Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:
We’re a family at HCSO and our commitment to protecting our workforce, community, and jail population is shining through these difficult times. Despite the threat posed by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, our teammates are getting the job done. I am grateful to all our teammates who consistently report for duty while we ask the community we protect to stay home and avoid contact with others. You are true heroes.
I want to assure my HCSO family of my commitment to protect you during this challenging time. Every call means possible contact with someone who could be a carrier of COVID-19. That’s why we are providing patrol deputies with cleaning materials that they are using to disinfect their vehicles any time they are called upon to transport a suspect. Obtaining these supplies has been a challenge, but we are making good strides in our efforts to get our teammates everything they need to do the job.
The health of my teammates is my top priority. If you have been exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID-19, please stay home and contact your supervisor. You can also call the Public Health Task Force Employee Hotline number at 713-274-3880 or by email
PHTaskForce@eng.hctx.net
to obtain information related to self-quarantine procedures.
On March 10, 2020, Harris County Commissioners Court approved an order granting protection to all employees if they do not have adequate paid time off and risk being docked pay for absences directly related to COVID-19. The order allows employees to accrue a maximum of 80 hours negative comp time with the stipulation that the employee will make up the lost hours at a later time but before the pay period ending December 18, 2020.
Cleaning crews in our jail have increased the frequency of cleaning operations. All employees and volunteers entering the jail system are being checked for fever each time they enter the building. We also created a short informational video for our inmates, concerning the importance of proper cellblock sanitation, hand washing, and what to do if they believe they are getting sick.
As we continue to see more COVID-19 cases, please take the necessary steps to remain vigilant. The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management created an SMS messaging service to keep residents informed. To get regular updates, text CV19 to 888777. You will receive regular SMS texts with the latest news and developments.
It’s important to practice social distancing to slow the spread and to flatten the curve. Here are five simple steps recommended by the World Health Organization we should follow:
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. If you can’t wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer that has at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Cough/sneeze into your elbow.
- Don’t touch your face.
- Stay more than 3ft (1m) away from others.
- Stay home if you feel sick.
During these difficult times, it’s important to take care of our mental health. The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD activated the COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line 833-251-7544 to help our community. Remember, you are not alone.
To my Sheriff’s Office family – thank you for your continued hard work and dedication to upholding our five core values during this difficult time. We will get through this together. God bless you, and God bless the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
