Skip to main content

Paxton Asked About Crosses on Sheriff's Cars

A district attorney in West Texas is asking Attorney General Ken Paxton's opinion on whether sheriff's deputies can sport cross-shaped stickers on their patrol cars.

Republish
Brewster County Sheriff Ronny Dodson is allowing his deputies to place sticker crosses on their patrol vehicles.
Credit: Office of the 83rd District Attorney

Attorney General Ken Paxton might weigh in again on the legality of religious displays on law enforcement patrol vehicles in Texas.

In a letter to Paxton, District Attorney Rod Ponton, who handles four West Texas counties, has asked for an opinion on whether sheriff's deputies in Brewster County are allowed to place stickers in the shape of crosses on the back of their patrol vehicles. Ponton made his request in late December, as the sheriff's office came under fire from the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation. 

The display debate is reminiscent of when lawmakers asked Paxton in October whether the Childress Police Department violated the First Amendment with its "In God We Trust" displays on patrol vehicles. Area lawmakers and Gov. Greg Abbott supported the displays. Paxton agreed.

Texans need truth. Help us report it.

Independent Texas reporting needs your support. The Texas Tribune delivers fact-based journalism for Texans, by Texans — and our community of members, the readers who donate, make our work possible. Help us bring you and millions of others in-depth news and information. Will you support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation of any amount?

Yes, I'll donate today

Information about the authors

Johnathan Silver’s staff photo

Learn about The Texas Tribune’s policies, including our partnership with The Trust Project to increase transparency in news.

Explore related story topics