Crime in Houston

Houston is a big city with lots of people. Like many large cities, it has seen some serious crimes over the years.

In 2005, Houston’s number of murders was about in the middle among big U.S. cities. By 2010, the number of murders went down, even though the city grew. Sadly, the number of murders started to rise again around 2020.

The city has also been a center for illegal activities. Because of its size and location, Houston has had to deal with these challenges.

In the early 1970s, Houston and nearby towns were shocked by a series of terrible crimes. Many police groups work in the area to help keep everyone safe, with over 60 different agencies working on safety jobs.

Gangs

See also: Gangs in the United States

Houston has many street gangs. Some of these gangs started in Los Angeles, like the Crips and Bloods. Others came from Chicago. Big gangs in Houston include the Crips, Piru's, Gangster Disciples, and Black Disciples. There are also Latino gangs such as Southwest Cholos, Brown Pride, La Tercera Crips, La Primea, MS-13, and Puro Tango Blast.

In 2008, someone from the Houston Police Department said there are white gangs in Houston too, like biker and prison groups. But they said there are no big white gangs like the Bloods. Some mostly black gangs have a few white members. That same year, the Houston Press wrote about a white street gang in Bacliff in Galveston County.

Criminal legal system

The county courts handle criminal cases under Texas law, but the City of Houston courts do not deal with criminal matters.

The Harris County, Texas jails in Downtown Houston hold people waiting for their trial or charged with smaller crimes.

The Federal Detention Center, Houston holds people waiting for their trial or serving short sentences under federal law.

Before 1923, Harris County handled punishments for people found guilty of crimes. The first punishment in Houston happened in public at Founder's Cemetery in the Fourth Ward in 1853. Later, punishments happened in jail buildings. In 1923, the state of Texas began handling all punishments.