Better border security metrics are needed

Finally, we are getting closer to more transparency on what $800 million of border security looks like.

Texas Department of Public Safety Col. Steve McCraw testified Tuesday at a House Appropriations Committee hearing about the effectiveness of using those funds.

Since the Legislature approved the use of the funds in 2015, the results haven’t been measured.

Asked about accomplishments, he described sealing off a smuggling area and said: “Tt has had an impact on that area. It’s a different game right now."

That sounds great, but without any data to show us how it impacted the area, we are skeptical.

Luckily, McCraw sees the same problem and says the department is working on metrics to show progress in a measurable data set.

Currently, DPS has arrest records, smuggling trends and drug seizure statistics available, but a new plan will measure security in more intricate ways to better explain how the border operation works.

These metrics will help show us progress.

This story was originally published July 20, 2016 at 5:47 PM with the headline "Better border security metrics are needed."