Ten Questions with Pct 4 Constable Paul Leal

PAUL LEAL’S 25+ year career in law enforcement includes stints as a police sergeant for the City of Hutto and the Williamson County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office as well as his current role as Precinct 4 constable since 2021. Just a few of his recognitions include the 2022 State of Texas Law Enforcement Achievement Award for Public Service, multiple congressional and Texas Senate awards, and his Facebook Constable nickname for the viral You Dump It, You Clean It campaign he implemented to combat illegal dumping in his precinct. A lifelong Taylor resident, Paul and his wife Michelle have been married for 31 years and have six children –“two biological and four we picked up along the way.” 10

THE BEST LEADERS SUPPORT THEIR TEAMS

by fostering open and honest communication. One of the first steps to foster open and honest communication in your team is to set clear expectations for everyone. This includes defining the goals, roles, responsibilities, and deadlines of each team member, as well as the communications chain of command. Having clear expectations helps avoid confusion, and assumptions that can lead to frustration. It also helps align the team around a common vision and purpose and creates a sense of accountability and ownership.

I DEFINE A GREAT ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE AS

one that is formed by investing in the success of their employees. This is done by providing development training, initiatives, coaching, and new responsibilities for employees. Here at the Williamson County Pct. 4 Constable's Office, all our sworn personnel have been awarded their FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Certification and we are the only Constable’s Office in the nation to have earned our Agency FBI-LEEDA Agency Trilogy Award.

I FEEL MOST ALIVE WHEN

I feel that I was able to make a difference in someone’s life. When I get to see a smile on the face of a stranger. When I get to spend time with friends and family.

ONE THING I TRY TO DO EVERY DAY

is remind others that they matter, and that they are valued. I try very hard to remind myself that life is too short and to make the most of every day.

TO AVOID DISTRACTIONS

I look at my calendar the day before and set my clothing out the night before. I make a list of things that must get completed for that day. I turn off distractions. I try my best to get comfortable. I set goals for the day, try to get good sleep, and set small rewards for myself.

I HANDLE NEGATIVITY BY

controlling what I allow to occupy my mind. It may sound crazy, but I tell myself that I should evict the negative thoughts that don’t pay rent to occupy my mind time. I don’t spend much time with people who are negative and draining. I tell people all the time, spend time with people who want to spend time with you, and pray for the others. By keeping your life in balance, you are better equipped to handle the negative comments or situations that come your way. I feel that this world can throw things at us that we are not equipped to handle, and it’s though the power of our faith and prayer that we see the healing we so desperately need.

ONE THING THAT IS DIFFICULT FOR ME BUT I ENJOY

is public speaking. The ability to read your audience and know whether you are connecting or not can be a challenge. To leave your audience always wanting more than wishing they had gotten less. When everything lines up, the enjoyment you feel is like no other.

CHANGE IS to know that change is coming is the first line of defense. Life has a way of changing things. We must remember that no one gets through life alone. It is okay to ask for help. That’s a sign that you know yourself well enough to realize you need some assistance and someone to talk to. I have a group of trusted friends and family members that I know I can reach out to. Again, we must remind ourselves not to let negativity occupy our mind time.

IN TEN YEARS I HOPE TO

still be your Williamson County Pct. 4 constable. I hope to be a grandfather to many more grandbabies. I hope to be moved out of my two-story home with no more stairs. I hope to be enjoying good health and preparing for retirement.

I DEFINE SUCCESS AS

family.