The facts about the Kaufman County Juvenile Detention Center Referendum.
“Kaufman County is one of the fastest growing counties in Texas. As our elected leaders plan for criminal justice for future generations, it’s important that you educate yourself on the proposed Juvenile Detention Center Referendum and the impact it will have on our families.”
Erleigh Wiley
Kaufman County District Attorney
Provide a local place to house arrested juveniles.
Since Kaufman County does not have a Juvenile Detention Center, many youth arrested must be transported to juvenile centers as far west as Midland and as far east as Marshall. In these cases, Kaufman County taxpayers pay several hundred dollars a night for each housed juvenile. If voters approve, a local Juvenile Detention Facility will provide a local option for law enforcement and the families impacted by young criminal offenders.
Stop early release of youth charged with violent crime.
As Kaufman County does not currently have a Juvenile Detention Center – and oftentimes such facilities in other parts of Texas lack space to house them for us – judges and law enforcement officials are forced to release youth arrested for violent offenses back into the community.
Allow for more neighborhood patrols by law enforcement.
When a youth offender is transported to juvenile detention facilities in other parts of Texas, state law requires two law enforcement officers to transport them. This can take multiple officers off their regular neighborhood patrol duties for as much as long as 10 hours or more. Should voters approve a Juvenile Detention Center in Kaufman County, local law enforcement officers can continue their usual patrols in neighborhoods and near our schools.
Rehabilitate, reform & educate to prepare for adulthood.
The Kaufman County Juvenile Detention Center will serve as more than just a place to hold youth who have committed crimes. The facility will also provide counseling services and rehabilitation and reform programs to give them a new direction as they prepare for adulthood. Local school districts will also offer academic services so that they don’t fall behind in school while awaiting release.