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2008 "Best Practice" in Government Award

Constable Protective Order Alert System and Domestic Violence Clearinghouse Win 2008 TAC Best Practices Award

July 24, 2008 - Austin, Texas

The Texas Association of Counties has awarded the Constable Precinct Five Protective Order Alert System and the Domestic Violence Clearinghouse with the TAC 2008 Best Practices Award for Innovation in the Technology category. Watch the video - 13MB .wmv file, (requires high speed connection.)

The Protective Order Alert System, the only one of its kind in Texas, sends out an e-mail alert to local law enforcement, the County Attorney’s office, and victims as soon protective orders are served and have legal effect. “Our ability to provide immediate notice of service will better enable victims to make critical decisions regarding their safety and well being,” said Constable Elfant.

The Domestic Violence Clearinghouse consists of a series of short 1-2 minute videos in English and Spanish that includes information about obtaining protective orders, legal advice, shelter, counseling, and stopping teen dating abuse. The Clearinghouse also lists all known short term and long term resources available to assist victims and their families with confronting and ending physical and emotional violence. “Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, single source of information regarding domestic violence that is user friendly," Elfant said.

For the last 22 years, Constable Bruce Elfant, whose officers serve and enforce protective orders, has worked with state and local leaders to craft legislation and implement strategies to reduce the occurrence of domestic violence.