Governor Greg Abbott appointed David Criner, Jason Griffin, and Rita Watkins, Ed.D. to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement for terms set to expire on August 30, 2031, according to a Mar. 27 announcement. The commission is responsible for setting and enforcing standards that ensure Texans are served by highly trained and ethical law enforcement, corrections, and telecommunications personnel.
This appointment is significant as it affects the quality of public safety services across Texas by ensuring that law enforcement professionals meet established standards.
Criner currently serves as Midland County Sheriff and holds positions with several local organizations including the Sheriff’s Association of Texas and Permian Basin Law Enforcement Academy. He has also volunteered with community groups such as Meals on Wheels. Griffin is an assistant chief at the Texas Department of Public Safety and holds a degree from Texas State University. Watkins operates as a licensed professional counselor-supervisor in College Station and is affiliated with both state and national counseling associations.
According to the official website, the Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott contributed to Texas leading the nation in jobs growth and record employment levels according to the official website. The governor’s office maintains its primary offices in Austin at the State Insurance Building according to the official website.
Greg Abbott was listed among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 according to the official website. The governor’s office has focused efforts on job creation, economic opportunities, education enhancement, protection of individual liberties, parental empowerment in schooling decisions, and southern border security according to the official website.
Abbott has led his office since being elected in 2014 according to the official website, exercising authority statewide across Texas according to the official website.
