Smith County Justice of the Peace Prec. 2
Backlogged Cases Growing!

YOU BE THE JUDGE — LOOK AT THE RECORD:

Smith County FY 2026 Adopted Budget [09/09/25], page 123: Civil and Criminal Court Case Annual Reports (productivity reports for JP Courts) from Texas Judicial System Annual Reports.

Starting FY 2024, Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Andy Dunklin’s Court (Noonday) had 10,444 cases pending (1,885 civil + 8,559 criminal).

By year’s end, that number had grown to 10,832 pending cases (2,175  civil + 8,657 criminal). This means JP Dunklin’s Court disposed of fewer cases than were filed, thus increasing the significant backlog.

Texas Judicial Branch’s (txcourts.gov) most recent online report (8/31/2025, page 43) shows Dunklin’s backlogs continued in 2025 with 10,855 actively pending cases.

PROBLEM: A consistent, clear pattern—the backlog is growing — not shrinking!

SOLUTION: Elect “Citizen-First” Shawn Scott for Justice of the Peace.  He’s pledged to work aggressively to reduce this backlog—AT LEAST 5 days a week, from 8-5. Let’s hire him at the ballot box on March 3!

We were shocked by incumbent JP 2 Dunklin’s claims against Shawn Scott that are demonstrably untrue, immaterial, and/or purposefully deceptive.  Once upon a time, the Andy Dunklin we knew would never have done such a thing.  Due diligence required we look into these claims. After doing so and having contracted background checks run on the candidates, FACTS show:

Dunklin Claim #1:

Dunklin’s 18 years of service to Precinct 2 is superior to the 13 months Shawn Scott served as an appointed interim constable when the self-disgraced constable was removed from office.  Dunklin’s opinion – not a fact. The 18 years means just that – Dunklin has served 18 years, part of that time as a Constable – followed by Justice of the Peace.  This isn’t a lifetime appointment.  Competition is good.

Dunklin Claim #2:

Dunklin’s 8 years of judicial experience vs 0.  Immaterial for this job. Dunklin also had no experience 8 years ago. This job does not require previous judicial experience nor a law degree. The State of Texas provides all the training needed to serve as a Justice of the Peace. Based on Mr. Scott’s verified background, he not only has extensive technical expertise but also the executive leadership required to manage a high volume court with efficiency and transparency. His record shows a consistent ability to make difficult decisions grounded in facts, compassion, and respect for the law. Mr. Scott actually has far more applicable experience than Dunklin did when he began his 8 years.

Dunklin Claim #3:

Shawn Scott has had six employers in the last 6 years is a purposefully deceptive smear. This slur cites Round Rock PD, Summit Security, RIOT, Smith County Constable, Chapel Hill ISD, Tyler Jr. College.  The FACTS show:

• Shawn honorably retired from the Round Rock Police Department after over 20 years of decorated service. He was a highly decorated detective who investigated violent crimes and was assigned to the FBI Austin Resident Agency for most of his career.
• Upon retirement, he served with Summit Off Duty Services, which collaborates with law enforcement officers nationwide to facilitate off-duty employment processes. Shawn served as Director of Operations at Summit Off Duty Services (founded by retired Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Captain, Chris White), which enabled Mr. Scott to return to Tyler to be closer to his family.  
• In 2012, Shawn co-founded Robbery Investigators of Texas (RIOT), which hosts the National Law Enforcement and Corporate Crimes Convention, recognized as the nation’s most prestigious law enforcement and corporate security training event. He’s led RIOT for the past 13 years as the executive director WHILE holding full-time employment.
• Shawn Scott served as the appointed interim Smith County Precinct 2 Constable when the self-disgraced constable was removed from office. Scott stated at the time that he had no intention of running for the office of constable. In those 13 months of service, Mr. Scott purchased critical equipment at no additional cost to taxpayers, established mission and vision statements, implemented written policies and procedures, and restored community trust in the office.
• When Chapel Hill ISD needed leadership to meet state mandates following the Uvalde school tragedy, Mr. Scott answered the call to serve as their Chief of Police.
• Shawn Scott earned a master’s degree from Sam Houston State University and thus has the credentials to serve as an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice at his alma mater – Tyler Junior College (TJC) – since 2021. He teaches when his schedule permits.

Dunklin Claim #4:

Dunklin’s 200+ hours of continuing judicial training education vs Scott’s 0 hours.  This is a non-issue. Only judicial officials have this training.  If having zero prior courtroom training and experience was indeed a disqualifier, the Texas Legislature would mandate a law degree or judicial training to run for JP!

Dunklin Claim #5:

Dunklin’s 10,000+ lawsuit cases ruled over vs 0 for Scott. Again, ZERO is the number Dunklin started with when he was elected JP. This is NOT a disqualifier for the office or the Legislature would require prior courtroom experience to run for the office of JP!

Dunklin Claim #6:

Dunklin’s 18 annual budgets submitted to and approved by the Smith County Commissioners Court vs Scott’s 1.  This simply indicates that Dunklin has been an elected official for 18 years, thus 18 budgets.  Mr. Scott served as an interim constable for 13 months, which included a single fiscal year budget.  Mr. Scott has years of budgetary experience and we believe he knows how to run that office more efficiently – clearing backlogged cases and keeping better office hours for the taxpayers.  Mr. Scott also pledged publicly that he won’t ask for an $8,000 raise, which public records show was a matter of high interest for JP Dunklin in 2025.  Dunklin received his $8K raise on 10/01/2025.

Dunklin Claim #7:

Dunklin sets high bail bonds on violent criminals and Shawn Scott does not. Dunklin had never set a high bond on violent criminals before he was elected JP either! Mr. Scott is not in the role of setting bonds; however, with his 30 years of law enforcement experience dealing with violent crimes, we are certain Shawn Scott will prioritize protecting citizens as a Justice of the Peace who magistrates at the jail.

Dunklin Claim #8:

Dunklin is trusted by ALL other judges in Smith County and Shawn Scott is not. Is every single elected judge in Smith County on public record NOT trusting Shawn Scott?  We haven’t seen that.  We looked.  We haven’t heard it either.  If any current Smith County Judge does not trust Shawn Scott and has provable cause (something you can demonstrate, verify, or substantiate), we’re listening.  You know where to find us.

With 30 years of distinguished law enforcement experience, Shawn’s life is defined by professionalism and steady judgment. We believe he will apply the law consistently and impartially. We believe it’s time for a change in JP 2. Shawn Scott has our full support.