By Joanna Putman
Police1
HOUSTON, Texas — As Houston recovers from the impact of Hurricane Beryl, law enforcement agencies from across Texas are stepping in to assist, KTRK reported.
During a press conference on Thursday, Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced that over 100 officers from various parts of the state are being deployed to support the Houston Police Department, according to the report. These additional officers will aid in patrolling neighborhoods without power, managing traffic control and relieving HPD officers who have been working 12-hour shifts since the storm hit.
Whitmire noted that approximately 1,400 traffic lights were still non-functional four days after Beryl made landfall, according to the report. He emphasized that public safety is the city’s highest priority, with HPD working around the clock under the direction of Acting Police Chief Larry Satterwhite.
Satterwhite mentioned that Houstonians might continue to experience power outages into Monday and Tuesday. HPD is actively working to support the community, including helping crews to place generators at dark intersections and ensuring coverage for all shelters and facilities.
Security concerns were heightened following the ambush and killing of a Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputy (will link in BSP), according to the report.
The press conference underscored the commitment to keeping the city and essential workers safe as recovery efforts continue, according to the report. The additional support will allow HPD officers, who are also facing the same challenges as the rest of the city, to receive some relief, Satterwhite said.
The department posted on X,, saying it’s “very grateful for the additional resources from other law enforcement agencies across the state.”