Thank you for your letter informing us of the work planned in an effort to change the status of Reserves in the Private Security Act. The Harris County Sheriff's Reserves have always been willing to participate in legislative efforts to have Reserves removed from the Private Security Act. I would like to point out that neither I, personally, or the Reserves have never taken exception to the actions of the District Attorney Johnny Holmes pertaining to "pay jobs".

As Chief of ihe Harris County Sheriff's Reserves, I have had a personal policy not to ask the Sheriff to do things that may be contrary to the legislative statutes. This approach has possibly influenged the Harris County Sheriff's Reserve position as to pay jobs. We have, however, always tried to work through the Legislature to change these laws. In the past I have personally spoken to District Attorney Johnny Holmes and he has always indicated that he would help and support our efforts to get this legislation changed. I am certain that Sheriff Thomas will take a like position.

Our policy is that we will work wfth any reserve organization which is working in a positive direction to change the present laws through legislative action. The issue of the constitutionality of the Private Security Act is interesting and I plan to discuss this with Sheriff Thomas.
Sincerely,
L. Ray Vickers, Chief
Harris County Sheriff's Reserve