Nice to Meet Ya: Deputy Constable Blaine Hamilton

By all accounts, working in law enforcement is not an easy job these days. A Constable’s job in Dripping Springs is to be the face of law enforcement and to keep the peace. Doing this on a daily basis can sometimes be a real challenge, but to the right individual, it can be fulfilling.

“People in Dripping Springs are pretty nice. They try to live by the ‘Golden Rule,’” said Deputy Blaine Hamilton, who works with the Precinct 4 Constable’s office. “I love what I do. I know it is a cliché, but helping people out fee good.”

Hamilton has been a deputy in Dripping since 2005, but is originally from and grew up in Orange, Texas. He received his peace officers license after serving in the Texas National Guard for eight years. He’s been married to his wife Alicia for nineteen years. She’s a paralegal in town.

Deputy Hamilton often patrols U.S. 290, to ensure the safety of motorists. Making sure the speed limit is followed can be challenging, but once a car is stopped, the driver’s behavior can make a big difference. Being rude to an officer is one of those situations that all officers dislike.

“I can be the nicest cop. Respect me, and I’ll respect you. There are no quotas or restrictions on whether it is a warning or a ticket,” Hamilton said. Traffic stops are never welcomed, but speeding doesn’t seem to be the biggest problem.

“On 290, people are seeing more red lights and more accidents. I don’t think speeding is an issue. I think more so they have distractions and people are on their cellular phones. With COVID, it’s not as packed, with schools (being limited) and people working from home,” Hamilton said. “A major problem now is people stealing packages from the front porches.” This is especially true during the holiday season. As for the pandemic, another thing that has changed as the result of COVID-19 are interactions with others. It’s something Hamilton misses, especially visiting the schools.

“I visit the grade schools and just say ‘hi.’ Now, it is just (waving hi to students) off the bus or arriving by car. It used to be hi-fives and throw passes (to the kids). The principals loved it. You can’t do a lot of things, with restrictions on everybody.”

There are all kinds of situations law enforcement officials may encounter, whether it be an accident, burglary, homicide, etc. There is one incident, however, that can’t be forgotten at Precinct 4.

Hamilton was new to the job, and new to rural life in general and the area. He was unaware of the mischief that farm animals can cause.

“A baby goat was outside its fence on Creek Road. When I tried to catch him, he just jumped over my head. The owner, just called his dog, who jumped over the fence and a few seconds later, he bit the goat on the neck and jumped back over the fence. It was pretty funny. (His boss said) turn on your video, so we can watch your videos.”

Being in law enforcement at times can be rough, but one main reason Deputy Blaine Hamilton does his job?

“When you are helping people that need help, you have accomplished something.”