Incumbent Henry P. Jackson announced his bid for Smith County Precinct 1 constable.

Before becoming constable in 1999, Jackson, a Democrat, worked eight years as a reserve officer for the city of Tyler and two years as deputy constable for Precinct 3.

Jackson, 55, has owned a private security business, H&J Controls, for more than 22 years.

He has a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and holds a peace officer certification.

Precinct 1 encompasses primarily the Tyler city limits.

While constable, Jackson started the Community Policing Program, which has increased the number of patrols in the precinct's neighborhoods.

In 2006, Jackson presented the program to the Smith County Commissioners Court, which approved his request to form the program. The program is paid for by homeowner groups that contract with the county to pay for the additional policing in their areas.

He also was able to increase the number of members in the community reserve program.

With the majority of Tyler's schools in his precinct, Jackson and his office have become involved by talking with children in the schools and presenting educational programs.

His department also works closely with the Smith County Sheriff's Office, and serves papers dealing with civil matters.

Jackson is secretary of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce for Tyler.

He is a past president of the East Texas J.P. and Constable's Association and served on the board of the scholarship committee for the state J.P. and Constable's Association. He is also a lifetime member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Jackson, who is married, has three children.

This article was provided by: Tyler Paper