New Angelina County sheriff addresses staffing issues, cooperation

ANGELINA COUNTY, Texas (KTRE) - Tom Selman was sworn in to his new role as sheriff on Jan. 26. After a little over two weeks as sheriff, Selman said the transition has been smooth.

“Part of my coming on board, having been the constable for 18 years, the transition to sheriff has been pretty smooth because I knew the people, I know the processes, and I know the county way,” Selman said.

Selman said communication between all agencies has improved in the last two weeks.

“We’re all working together now. There’s not going to be anymore drama or anymore in-fighting. The other agencies that we work with, highway patrol, Lufkin police, game wardens, and other community police officers, we’re pulling together closer than we ever have before,” Selman said.

Selman said one of the issues he wanted to tackle as sheriff was jail capacity in the county.

“Our court system has been cranking out cases, and so we’re getting a lot of people ready to be moved to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to move them out of the county jail to make room for our local inmates,” Selman said.

Another challenge the sheriff’s department is facing is staffing. He said there are nine current openings for commissioned personnel, and there has been a renewed interest in wanting to work at the sheriff’s department.

“We’re on the verge of hiring three or four very senior, well-seasoned officers here over the course of the next few weeks,” Selman said.

Selman said he plans on working with the county commissioners on increasing the pay of the positions to fill the rest of the spots.

Selman said the citizens of Angelina County can expect the sheriff’s department to be more responsive and attentive to their needs.

“I have an open door, and I’ll always be seeking advice and input to the people we serve,” he said.

Selman will complete the last two years of previous sheriff Greg Sanchez’ term.

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