Fort Bend County citizens are being invited to become associate members of the Sheriffs' Association of Texas.

Fort Bend County Sheriff Milton Wright made the announcement Thursday.

The Associate Membership Program was created to give residents the opportunity to lend their support to more effective law enforcement, and to better help local sheriffs.

"During these economic times, the need for building stronger public-private law enforcement partnerships continues to escalate, and programs such as this continue to grow in importance," said Wright. "I encourage every citizens receiving a membership appeal to consider joining forces with us by becoming an associate member. It is a valuable investment in our future."

Membership invitations will go out in the mail over the next several weeks.

Dues will be used to support crime prevention and awareness programs, promote public safety, fight drug abuse, provide additional training for sheriffs and their deputies and provide scholarships for children of law enforcement officers.

Contributions made to the Sheriffs' Association of Texas are tax-deductible.

"The Association membership drive helps provide the funding which is vital to our mission of making our communities safer places to live, work and play," said Wright.