HCSO Newsletter #41 | Happy Thanksgiving
Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:

Serving in the largest Sheriff’s Office in Texas creates unique challenges that all of you face head-on every day. I’m amazed by how you embrace these challenges, living out our five core values while protecting our community with honor and courage. District 2 deputies this week responded to an aggravated robbery call in north Harris County. Arriving on scene, our deputies learned that there was not an active robbery, but an alleged illegal game room operating with 40 patrons inside. I commend all of you involved for the great law enforcement work and potentially preventing other crimes that illegal gambling can spawn.
 
Law enforcement in the 21st century requires complex strategies and multiple approaches to fighting crime in our communities. I’m grateful that HCSO deputies and our Community Engagement unit are committed to crime prevention education. Below you will see our District 1 and Community Engagement deputies reaching out to our residents and teaching them preventative actions they can take to combat vehicle burglaries.

Drunk driving is a deadly epidemic that plagues our great county. Our deputies, in their efforts to keep our streets safe, partnered with Harris County Precinct 8 Constable’s Office for a multi-agency DWI operation. This was part of a long-running initiative that aims to combat the actions by those who have made Harris County one of the nation’s most dangerous regions to drive in. Our media team documented the efforts of our hard-working DWI deputies to provide insight into what our deputies go through – you can watch that video below.
 
I hope everyone enjoys their Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. Stay safe out there – God bless you, and God bless the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
For this holiday season, I’m encouraging all my teammates to share your holiday by donating non-perishable food items at select HCSO locations. Let’s do our part to ensure those less fortunate are able to eat a good holiday meal with their family. Donations will be taken from today until December 4, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.* Locations listed below.

Locations:
District 1 Substation: 6831 Cypresswood Dr., Spring, TX, 77379
District 2 Substation: 7900 Will Clayton Pkwy., Humble, TX, 77338
District 3 Substation: 14350 Wallisville Rd., Houston, TX, 77049
District 4 Substation: 16715 Clay Rd., Houston, TX, 77084
District 5 Substation: 23828 Tomball Pkwy., Houston, TX, 77375
701 Jail Facility: 701 N. San Jacinto, Houston, TX, 77002
1200 Jail Facility: 1200 Baker St., Houston, TX 77002
*Excluding county holiday November 28 and 29
Meet Your Teammate:
Senior Deputy Absalom Delaine
HCSO in the News
"Under the decree, someone arrested for a low-level, nonviolent misdemeanor would be issued a general order bond or a personal recognizance bond. They would then be given a court date and released."
"Harris County Sheriff’s officers rushed to the strip center and found that no robbery had taken place. Instead, they found up to 40 people playing inside an illegal game room hidden in the strip center, HCSO Sgt. Lisa Strong said."
HCSO Social Media
Important Items
Christmas Toy Drive
It's that time of the year again! Where we get to help make a HUGE difference! Please see the attached list and visit one of the HCSO Elves to sponsor one of these beautiful children today! We have 1000 Gifts to fill! Let's pull together to make this happen as we have done each year! 
Voluntary Diagnostic Physical Fitness Test
The Academy Staff will be administering a Volunteer Diagnostic Physical Fitness Test, which consist of 20 or more push-ups (1 minute), 45 or more sit-ups (2 minutes) and a 1.5 mile run (15:30 minutes or less).

DATES :  
Tuesday, November 26, 2019 (8:00 am/1:00 pm Session)
Wednesday, December 11, 2019 (8:00 am/1:00 pm Session)
Tuesday, February 11, 2020 (8:00 am/1:00pm Session)

TIME :  
8:00 am or 1:00 pm (two sessions per day)

PLACE :  
The Harris County Sheriff’s Academy, 2316 Atascocita Road, Humble Texas 77396 (Gym)

UNIFORM :
Professional/tasteful active wear (please, no see-thru/mesh garments)

NOTE : 
A demonstration of the BPOC weapon manipulation and radio gateways will be given.

**Ensure you hydrate and bring water with you**

There is no need to sign up, simply show up!

The POC for this event, is Sergeant C. Williams @ (281) 436-4923 or charlotte.williams@sheriff.hctx.net.
No-Shave November Fundraising
Last year, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office participated in various “No-Shave” fundraising events, raising tens of thousands of dollars for cancer research and abused children. After seeing everyone lean in and embrace the “no-shave” spirit, we launched a survey seeking your feedback on whether we should change our policy. Over 3,000 of you participated in the survey and made it clear you were ready for a change. Sheriff Gonzalez ultimately relaxed Department Policy #240, which permitted Sheriff’s Office employees to grow facial hair that met professional standards.

This month we are highlighting No-Shave November again, encouraging those who want to grow their mustache or beard for the month of November to make a donation of $25. We are also encouraging that, along with a donation, the women of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office wear the hair or nail color of their choosing. All money raised will be donated to the American Cancer Society. 

All donations should be given to your unit Captain.

Everyone in our HCSO family knows someone who is personally affected by cancer. Let’s show that spirit from our successful campaign last year again and reach even higher totals this year!
Downtown Shop Hours
The Downtown shop hours will be 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Monday thru Friday. The shop will be set up to work on immediate repairs such as lights, batteries, and flat tires. The 2nd shift will perform PM services.

The service is to assist anyone needing service or repairs after their assigned vehicle repair facility’s normal hours. Continue to have major repairs that need to be towed, taken to the vehicles assigned repair facility.
Miss last week's newsletter?
Kanye West Visits the Harris County Jail

"It's a tremendous impact. Beyond the lights, beyond the circumstances, beyond the ceremony, there were people there that showed they were broken and were very excited that God met them where they were at," said Don Savell..." "They were scared...

Read more
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