Judge John Melcher is a principle in The Melcher Group, a consulting firm specializing in public safety, security, policy, corporate leadership and intellectual property. He also serves as an Associate Judge for Galveston County’s Magistrate Court and the Hitchcock Municipal Court.
As a Credentialed Advanced Mediator and Arbitrator, Judge Melcher helps resolve disputes in civil matters, sibling and family issues, CPS cases, construction claims, and estate disposition. His commitment to alternative dispute resolution relies on a firm belief in the power of respectful intellect. His philosophy - all disputes can be resolved through reasonable discourse conducted in good faith, especially with skilled motivators in a safe and comfortable environment. Through his involvement with the Harris County Dispute Resolution Center and the Clear Creek Mediation Center, he’s had the blessing of assisting citizens in a myriad of conflict resolution, settling hundreds of cases.
Judge Melcher’s background in law enforcement, emergency medical service and public safety leadership is the basis of his capacity for guiding parties to meaningful solutions. Melcher served as the Executive Director and CEO of the Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network, the nation's largest regional 9-1-1 system, providing emergency communications service for over eight million citizens in the greater Houston metropolitan area.
For over 25 years he has led teams working with state and federal legislatures and regulatory agencies advocating for first responders, including the allocation of continuous broadband radio spectrum (frequencies) to create a nationwide wireless network for first responders, now known as FirstNet™.
John directed the first integration of 9-1-1 wireless location technology, allowing first responders to pinpoint 9-1-1 callers using cellular phones. This ground-breaking technology is now deployed in 9-1-1 systems throughout the world. He holds patents and serves as an expert witness in intellectual property and civil litigation and has negotiated well over $100 million in contracts and awards. As a founding member of the Houston Emergency Center Executive Board he was integral in its creation and the consolidation of emergency communications.
He has provided testimony to numerous state legislative and regulatory bodies, the US House of Representatives, the US Senate and numerous federal agencies. He currently volunteers as a pilot and government affairs officer for the US Air Force Auxiliary (Civil Air Patrol), and works with his church in the technical arts ministry. Judge Melcher is a published author, guest lecturer and certified motivational speaker.