tower came up during the court’s Tuesday meeting following the county’s approval to add eight more sheriff’s deputies to patrol The Woodlands in 2024.
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Through a $10 million contract, the sheriff’s office provides almost 100 deputies for The Woodlands community. The county’s contract for supplemental law enforcement with the township dates back to the 1990s, predating the creation of the township government in 2010.
The Woodlands Township Board of Directors approved adding just over $650,000 for the deputies and new vehicles as part of its $157.3 million budget for 2024. With the funds, the sheriff’s office will hire six new officers to work in Town Center and two crisis intervention officers designated for mental health calls.
Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack asked Montgomery County Sheriff Rand Henderson to provide a cost for purchasing a watch tower and potentially negotiate a cost share with the township.
The towers provide surveillance to help detect any potential security threat or criminal activity during large public gatherings.
“This would be a fantastic asset for the area, especially for large-scale events which The Woodlands tends to host more than anybody else in the county,” Noack said. “It would dramatically improve safety in our community.”
Henderson said the item has been discussed but no action has been taken to purchase the tower.
“It would be a tremendous asset,” Henderson said.
County Judge Mark Keough asked for the watch tower item be placed on an upcoming court agenda for discussion.
