Six police union leaders voiced their lack of confidence in Harris County District Attorney Patricia Lykos, during a news conference Nov. 29. Leaders for the unions claim that Lykos has refused to prosecute what they deem viable cases for prosecution.

“The men and women in uniform that we represent are concerned about the negative impact her administration has had on the safety and welfare of the citizens of Harris County,” Eric Batton, vice president of the Harris County Deputies Organization said. “She is making it easier for the criminals to commit crimes and harder for police to enforce the laws.”

Batton’s organization represents officers from all eight Constable precincts, as well as Houston METRO, Port Authority and sheriff’s deputies. Leaders from the Houston Police Officers Union, Houston Police Retired Officers Association, Baytown Police Officers Association, Texas Municipal Police Association and the Pasendena ISD Police Officers Association also participated in the news conference.

Lykos brushed off the unions claims that she did not file charges in viable cases, claiming many judges agree with her stance not to prosecute drug cases where only trace amounts are found. Lykos claims it causes backlogs in the judicial system. She said she is focused on finding high-level dealers and cartels.

Batton says the criticism goes far beyond just trace cases.

“When you go fishing do you fish with an empty hook?” he asked. “It goes beyond that though. She isn’t filing cases that law enforcement officers bring to the table because she brought in a bunch of inexperienced staff who want to try cases over the phone.”

He claims that while probable cause is all that is needed to file charges, many of Lykos staff members are requiring officers to come up with more proof than they say is required.

As for Lykos claim that she is going after cartels, Batton dismissed that as political theater.

“We can’t find any cartel cases that (Lykos) has prosecuted,” he said. “Where do cartels operate? Out of the country. It’s not her jurisdiction.”

Lykos has already received competition in the Republican primary, following the vote of no confidence. Retired Houston judge Mike Anderson recently filed to run against her.

Batton said previous reports that the organizations will not be endorsing a candidate for District Attorney in the 2012 election cycle, isn’t entirely true.

“What we said is that we will vet the entire field and then make decisions collectively or as individuals on if and who to endorse,” he said.

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