Introduction

IIndya Murray is a community leader, mother of three children: 20yo, 14yo, and 11yo, and public servant. She has unwavering dedication, commitment to serve, and a fiduciary steward. She has about 7 years of experience in law enforcement. She is currently the Kennedale Police Community Engagement Officer. Previously she was a UT Arlington Police Department Officer and before then, at Texas Department of Family & Protective Services for over 3 years of experience protecting and serving Texas families and children.

She is certified as a Sexual Assault Family Violence Investigator, Mental Health Peace Officer, and Crime Prevention Specialist. Indya is an executive board member of North Texas Crime Prevention Association as 1st VP of Training serving second term. Indya holds a BA in Sociology from Rider University, MA in Criminal Justice specializing in Criminal Investigation from Saint Leo University, and currently a Doctoral Candidate focusing on Business Administration specializing in Human Resource Management at Northcentral University.

Issues

Public safety is a priority and I aim to reshape the narrative of the office of Sheriff into one that is centered on the genuine welfare of the people she has sworn to serve and protect.

I offer a new approach to law enforcement which aligns with proactive perspectives of community-based partnerships. My commitment to innovation and a progressive mindset derives at strategic solutions. I am well-equipped to lead the sheriff’s office with empathy and compassion into a future aligned with the evolving needs of our community.

County Jail

Providing funding for healthcare, nutrition, and education and re-evaluating inmates’ mental health conditions to provide the resources that the diversion program has to offer will reduce the population of the jail facility. Also, evaluating inmates on a case-by-case basis to identify those with low risks and bonds under $500 will address overpopulation issues in the jail facility.

The changes I propose to reduce the number of deaths in jail are dependent on the assessment of the policies, standards, and procedures to address the culture of the jail facility. Doctors in the facility allow inmates immediate access to address their healthcare needs while in custody.

I propose eliminating the cash bail and holistically assessing the individual while considering the risks and brevity of the crime, is needed to determine the time spent in jail before trial.

I recommend removing the telehealth services and having doctors available in the jail for in-person examinations. Funding the diversion program will allow for resources to be available to address mental health illnesses and addiction issues. Having the diversion program implemented before their arraignment to inform the magistrates of their mental health condition. Knowing an inmate’s health status will allow magistrates to send them to obtain the appropriate treatment.

The Big Picture

I would recommend reducing the expansions proposed for the Law Enforcement Training Academy to modernize what is necessary to have a functional training facility and reallocating the funds for what was initially meant for healthcare, education, and housing.

The lack of healthcare, nutrition, and education makes individuals susceptible to criminality. Once the population of the jail is reduced, the irresponsible spending of transferring inmates to the private prison in Garza County would discontinue and allow for the reallocation of funds for resources needed to improve the quality of life in Tarrant County.

Public safety is a priority and I aim to reshape the narrative of the office of Sheriff into one that is centered on the genuine welfare of the people she has sworn to serve and protect.

I am personally passionate about mental health. I have two older siblings who struggle with mental health. Individuals who experience mental health crisis should be provided the proper treatment and care. An expansion of the diversion program is needed, and the services should be utilized instead of housing individuals who are mentally ill in the jails.

I am personally passionate about mental health. I have two older siblings who struggle with mental health. Individuals who experience mental health crisis should be provided the proper treatment and care. An expansion of the diversion program is needed, and the services should be utilized instead of housing individuals who are mentally ill in the jails.

I am a professional, responsible, and fiduciary who plans to prioritize accountability and transparency in the Sheriff’s office