Friends,

From the early days of my tenure in office, it has been my mission to improve the quality of life for residents and business owners along the Bissonnet Corridor. The area, which has long endured a notorious reputation for prostitution and human trafficking, is experiencing a rebirth, thanks to the consistent and intentional efforts of many local city and county agencies and community organizations. In a matter of a few years, our efforts have been able to curb decades of criminal activity and transform this neighborhood into a desirable locale for future business development.

This journey was deeply personal for me, sparked by a heartfelt letter from a student at Best Elementary who questioned whether I saw what was happening and if I cared. That letter touched me and solidified our commitment to making the Bissonnet area safer and better for everyone.

In response, we forged strong collaborations with a multitude of partners, including the Houston Police Department, local businesses, community leaders, and various governmental bodies. The installation of barricades, implementation of flock cameras to track criminal activities, and active engagement with the community for cleanup efforts have all been pivotal in our strategy.

I am proud to share the latest statistics, which underscore the effectiveness of our combined initiatives. Prostitution-related crimes in District J have seen a dramatic decline. Instances of prostitution offenses have dropped from 120 to 24 (80% decrease)—a remarkable reduction. Similarly, purchasing prostitution offenses have plummeted from 112 to 1 (99% decrease). 

Human trafficking, another critical issue we’ve focused on, has also seen a notable decrease. The number of human trafficking incidents has dropped from 10 to 3 (70% decrease). This decline highlights the impact of our targeted interventions and the strong partnerships we’ve established with law enforcement and community organizations.

Likewise, the stats show a considerable decline in prostitution and prostitution purchasing in the city of Houston overall as well.

The data is clear: our efforts are making a tangible and noticeable difference. The Bissonnet corridor, once known as a hub for prostitution and human trafficking, is transforming into a safer, cleaner, and more vibrant community. These achievements are a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together, driven by a shared commitment to our community’s well-being.

This accomplishment would not have been possible without the support of so many people and agencies including the Houston Police Department, Precinct 4 and Commissioner Lesley Briones, previous Commissioners Tom Ramsey and Jack Cagle, Alief ISD and Superintendent Dr. Anthony Mays, previous Superintendent H.D. Chambers, the Southwest Management District, METRO, Precinct 5 Constable and all the businesses and residents who contributed efforts in getting us to this point.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in making District J a better place to live. Together, we are creating a brighter future for all residents. 

Together we will!

Edward Pollard