Eric Reed Calls for Smarter Approach to Public Safety and Mass Incarceration

DALLAS — September 14, 2026 — Eric Reed, write-in candidate for Dallas County District Attorney, today called for a more focused and effective approach to public safety—one that concentrates prosecutorial resources on violent offenders and predators while expanding proven alternatives for people whose involvement in the criminal justice system is driven by mental illness, addiction, poverty or other underlying problems. 

“The first responsibility of the District Attorney’s Office is public safety,” Reed said. “Violent offenders and predators must be prosecuted effectively. But filling jails with people because they're poor—or because their primary problems are mental illness, addiction or instability—does not make Dallas County safer. It consumes resources, disrupts families and often sends people back into the community without addressing what brought them into the system in the first place.” 

Mass incarceration, crowded correctional facilities and the number of people with serious mental-health needs cycling through local jails have emerged repeatedly in candidate forums across Dallas County. Reed said these challenges require experienced leadership and a District Attorney’s Office capable of distinguishing between people who pose a genuine danger and those who can be held accountable more effectively without costly incarceration. 

According to the Prison Policy Initiative, nearly 2 million people are confined in prisons, jails and other detention facilities across the United States. Approximately 465,000 are being held in pretrial detention, including about 426,000 in local jails. They are awaiting trial and have not been convicted. 

The report identifies poverty as a central force behind incarceration. The median felony bail amount is $10,000—equivalent to approximately eight months of income for the typical person detained because that person cannot afford bail. The result is a system in which people with money can await trial at home while those without it may lose jobs, housing and financial stability before their cases are resolved.

“Public safety—not personal wealth—should determine who must remain in jail before trial,” Reed said. “A person should not lose a job, a home or the ability to support a family simply because that person cannot afford to purchase their freedom.” 

Judges and magistrates set bail under Texas law, but prosecutors play an important role through charging decisions, bail recommendations, requested conditions of release and participation in diversion programs. Reed said those decisions must be individualized, protect victims and the public, and avoid using unaffordable bail as a substitute for assessing actual risk. 

Reed said Dallas County cannot solve mass incarceration simply by building more jail space. A smarter approach would strengthen appropriate pretrial release, mental-health and substance-use treatment, carefully designed diversion programs, restorative-justice initiatives, education, housing stability and employment support. Such programs must include clear eligibility standards, meaningful supervision and measurable results. 

“Diversion should never mean the absence of accountability,” Reed said. “It means using sound judgment to determine which response is most likely to prevent another crime. Jail is necessary for people who threaten public safety. For others, closely supervised treatment, restitution, job support or another structured intervention may produce better results for victims, taxpayers and the community.” 

Dallas County already operates pretrial-release, mental-health diversion and specialty-court programs. Reed said the next District Attorney should strengthen programs that produce results and improve coordination among prosecutors, law enforcement, courts, behavioral-health professionals and community organizations. 

Earlier in his career, Reed worked with tribal, state and federal agencies on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation to develop coordinated responses to the conditions contributing to crime and incarceration. That work brought together justice agencies, service providers and community resources to address substance use, mental illness, housing, education and employment rather than treating each problem in isolation. 

“Dallas County does not need slogans or a one-size-fits-all approach to prosecution,” Reed said. “It needs experienced leadership that can set priorities, manage resources and make difficult decisions fairly. Being smart on crime means protecting the public, supporting victims and choosing the response most likely to stop the next offense.” 

With more than 30 years of criminal-law experience across prosecution and defense, as well as federal, tribal and military courts, Reed said he would bring tested leadership and a broad understanding of justice systems to the District Attorney’s Office. 

Reed’s approach rests on three commitments: public safety, fairness and accountability. That includes one standard of justice for every person, regardless of wealth, status or political connections.

“This election gives Dallas County a real choice,” Reed said. “Voters can choose experienced, independent leadership and a practical plan for safer communities. When they compare the candidates’ records and qualifications, the choice will be clear: write in Eric Reed for Dallas County District Attorney.” 

About Eric Reed 

Eric Reed is a write-in candidate for Dallas County District Attorney with more than 30 years of experience in criminal law. His work has included prosecution and defense, complex litigation, tribal justice, federal and military courts, legal education and consultation with law-enforcement agencies. His campaign is founded on Promote Public Safety • Demand Fairness • Ensure Accountability. 

For more information about Eric Reed’s experience, priorities and write-in voting instructions, visit www.WriteinReed.com. 

Media: media@WriteinReed.com 

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