Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:

A little planning and awareness can significantly enhance the safety of your loved ones and property.

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who sacrifices time with their families to ensure others can celebrate safely with theirs.

For more information about HCSO’s programs and services, please visit our website or follow us on social media. Happy shopping, and Happy Holidays!

WATCH: Protecting Your Packages

As we enjoy the holiday season, it's important to be vigilant and protect your packages from porch pirates.

The HCSO Burglary and Theft Unit is sharing valuable tips to help safeguard your packages and ensure a secure holiday season.

Call 713-221-6000 to report stolen packages.

WATCH: HCSO Motorist Assistance Program (M.A.P.)

In recognition of Crash Responder Safety Week (CRSW), the Harris County Sheriff's Office is highlighting our Motor Assistance Program (M.A.P.).

Did you know we have a free program designed to assist stranded motorists? Call our 713-CALL-MAP if you ever need emergency roadside assistance. For more information, visit bit.ly/3RQtP3R.

Holiday Self Care Tips

The holiday season can bring joy, but it may also be a challenging time for many. If you or someone you know is experiencing the holiday blues, here are some tips to prioritize self-care and seek support:

Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s okay not to feel festive. Allow yourself to experience and accept your emotions.

Set Realistic Expectations: Focus on what feels manageable and don’t hesitate to simplify celebrations.

Set Boundaries: Protect your peace by saying no to commitments that may increase stress.

Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation into your routine.

Plan Self-Care Activities: Make time for activities that bring you joy and comfort.

Reach Out for Support: The HCSO Behavioral Health Division offers evaluation, consultation, and counseling services for teammates and their families. To make an appointment, call 346-286-3150. Services are available by appointment, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The holiday blues are temporary. It’s vital to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. If you or someone you know is facing more severe symptoms, seeking professional help is a courageous and necessary step.

You are never alone—support is always within reach.

HOUSTON – Domestic violence is a growing issue claiming more and more lives across the country and right here at home in Houston.

On Friday, a woman was stabbed to death by her husband, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

This marks the 24th domestic-related murder the sheriff’s office is investigating in 2024.

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas - If you've ever experienced it, you know the terror that comes with having elderly loved one go missing. Now there's a new initiative designed to help.

Thousands of seniors wander away and go missing every year and too often there's a devastating ending, like Terry Barnes, who had declining mental health and disappeared when she walked away.

Authorities are still grappling with the flow of narcotics in the Harris County jailThe Harris County LGBTQIA+ Commission came out with its list of recommendations to improve the quality of life for Houston’s LGBTQIA+ community.



The commission, created in June 2023 under the office of Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones, presented its inaugural biennial report Tuesday at Commissioner’s Court outlining key initiatives and policy recommendations for the upcoming year.  

HCSO Teammate of the Week

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the HCSO highlight exceptional teammates who serve others above and beyond their duties. We regularly receive positive emails, thank you notes, and phone calls from the community.

"I needed to report a wire fraud/cybercrime that had occurred for our business. The officer who contacted me to make the report was extremely professional and courteous and showed interest in our concerns," said a Harris County resident. "Having personally put numerous hours into this fraud, I can honestly say that your officer showed far more attention and interest than any other parties that I have dealt with in this process. Thank you!"

Deputy Ho began his law enforcement career in 1997 and currently serves on the Northwest Harris County patrol.

Vacation Watch Program

Traveling for the holidays? Keep Your Home Safe with HCSO Vacation Watch!

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff's Office want you to enjoy your holidays worry-free. Sign up for our Vacation Watch program, and we'll keep an eye on your home while you're away.

• Deputies will conduct regular checks of your property.
• Deter crime and provide peace of mind.
• It's FREE and easy to sign up!



Learn more and register here: http://bit.ly/2YZOEom.

Congratulations BCCC Graduates

On November 8, HCSO proudly welcomed 66 new detention officers to the team. Congratulations on your graduation! Your hard work and dedication to serving and protecting are truly commendable, and we are incredibly proud of your achievements.

Alzheimer's Awareness Month at HCSO

November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month, and the HCSO is launching the "Take Me Home" program to help protect loved ones with cognitive conditions.

For more information about the Take Me Home program or to register a loved one, visit bit.ly/TakeMeHomeProgram or email us at TakeMeHome@sheriff.hctx.net.

Criminal Investigations Bureau Receives Award

We are excited to announce that the Harris County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Bureau has achieved the Silver Level Designation in the Texas Victim Friendly Initiative! This accomplishment reflects our significant progress in enhancing support for crime victims.

We want to extend a special thank you to Captain Gale Johnson, Lieutenant John A. Klafka, Sgt. Tommy Smith, Deputy Oscar Cisneros, Deputy Nicholas Cooke, and Victim Advocate Karen Ahumada for their outstanding efforts in improving our Victim Assistance program.

Their dedication and hard work have resulted in better training, updated policies, and new online resources for victims.



To learn more about our Victim Assistance program, please call 713-274-9369.

Pawsitivity at HCSO

Our partners at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, brought some furry joy to the Sheriff's Office on Monday, November 18, 2024, with a visit from Joey, a therapy dog! Spending time with these amazing animals can help reduce stress and boost morale. Thank you!

Veterans Day Parade

On November 11, the Harris County Sheriff's Office participated in the annual "Houston Salutes American Heroes Veterans Day Celebration." We stand in unwavering gratitude for all veterans who have served and continue to serve our nation. Their sacrifices have secured the freedoms we cherish.

We are honored to have 755 veterans, 62 active reserves, and 14 deployed deputies among our ranks. Their dedication to service extends far beyond the battlefield, making our community a safer place for all.

Thank you, veterans, for your courage, commitment, and unwavering service. We salute you!

Visit the Intranet and stay informed.

Happy Trails: HCSO Retirees

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.

30th Annual Christmas Toy Drive

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is currently hosting its Annual Toy Drive, which is aimed at benefiting children who have faced significant challenges in their lives. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the toy drive, highlighting its long-standing commitment to supporting local children through the Harris County Children’s Assessment Center. The toy drive is to provide gifts and joy to children who may not otherwise experience a festive holiday season. The beneficiaries of this initiative are children who have undergone difficult circumstances, often related to abuse or neglect. By sponsoring a child, individuals can help ensure that these kids receive presents during Christmas, contributing positively to their emotional well-being and providing them with a sense of normalcy and happiness during the holidays.

Thank you to all who have already chosen to sponsor one or more children! Your generosity is making a significant impact. There is still time to sponsor a child! We encourage everyone to join in this effort. Together, we can reach our goal of fulfilling one thousand (1000) Christmas wishes.

How to Participate

To participate in the toy drive, you may contact one of the coordinators listed in the attached list. Sponsoring a child involves selecting a child from the list and purchasing gift(s) that will be delivered as part of the holiday celebrations! All gifts are due back to your coordinator on or before December 2nd!

Thank you in advance for your participating in this years' toy drive!

If you have any questions, feel free to email or call any one of the coordinators on the attached list! Or you may also email elizabeth.longoria@sheriff.hctx.net for more details.

Call for Volunteers – Peer Support Network Application

As we uphold our fifth Core Value, “Develop, encourage and care for our Sheriff’s Office Family,” we are pleased to announce the opportunity for sworn and professional HCSO staff to apply to serve as Peer Supporters on the HCSO Peer Support Network. The goal of peer support is to provide all public safety employees in an agency the opportunity to receive emotional and tangible support through times of personal or professional crisis and to help anticipate and address potential difficulties.

By becoming a Peer Supporter, you have the chance to positively impact the lives of your colleagues, contributing to a healthier and more resilient Sheriff’s Office community.

To apply, please follow these steps:

• STEP 1- Download the Peer Support Network Application Form attached to this notice.
• STEP 2- Complete the application in its entirety.
• STEP 3- Submit your application via email to HCSOPeerSupportAdmin@hctx.net.

The Peer Support Network is under the Behavioral Health Division’s (BHD) guidance but is peer-led and coordinated by Sergeant Jose R. Gomez, BHD Clinician/Reserve Deputy Jeffery Manzer and Peer Support Specialist Deputy J. Celius. The coordinators work closely with direct Peer Support Liaisons from the three (3) different commands (Law Enforcement, Administrative, and Detention).

Applications and questions can be submitted via email

to HCSOPeerSupportAdmin@hctx.net.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call Deputy J. Celius at 281.381.8563. 

The selection process will include an interview and training for those selected as members of the Network. These individuals will also sign confidentiality agreements and a code of ethics. The coordinators will be looking for individuals who exhibit a high level of professionalism, confidentiality, and dedication to the well-being of their colleagues.

Thank you for considering this important opportunity to contribute to the welfare of our Harris County Sheriff’s Office family. Together, we can create a stronger and more supportive community for all of our HCSO family.

Join the Armed Detention Officer Training Program

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is looking for qualified personnel to join the ranks of the

Armed Detention Officer Training Program. The practical testing process consists of a work-related fitness assessment.

Testing for Armed Detention Officer Candidate will be held at 1307 Baker St, Room E-1, on the following dates and times:

• October 22, 2024 (0700-1700)

General Job Description

• Armed Detention Officers will be tasked with transporting Harris County Jail prisoners outside the jail, transporting Harris County Jail prisoners to/from courts, and with guarding Harris County Jail prisoners in area hospitals or other outside health care facilities.

Requirements for Testing

• Currently holds the rank of Detention Officer
• Basic Jailer’s License
• Minimum of 21 years of age
• Must agree to a 1-year commitment to the position of Armed Detention Officer (not affected by promotion or transfer to the Basic Peace Officer’s Course)
• Must agree to orders of the 140-hour Armed Detention Officer Training Program
• Owns a semi-automatic firearm that meets the requirements of HCSO Policy #702
• Be self-motivated and able to work with little supervision
• Must have a good attendance record
• Must present a professional image

Preferences

• Experience working the operations section of 1200 and 701
• Intermediate, Advanced, or Master Jailer’s License
• Previous firearms and defensive tactics training

Testing Procedure

If you meet the abovementioned requirements, come to the test in full uniform and have your HCSO identification. Do not bring a firearm to the test. Bring a copy of your TCOLE Personal Status Report (PSR) to the test. You can print your TCOLE PSR from https://www.tcole.texas.gov/

If you previously tested and passed the test, you are already on the eligibility list and do not need

to test again. You can try again if you have previously tested and failed the test or failed to meet

other requirements

Free Turkey Drive - Volunteers Needed!

Help make a difference this Thanksgiving! Be part of something meaningful by helping to pack and distribute Thanksgiving dinners for families in need.

Date: Saturday, November 23.

Time: Starts at 7 A.M. until Completion

Location: 201 Sharpstown Center, Houston, TX 77036.