Newsletter #169 – HCSO Stands Against Domestic Violence | |
Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez: | |
The Harris County Sheriff's Office firmly stands with domestic violence victims and survivors, providing them with unwavering support. Yesterday morning, myself and the Harris County Sheriff's Office joined AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse) and other community partners to advocate for every person's right to feel safe. | | |
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The Sheriff’s Office has worked with AVDA since 2008 by referring victims to this trusted partner agency. We recognize the seriousness and harmful impact of domestic violence and prioritize the safety and well-being of those affected.
In 2021, 204 Texans were killed due to domestic violence. The greatest number of lives lost were from Harris County — 46. Seven of the 46 were males. In 2022, HCSO had 13,159 total domestic violence calls. To date, in 2023, HCSO has responded to 8,565 domestic violence calls.
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According to the Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC), 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men will experience domestic or sexual violence in their lifetime. We know it’s often a hidden threat in our community, lurking behind closed doors.
Our deputies are entrusted by our community to protect them. We take very seriously our duty to help those who are being hurt by someone who is supposed to love them. We are committed to enforcing the law and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, providing a safe environment for all.
We collaborate closely with local organizations, support services, and shelters to offer victims access to resources that can aid their recovery and empower them to rebuild their lives. Our goal is to break the cycle of domestic violence and foster a community where everyone feels safe and respected.
The Sheriff's Office pledges to continue working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of domestic violence victims and survivors. We encourage anyone who may be experiencing domestic violence or knows someone who is to reach out to us, as we are here to help and support you through this difficult time. Together, we can make a difference.
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Below are some resources for residents who are either in a domestic violence situation or want to report a domestic violence situation:
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If you are in immediate danger, call or text 911.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233 or if you're unable to speak safely, you can text 88788.
- Houston Area’s Women Center’s 24/7 Hotlines:
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 713-528-2121
- Toll Free Line: 800-256-0551
- Rape Crisis Hotline: 713-528-7273
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Click here to learn more about HAWC’s services
- Harris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Victims Unit: 713-274-9369
We stand together with domestic violence victims, survivors, and the many organizations in our region whose mission is to end domestic and sexual violence for all.
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The Harris County Sheriff's Office is accepting donations benefiting local non-profit organizations to assist domestic violence and sexual assault victims. Starting October 2 through October 27, you can drop off donations at four drop-off locations. | |
Building a Stronger Community | |
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Every year hundreds of residents from across our country come together to spend an evening with their neighbors in honor of National Night Out. They host block parties, festivals, and other fun activities to build bonds with each other and the police and deputies patrolling and protecting their community.
We look forward to coming together again for National Night Out festivities next Tuesday, October 3, 2023, and celebrating the true meaning of this tradition – community. We want to take a moment to celebrate our communities, the feelings of connectivity fostered by them, and what it means to be a good neighbor.
It's an evening the Sheriff's Office looks forward to every year because we get to meet our community. We love serving and strengthening our relationships in the community through personal connections.
Now more than ever, a strong support system is vital. You and your neighbors are the backbone of a safer, more caring community. Please join us on October 3, 2023, and plan to go out and meet our neighbors. If you would like to volunteer contact CommunityEngagementDiv@Sheriff.hctx.net.
Thank you for being a good teammate and carrying on the true meaning of National Night Out this year. Let's remember the power of building a solid support system through community.
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“Detention officers inside the Harris County Jail will receive salary increases as part of the county’s newly adopted 2024 budget in an effort to reduce turnover and understaffing within the overcrowded jail.
“The jail’s been experiencing critical-level staffing shortages for the last couple of years that have made it very difficult, if not impossible, for us to meet state minimum staffing requirements at the jail,” Spencer said. “We’re optimistic that we’ll be able to get closer to being fully staffed in the jail.”
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“Five stolen vehicles worth more than $254,000 were recovered after a chop shop was discovered in northwest Harris County, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Division. A Harris County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Division official said via social media that felony theft charges were filed in the case. The location of the chop shop was not disclosed, nor the suspects involved.” | | | |
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We had a wonderful time at the Harris County Sheriff's Office Women’s Symposium! Thank you to all the law enforcement women protecting and serving our community.
The conference's objective was to advance the development of women in Law Enforcement through education, recognition, and achievement.
We had multiple guests, panelists, and speakers, including the Houston Metro Police Department Chief Vera Bumpers, Harris County Fire Marshal's Office Laurie Christensen, FBI National Academy Instructor Heidi Ramsey, Harris County Sheriff's Office Retired Assistant Chief Debra Schmidt, the Chief of Police of Waco Police Department Sheryl Victorian, Licensed Professional Counselor Ashley S. Warren. We also had a panel with Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Chief Deputy Mike Lee, Assistant Chief Phillip Bosquez, Assistant Chief Tommy Diaz, and Assistant Chief Tony Huynh.
We also had an Award Ceremony to highlight the fantastic job our teammates are doing. Thanks to our host, Angelique Myers, the Senior Media Services Manager at HCSO.
To the HCSO Women in Law Enforcement Symposium Committee, we thank each of you for your commitment and efforts to make this a successful symposium. Recruiting women into law enforcement is essential to creating a more diverse and equitable police force.
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Teammates of the Week: Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and HCSO highlight teammates who go above and beyond. | |
The Harris County Sheriff's Office joined Crime Stoppers of Houston and other partners at an event last night in honor of the National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims. | |
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff's Office are highlighting our agency's leaders. | |
Fundraiser for Deputy Anderson! | |
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Join us at the Fundraiser for Deputy Anderson! On Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. we will be selling delicious BBQ pulled pork plates at only $15! We will be at Will Clayton Substation, located at 7900 Will Clayton Pkwy, Humble, Texas 77338.
All donations will be given to Deputy Anderson to help offset his medical expenses This event is hosted by Thin Blue Line Northwest Chapter. If you would like to make a donation to Deputy Anderson please Zelle your donations to 713-248-4538. We hope to see y'all there!
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To all retirees, we thank you for your years of service to the Harris County Sheriff's Office. Congratulations on your retirement, and best of luck on the next chapter in your life. | |
HCSO Community Engagement seeks potential internal volunteers for the HCSO Police Athletic/Activities League. Click here for the Volunteer Application. Please help us spread the word. For any questions, contact Deputy Martin Lai at 713-885-3399. | | |
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Get a flu shot for free at a location near you. Click here for the list of available sites. First come, first served. For more information, visit benefitsathctx.com or call 713-274-5500, Option 5. | |
The Bilingual Incentive is Back! | |
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The Harris County Sheriff's Office has revamped the Bilingual testing Process for all of our Team members! Anyone wishing to earn the Bilingual Incentive is invited to come test in person at our South Loop Location on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
We have teamed up with Berlitz to provide two different types of tests:
- Simulated Oral Proficiency Interview (SOPI)- It is a 20-25 minute online language exam to measure your speaking proficiency.
The following commonly used languages will be tested using this platform:
Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Chinese (Cantonese), French, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Thai, and Vietnamese
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Berlitz Test of Speaking Skills (Telephone Interview) –This is a 15-20 minute phone conversation with a Berlitz Tester. Any language not listed above, such as Yourba or Urdu, will have to utilize this testing process. Email CareerServices@hctx.net and we will coordinate a testing date with a Berlitz Tester. Testing must be conducted via phone at the South Loop Location.
A passing grade of Level B1 or Higher will be eligible for Bilingual Pay of $69.23 bi-weekly. No exceptions.
Click the link below to apply for the Bilingual Incentive:
Bilingual Incentive | Job Details tab | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com)
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As you may know, our Medical Insurance provider will be changing to Aetna, effective Jan 1, 2024.
To inform employees of Aetna’s resources and programs, the Benefits and Wellness Team will host the below in-person Open Enrollment meetings at HCSO. In these meetings, we will discuss the changes and give the opportunity for questions to be asked and answered.
- Emergency Dispatch Center - 3000 E. Aldine Amphitheatre, Houston, TX 77039 (Multipurpose Room): 10/04/2023 at 1 p.m.
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1200 Baker Jail - 1200 Baker St, Houston, TX 77002 (1st Floor Conference Room): 10/05/2023 at 1 p.m.
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HCSO Academy - 2316 Atascocita Rd, Humble, TX 77396 (Classroom #3): 10/09/2023 at 9 a.m.
Remember, as we transition our benefits calendar to align with the calendar year starting in 2024, open enrollment will now take place from October 16 through November 3. As in the past, enrollment is handled online through STARS Employee Self-Service at stars-hr.hctx.net.
Click here for the Frequently Asked Aetna Questions.
Please reach out to us with any questions. We’re here to help.
Benefits & Wellness
Human Resources & Risk Management
713-274-5500
benefits@harriscountytx.gov
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Newsletter #168 - HCSO Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month | Newsletter #168 - HCSO Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Visit the Harris County Sheriff's Office Homepage Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez: Today marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage M | | | | | | |
