Photo credit: Midland County Government

What happened: The Midland County Commissioners Court met on Tuesday, Jan. 6, recognizing Crime Stoppers Month, receiving reports on sexual assault investigations and emergency management activity, approving a new Major position within the Sheriff’s Office, setting county road signage standards, and voting down two Sheriff’s Office requests involving an evidence technician vehicle and employee pay step increases.

Key points:

  • Sexual Assault Response Team: The court received a report covering September 2023 through August 2025 showing that Midland police and the Sheriff’s Office investigated a combined 133 sexual assault cases, resulting in eight indictments. Officials cited low indictment rates due to evidentiary limitations and survivor participation. Officials noted free therapy remains available.
  • Crime Stoppers: The court recognized January as Crime Stoppers Month. Crime Stoppers reported that in 2025, it assisted in 253 arrests, cleared 276 cases, and helped recover nearly $790,000 in stolen property. Since its inception, the program has contributed to more than 10,000 arrests, the seizure of millions of dollars worth of narcotics, and more than $592,000 paid in rewards.
  • Roving bailiff salary: District Judge Elizabeth Leonard notified the court that the judges hired a new roving bailiff at $81,249. County Judge Terry Johnson expressed frustration that other county departments hire qualified applicants away from the Sheriff’s Office pool of candidates, adding to staffing shortages. Leonard responded that they hire qualified applicants who may not meet the sheriff’s office requirements.
  • Sheriff’s Office Major position: Commissioners approved the creation of a Major position within the Sheriff’s Office to manage information-sharing across agencies and guide the office toward accreditation by the Texas Chiefs of Police Association, which Sheriff David Criner said could improve professionalism and grant eligibility.
  • Road signage: The court approved modifications to county road signage. County staff noted they have a surplus of current county road signage but will transition to the new signs as they run out. Commissioners discussed ways to distinguish publicly maintained county roads from privately maintained roads. The County Attorney cautioned against labeling roads as “private” when they remain open to public use.
  • Emergency management: The county’s Emergency Management Coordinator reported handling more than 700 calls in 2024. Crews cited 37 illegal burnings, removed more than 21,000 tires, and cleared nearly 9,500 pounds of trash. Outreach included fire extinguisher training, Red Cross smoke alarm installations, and public safety education.
  • Evidence technician vehicle: Commissioners voted 3–2 to deny the Sheriff’s request to allow evidence technicians to keep an existing county-owned vehicle instead of transferring it to the county’s shared vehicle fleet. The technicians currently use their personal vehicles for work-related duties. Read The Permian Press’ overview of the agenda item.
  • Sheriff’s Office step increases: Commissioners voted 3–2 to deny the Sheriff’s request to implement step increases for Sheriff’s Office employees under a pay scale the court had already approved in the budget. Criner said the budget approved the structure but left out funding for the step increases due to an oversight. Read The Permian Press’ overview of the request.