The temporary loss of what some residents call the city’s “24/7 police coverage” has pitted neighbor against neighbor with one faction blaming Waldrop and the other blaming a law enforcement agency that detractors say lacked initiative and clear operating standards.

About half of the customers of the Republic of Texas Window Company who spoke with the Defenders in recent weeks have filed complaints against owner James Hunter Townsend with local law enforcement, the Texas Attorney General’s Office or both.