Sheriff seeks expanded tobacco‑sting operations, training travel and vehicle replacements; commissioners approve

Harrison County’s sheriff told commissioners on May 23 that under Amendment No. 1 to the contract with Texas State University the county will increase planned undercover tobacco compliance buys from 125 to 225 as part of efforts to prevent sales to minors.

"The stings do work," the sheriff said, noting prior operations ran stings at dozens of retail locations and generated citations; the amendment increases the county’s planned buys and enforcement activity. The court approved the contract amendment unanimously.

The court also approved travel for Philip J. Moranto, a member of the county’s violent crimes and narcotics task force, to attend Emergency Narcotics Operations training in Mississippi June 5–9, 2023.

Finally, commissioners approved the purchase of two 2023 Dodge Durango pursuit models to replace two vehicles that were totaled. The sheriff explained prior hybrid pursuit models had frequent maintenance problems and the Durango pursuit models were selected as replacements. "They're just not holding up well," the sheriff said of the previous hybrids.

All public‑safety items were approved on unanimous votes.