Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez: | | |
Team,
I want to take a minute to recognize some outstanding work from our Auto Theft Unit and everyone who helped make a recent operation possible.
Over the past few weeks, our Auto Theft team has been building a case tied to suspected chop shop activity at three locations across the county. Last week, that work turned into search warrants, and search warrants turned into results: four stolen vehicles recovered, 252 stolen parts and components pulled out of garages and off shelves, and one arrest.
Numbers only tell part of it, though. Behind every one of those recovered vehicles and every recovered part is a victim, someone who woke up one morning and found their car gone, or a part of their livelihood missing. This work gets that back to them or at least gets them closer to answers.
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I also want to highlight how this operation came together. It took our Auto Theft Unit and SWAT working alongside DPS Special Operations Group and Criminal Investigations Division, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office SWAT, Homeland Security SRT, and HPD Auto Theft. That's six agencies in one operation. Auto theft doesn't respect jurisdiction lines, and it was good to see how naturally our teams work with our partners when it counts.
During the warrant execution near Tidwell and North Freeway, a suspect tried to run. Deputies caught him quickly and turned out he had an outstanding felony warrant, too. That's the kind of split-second response that doesn't make headlines but matters enormously, and I'm grateful for the deputies who handled it safely.
This case isn't closed. Detectives are still tracing recovered parts back to individual victims, and there's more work ahead. But I wanted this team to hear it directly from me: I see the planning, the coordination, and the hours that don't show up in a press release. Thank you for representing this office so well.
| | | | The Harris County Sheriff's Office is inviting neighborhoods, civic associations, apartment communities, churches, schools and other local groups to participate in National Night Out on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, continuing a nationwide tradition centered on police-community partnerships and stronger connections between neighbors. | | | | Elizabeth Barraza got up at dawn on Jan. 25, 2019, eager to set up a garage sale outside her home in Tomball, Texas. Minutes after saying goodbye to her husband as he left for work, Barraza was shot four times at close range in a devastating murder that was captured on her doorbell camera. She died the following day. | | | | Harris County leaders, alongside the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and project partners PGAL and Kitchell, have officially broken ground on the region’s first dedicated Swift Water Rescue Training Facility. Designed to address recurring severe storms and flooding challenges, this purpose-built complex provides a controlled, realistic environment for life-saving water rescue training right at home. | | 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. | | |
A Harris County resident recently shared:
💬 "I was pulled over by Sergeant Fredrick, and he was direct but polite. He was clear about why I was stopped, and he was professional as he carried on with his duties. I have had previous encounters with other law enforcement, and I did not like how I was spoken to. I work in another agency and am very familiar with the expectations of our family behind the badge. Sergeant Fredrick represents HCSO well."
Sergeant Fredrick has served with HCSO for over 23 years, joining as a Detention Officer in March 2003 and becoming certified in July 2004. He currently serves as a Sergeant in the Special Enforcement Bureau/Parks Evening shift.
👏Thank you, Sgt. Fredrick!
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A Harris County resident recently shared:
💬 "Deputy Mahon recognized that a student, due to circumstances out of their control, was in need of some new clothing and shoes. He took it upon himself to go to the store and purchase the student new shoes, some shirts and socks. Deputy Mahon did this not for praise or accolades, but only because he cares for the students and has a big heart. His service is beyond protecting the school. It's caring about the students."
Deputy Mahon has served with HCSO since 2017 and brings 15 years of law enforcement experience. His work goes beyond keeping students safe, it's about showing up for them, in every way that matters.
👏Thank you, Deputy Mahon, for reminding us that true service comes from the heart. We're proud to call you a teammate.
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Ahead of Labor Day weekend, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office joined our law enforcement and criminal justice partners for a press conference highlighting our shared commitment to keeping Harris County roads safe.
HCSO, all eight Harris County Constable Precincts, the Houston Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Harris County District Attorney's Office are working together as DWI enforcement increases throughout the holiday weekend.
If your plans include drinking, make your plan for a safe ride home before the celebration begins. Impaired driving is preventable — and one responsible decision can save a life.
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September is Suicide Prevention Month. If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, remember: you are not alone.
📞 Call 988 or The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD at 713-970-7000.
Support and hope are always within reach.
| | 🌟 Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and HCSO recognize Detention Officer Shotayo Tejousho for his life-saving actions during a critical medical emergency! Without hesitation, he stepped in to provide CPR and helped ensure an inmate received the care he needed. Congratulations, and thank you for your outstanding service! 👏 | | |
Operation Heatwave turned up the pressure on crime across Harris County.
The HCSO-led initiative brought together local, state and federal law enforcement partners to target violent crime, robberies, auto thefts and other offenses in areas seeing the most activity.
The results:
- 97 arrests and 96 warrants cleared
- More than $150,000 in stolen vehicles recovered
- More than $41,000 in additional stolen property recovered
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This is what staying ready looks like.
HCSO SWAT trained alongside partners, refining the tactics and teamwork required for the highest-risk operations. Every repetition builds confidence, precision, and readiness for the moments when there's no room for error.
Because when our community needs them most, preparation makes the difference.
| | Ready for a career that makes a difference? Join HCSO and serve Harris County with grit, compassion and purpose. Learn more about becoming an HCSO Deputy at HCSOJobs.com or call 713-877-5250. | | |
Prepared for the moments that matter most.
HCSO’s Special Enforcement Bureau, joined partner agencies for a large-scale active shooter training exercise at Faithbridge Church in North Harris County.
The drill gave first responders the opportunity to train together in a realistic environment, strengthen coordination and sharpen their response to critical incidents.
Training today helps us respond when seconds matter. 🚔
| | 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. | | Sick Leave Pool Registration Period, Coming Soon! | | |
The Sick Leave Pool Program helps eligible Harris County employees facing a hardship due to their own catastrophic injury or illness who have exhausted all accrued paid leave.
Registration to donate sick and/or vacation leave opens August 22 – September 18, 2026 via STARS Employee Self Service (ESS). Donations are voluntary — donate a minimum of 8 hours (max 40) to become eligible to receive up to 480 hours of Catastrophic Leave during Fiscal Year 2027.
Note: Donations cannot reduce your combined sick and vacation balance below 40 hours.
For details on how to donate or on eligibility requirements, see the attached flyer/job aid or visit https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Human-Resources/Sick-Leave-Pool-Program
Questions? Contact the Sick Leave Pool Administrators at 713-274-5404 or SickLeavePool@harriscountytx.gov
Thank you for your continued support!
| | Registration is Open: Harris County Employee Howl-O-Ween 5K & 10K! | | |
Mark your calendars — the Harris County Employee Howl-O-Ween 5K & 10K is back, and registration is officially open!
This year's race brings the Halloween spirit to the course with glowing lights, spooky vibes, festive music, and costume fun from start to finish. Whether you're chasing a personal record, walking it out with friends, or just there for the atmosphere, this night is all about community, wellness, and a good time.
Expect themed photo ops, interactive vendor booths, music, giveaways, and plenty of Halloween surprises along the way. Grab your costume, round up your crew, and enjoy a night made for every ghoul and goblin on our team — runners, walkers, and spectators alike.
Don't miss this one. Register today!
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