‘We have a lot of work to do:’ Sean Teare sworn in as Harris County district attorney

HOUSTON – It’s the New Year and Harris County has a new District Attorney; Sean Tearé was officially sworn in one minute after midnight on New Year’s Eve.

SUMMARY: ‘This victory is for everyone’: Sean Teare elected new Harris Cou district attorney

In X, the district attorney’s office proudly promoted the moment by saying “New Age.”

Dozens of people gathered in the chamber, one minute into the new year, Sean Teare was sworn in as the new district attorney, followed by the swearing-in of incoming top officials.

As far as business is concerned, Teare noted there will be some immediate changes and says he plans to reform the Harris County Intake Division.

“It’s about getting experienced prosecutors back on the phone to be a resource for law enforcement to be the voice on the other end of the line when officers have questions, to really be watchdogs and make sure that we’re arresting who we should arrest for the reason.” charges for which they should be arrested,” he said after the swearing-in ceremony. “And that’s going to start today.”

After the primary elections held in March, Teare emerged as the Democratic candidate after winning against the incumbent DA Kim Ogg.

In this election, Teare faced Republican candidate Dan Simons, whom he defeated 51% – 49%. Before the results were announced on Election Day, our cameras captured a cordial moment between the opponents, where they not only shook hands but agreed that they shared the same vision for improving the district attorney’s office.

“Good luck tonight, really. Either way, I think it will be a much better office than it was.” said Simon.

“Better than it was!” Teare echoed in agreement.

Teare previously served as Chief of the Vehicular Crimes Division of the District Attorney’s Office before resigning in February 2023. During a exclusive interview at that time with KPRC 2 investigates journalist Joel Eisenbaum, revealed that becoming a district attorney was always her dream and why she decided to run against her former boss.

“I have wanted to have that job for at least 15 years when I entered as an intern my first year of law school. I felt at home,” Teare said in 2023. “There is a morale problem. “There is… there is a very big moral problem in the district attorney’s office.”

RELATED: Well-known head of Harris County Vehicular Crimes Division resigns; He says he now wants District Attorney Kim Ogg’s job.

Now that Teare has officially been sworn in, he reiterated his plans to create a more empathetic justice systemsaying he’s ready to get the ball rolling.

“We have a lot of work to do in the coming years to improve the criminal justice system,” Teare explained. “I have been developing a plan during this transition period that ensures that we have experienced prosecutors available to quickly identify the difference between a good case that we must pursue in the name of justice and a case that is not supported by probable cause and that It will clog our system. and divert valuable resources from our mission to keep our community safe.”