2022 Annual Report of the 114th District Court
Human Trafficking Awareness Month
Did you know that January 2023 is Human Trafficking Awareness month? I served as a panel speaker for a Leadership Tyler Catalyst 100 program called "Exploitation and Sex Trafficking of Minors in East Texas" alongside Taylor Borden, Programs Director of For the Silent, and Smith County District Attorney Jacob Putman. Human Trafficking is a terrible reality of this job, and I'm grateful to serve a community devoted to learning about how it happens and working to prevent it while helping those affected by it.
Cases in the 114th
In 2022, we increased our efforts to be efficient in our courtroom by maximizing our time and seeking ways to fully utilize all the resources available to us. We know that the only way our system works is if we clear cases and get both victims and defendants the justice they deserve. We also recognize taxpayers pay "rent" for the backlog of cases through increased housing costs in our jail. The numbers below show how the 114th is working day in and day out to get cases in and through our courtroom.
Mental Health Initiative
The Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health for the Community Diversion Coordinator Pilot Program concluded its first year. This program is helping find resources for people with mental illnesses.
In most counties, it takes 2.5 years to restore competency through county mental health programs. However, Smith County has seen incredible efficiency resulting in restored competency in as little as a few months. In addition, new resources are being identified and provided to support law enforcement in navigating delicate situations.
Education and resources for the judicial system have allowed Smith County to help nonviolent repeat offenders, diverting them from jail to a treatment program. As we continue to find ways to shine a light on mental health in Smith County, the following steps include training judges to recognize mental illness and to continue identifying and providing resources to support law enforcement.
Fiscal Conservative
As I promised throughout my campaign, I chose not to accept the extra $10,000 annual pay offered by Smith County to the Judge of the 114th District Court for work I consider in a way in which we should all serve our community. In my 21 months of service, this decision has saved the County $20,832, which can now be allocated to more pressing needs. Over my four-year term, I will have saved taxpayers a total of $40,000.
I look forward to providing updates as we continue to seek justice in the 114th District Court. And, once again, I am grateful for your support and prayers!
In gratitude,
Austin Reeve Jackson Judge of the 114th District Court, Smith County