McNair Avoids Rush to Reliant

Oct 27, 05:46 AM

Current Headlines: By Mike Tolson, Houston Chronicle

Oct. 27--Love the Texans but hate fighting traffic on game days? You might consider catching a ride with team owner Bob McNair and his family, who get a three-officer motorcycle police escort from his River Oaks mansion to Reliant Stadium's front door.

Traffic lights are no obstacle. The officers pull into the intersections and put up their hands to stop all other traffic as the two McNair vehicles breeze on through. Total time in transit? Less than 15 minutes.

McNair has been paying off-duty officers for an escort since the team's first season in 2002. Publicity about it prompted Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Jack Abercia to prohibit his officers from doing the extra work, but McNair found officers from other agencies to step in.

McNair spokesman Tony Wylie said there is nothing wrong with the VIP treatment and that he is not breaking any laws.

"He's just hiring this service to escort him from his home so that he can get there on time," Wylie said.

"A lot of times, dignitaries are riding with Mr. McNair."

The pool of available escort officers may be shrinking, though. Most of Harris County's large police agencies -- including the Houston Police Department, Sheriff's Office, Metro and all eight constables -- have policies against it or have expressed increasing reluctance to approve such off-duty work requests for their officers.

"To me, it damn sure is not ethical if it's not a matter of security," said Precinct 1 Chief Deputy Constable J.C. Mosier.

mike.tolson@chron.com

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