Constable Chris Diaz speaks to NC Chamber

Constable Diaz and Chamber President Margie Buetello talk after the luncheon, which was held at the Towne Center in Jacinto City.
Constable Diaz and Chamber President Margie Buetello talk after the luncheon, which was held at the Towne Center in Jacinto City.

Harris County Pct. 2 Constable Chris Diaz was on familiar ground last Friday, when he was the speaker at the North Channel Chamber’s monthly luncheon. The event was held at the Jacinto City Towne Center, where Diaz was once city councilman, and then Mayor. Accompanying him at the head table was Ana Diaz, his wife and current mayor.

Diaz made a lively presentation, explaining the organization and functions of a Constable’s office.

He explained that the duties break down into these categories:

– Civil Process, which includes process serving and seizure of property, as an officer of the court;

– Criminal and Law Enforcement, including arrests either with a warrant, or without for felonies;

– Patrol and traffic, especially in the unincorporated areas of the Precinct, accident investigation, and task force duties;

– Support, including office and record keeping functions;

– Training;

– Community Services, including such activities as National Night Out, Easter Egg Hunt, Parades and other events involving participation in the community.

Diaz said that each Constable’s office is charged with patrolling and enforcement on the Harris County Toll Roads, and “incident management” for the sections in their area.

Diaz has found that the practice of deputies being employed as Contract Deputies has helped expand the services and personnel of his department. He has contracts with the Galena Park school district, individual schools, and MUD districts, especially in the areas south of the Ship Channel around Pasadena.

Precinct 2 includes the cities of Jacinto City, Galena Park, South Houston, and portions of southeast Houston, Pasadena, Pearland and Friendswood.

Diaz was first elected as a constable in 2012, starting to serve in 2013, and he is now in his second term. A 1991 graduate of Galena Park high school, he still lives in Jacinto City with his wife Ana and their two boys. He is a graduate of San Jacinto College, and a member of a number of local civic organizations.