This browser does not support the Video element.
HOUSTON (FOX 26) - “I recognized early on there were so many glitches in the system that needed to be cleaned up,” said crime victims advocate Andy Kahan.
Crime was such an issue for Houston in the late 80’s and early 90’s FOX 26 had a nightly half-hour program called City Under Siege.
Back then, Andy Kahan was a former probation and parole officer who helped us expose the state’s revolving door prison system.
“I had these memos describing a quota system on how many people had to be released from prison,” Kahan said. “They had it in writing eight out of every 10 parole eligible inmates will be released.”
Crime was the driving issue in the 1991 mayor’s race when Bob Lanier was elected.
On the urging of crime victims, Lanier made Kahan the city’s first ever crime victims advocate.
He was instrumental in changing many state laws.
“To date we have crafted over 25 pieces of legislation and policy changes since I began this position,” said Kahan.
They include doing away with getting probation for first degree murder and getting rid of a three-year statute of limitations on hit and run fatalities.
Kahan was a major force in stopping the parole of convicted serial killer Coral Eugene Watts.
“We did the same campaign several years ago involving the nurse baby killer Janine Jones, another serial killer responsible for over 40 infant deaths.
While Kahan is saying goodbye to his job with the city, he’s not saying farewell to crime victims.
“To advocate for those who generally do not have a voice has truly been an honor and a blessing,” Kahan said.