Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:

February brought milestones and heroism. HCSO promoted 200 deputies to detectives and launched its first Youth Leadership Council, welcoming high school students from across the county. That same month, Deputies Joshua Blair and Louie Ayala prevented a potential tragedy by stopping a wrong-way driver on I-10.

In March, HCSO honored the life and sacrifice of Deputy Darren Almendarez with a highway dedication in his name. In April, the agency’s Bomb Squad held its annual inclusive egg hunt for visually impaired students. Around the same time, the newly created Bank Jugging Unit launched targeted operations that led to dozens of arrests and dismantled organized theft crews operating locally and across state lines.

May focused on leadership and remembrance. HCSO hosted the 2025 Women’s Symposium and honored fallen deputies during National Police Week, standing in solemn support of their families. In June, major enforcement efforts included Operation Blitz, which targeted organized retail crime, and the Violent Persons Warrants Task Force, which cleared more than 5,000 felony warrants.

During the summer months, HCSO continued to respond with professionalism and care. A tense standoff on the North Freeway ended peacefully thanks to Sgt. Aaron Brown and the Crisis Intervention Response Team. Deputies delivered flood relief supplies to families in Kerr County, while the Dive Team assisted in difficult recovery efforts in the Texas Hill Country. In August, multi-agency collaboration led to the takedown of a violent transnational criminal organization responsible for kidnappings and robberies.

September marked a historic investment in public safety as Harris County approved pay equity for certified peace officers. HCSO also launched its first-ever Basic Detective Course and carried out Operation Washout, removing violent offenders from neighborhoods. In October, deputies and Good Samaritans saved lives after a van caught fire on the Grand Parkway. That same month, HCSO broke ground on the new Safety Center, reported a 36% overall crime reduction in the Cypress Station area, and arrested four suspects during an online predator sting operation.

As the year came to a close, HCSO continued strong enforcement and community partnership. A multi-agency roundup cleared more than 100 warrants for violent fugitives. The DWI Unit ended the year with over 600 DWI-related arrests, while the Auto Theft Unit conducted 46 operations, arrested 87 suspects, recovered 658 stolen vehicles valued at more than $18.5 million, and completed over 800 free vehicle inspections to help residents avoid fraud.

We ended 2025 by delivering toys to children served by the Children’s Assessment Center, bringing hope and joy to hundreds of families during the holiday season.

Every act of service this year reflects the heart of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. We are grateful for the trust of our community and proud of our team as we continue working toward a safer, stronger, and more compassionate Harris County.

Watch our 2025 Year in Review video to see these moments and more.

WATCH: HCSO’s 2025 Year in Review

The Explorer Program is designed to expose youth and young adults to a variety of professions and vocations, allowing members to make informed decisions about potential careers in the field of professional law enforcement or other related fields.

Explorer Post 42 is a comprehensive program designed for youth and young adults ages 14 through 20 years old, who are interested in law enforcement or related careers. Explorer Post members receive training in various areas of law enforcement operations, including but not limited to:

Communities and policymakers across the country are prioritizing public safety and strengthening their criminal justice systems. However, many proposed interventions and reforms lack a foundation in rigorous research and reliable data. 

For more than a year, Arnold Ventures (AV) has been addressing this problem by hosting a series of convenings that bring together researchers and practitioners across a wide range of criminal justice topics.

The event was the idea of Texans players who partnered with the Harris county sheriff's office to help create a meaningful holiday experience for families affected by incarceration.

Teammates of the Week

Harris County Sheriff's Office 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.

HCSO Teammate of the Week: Deputy Whitley

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office recognize Deputy Joe Whitley as this week’s Teammate of the Week.

A Harris County resident recently shared:

“I would like to commend Officer Whitley for his professionalism and tact during a recent traffic stop. Although being pulled over can be a stressful experience, Officer Whitley handled the situation with courtesy, respect, and clear communication. His calm and professional demeanor left a positive impression, and I truly appreciate the way he represented the department. Please extend my thanks and recognition for his outstanding service.”

Deputy Whitley began his career in public safety in August 2008 as a detention officer with Harris County. He graduated from the HCSO Academy in February 2010 and has proudly served his entire career in District 2. He currently works a contract assignment in Spring Lakes, where he continues to exemplify professionalism and dedication every day.

Thank you, Deputy Whitley, for your outstanding service, professionalism, and the positive impact you make in our community.

HCSO Teammate of the Week: Deputy John Kuykendall 

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognize Deputy John Kuykendall as our Teammate of the Week.

A Harris County resident recently shared:

“Officer Kuykendall was very professional and went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure he linked a vehicle theft that occurred with my identity to the identity theft case I had previously filed. He took my calls and discussed the case even on his off time in order to get to the bottom of the theft that had occurred and give me relevant information. He is a true servant of the community.”

Deputy Kuykendall has been a valued member of HCSO for five years. He began his law enforcement career in 2021, serving in Patrol before taking on a role as a pilot with Air Support, and later returning to Patrol, where he currently serves on day shift. His dedication to thorough investigations, accessibility to the public, and commitment beyond regular duty hours reflect the highest standards of service.

 Thank you, Deputy Kuykendall, for your professionalism, dedication, and for truly serving our community with integrity

Deck the Halls with Safety!

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office wish you a safe and joyful holiday season. Before you celebrate, take a moment to watch our holiday safety music video to help keep you, your family, and your community safe this season.

Domestic Violence: It’s Never Okay

The holidays can bring added stress, but abuse is never acceptable—at any time of year. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available.

• If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
• For confidential support and resources, contact the HCSO Family Violence Unit at 713-274-9369.

You are not alone. Help, support, and hope are available.

You are not Alone

Feeling overwhelmed this holiday season? You’re not alone—and it’s okay if this time of year feels heavy. Taking care of your mental health matters just as much as taking care of others.

Give yourself grace:

• Acknowledge how you’re feeling

• Set realistic expectations

• Make time for rest and self-care

If you or someone you love needs support, help is available. Contact The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD at 713-970-7000. Reaching out is a sign of strength.

Beware of Porch Pirates

With holiday deliveries on the rise, package theft is a major concern for many families. HCSO is reminding residents to stay alert and take simple steps to protect their packages.

Watch our video for practical tips to keep your deliveries safe this season.

Together, we can prevent theft and keep Harris County secure.

Bank Jugging Alert

Criminals may target people leaving banks. Watch this video for safety tips and stay alert. HCSO is increasing patrols to protect you and your money.



Together, we can keep our community safe.

Vacation Watch Program

Heading out for the holidays? HCSO is here to help keep your home safe.

Enjoy your trip knowing our deputies will check on your home through our free Vacation Watch Program.

Sign up and travel with peace of mind: http://bit.ly/2YZOEom

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.

HCSO 2026 Awards in Excellence – Nominations Now Open

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Awards in Excellence, a tradition that celebrates the outstanding service of our teammates and the vital contributions of our community partners.

About the Awards

• 17 awards in total: 16 for HCSO personnel and 1 for a community member.
• Categories include Peace Officer, Detention, Support Staff, Reserve Personnel, and Specialized Awards such as: 
•  Sandeep Dhaliwal Community Impact Award

Joseph Trapolino Mental Health Professional of the Year

 Lifetime Achievement Award (recognizing 20+ years of distinguished service).

How to Nominate

• Submit nominations via the Awards in Excellence Portal (live through mid-January 2026).
• Summaries must be 200–750 words, clearly describing how the nominee meets award criteria.
• Supporting evidence (reports, incident numbers, body-worn or dash camera footage, articles, etc.) is strongly encouraged.
• Any HCSO employee may submit nominations. Community members may also be nominated.
• Self-nominations are not accepted.
• Eligible actions or services must have taken place in calendar year 2025.

Selection Process

An Awards Committee made up of five to seven peers from mixed ranks and the Professional Staff carefully reviews all submitted nominations. From this group, three to five candidates are selected to move forward. 

In the second phase, under the supervision of an Assistant Chief, five Majors review the shortlisted candidates and select one to two finalists.

The final decision is made by Chief Deputy Diaz and Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

This is your chance to help shine a light on the dedication, professionalism, and community spirit that make HCSO exceptional.

BPOC Applications Now Open!

Dear HCSO Team,

We are excited to announce that the job posting for the Sheriff Deputy Cadet – Basic Peace Officer (BPOC) Class 01-2026 is now open for applications.

Please take note of the following important details:

• Application Deadline: All applications must be submitted by December 31, 2025—no exceptions.
• Program Start Date: The BPOC Class 01-2026 is scheduled to begin in May 2026.
• How to Apply: To submit your application, please use the following link: Sheriff Deputy Cadet (Basic Peace Officer BPOC)

We encourage all qualified team members interested in advancing their careers with HCSO to apply before the deadline. If you have any questions regarding eligibility or the application process, please contact Mariel Rosario Lúgaro, HCSO Human Resources Division Manager, at 713-274-4705 for assistance.

Thank you and best of luck to all applicants!