HCSO Newsletter #213 – Crime Prevention & Hurricane Preparedness — Building Safer Communities Together | | Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez: | | |
Operation Blitz: Cracking Down on Organized Retail Crime
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Gulf Coast Criminal Investigators Association, has launched Operation Blitz— a strategic, multi-agency initiative aimed at disrupting organized retail crime at its source
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This proactive operation deploys undercover officers in retail settings to identify and apprehend individuals involved in large-scale theft and shoplifting rings. By blending in with everyday shoppers, law enforcement can observe crimes in progress and build stronger cases against organized criminal groups.
Organized retail crime is more than ordinary shoplifting; it involves coordinated networks stealing significant amounts of merchandise, often across multiple stores. These activities not only hurt local businesses and raise consumer costs but can also escalate into more serious offenses.
Thanks to Operation Blitz, several arrests have already been made, with more expected as the operation continues. The HCSO and its partners are committed to sending a clear message: retail crime will not be tolerated in Harris County. This effort supports local businesses, protects consumers, and dismantles the networks driving organized theft.
| | 🎥 Watch the video to see how our teams target theft rings, protect businesses and ensure your shopping experience is safe. | | Hurricane Season Safety: Stay Ready, Stay Safe | | |
Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office urges all residents to take proactive steps to prepare.
Start by developing a household emergency plan:
- Know your evacuation zone and route
- Identify a safe place to go
- Set a family communication strategy
Build a basic emergency kit with:
- Non-perishable food and bottled water
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- First aid supplies and medications
- Phone charger and power bank
- Copies of important documents in a waterproof folder
Stay informed through local alerts at ReadyHarris.org, as well as updates from the National Weather Service, and follow HCSO on social media for real-time safety updates.
If authorities issue an evacuation order, act quickly—roads can become hazardous with little warning. Don’t wait—evacuate.
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At the Harris County Sheriff's Office, we are dedicated to protecting our community before, during, and after severe weather events. We continuously monitor forecasts and plan for worst-case scenarios to ensure we are ready when disaster strikes. Since Hurricane Harvey, we have significantly increased our investment in high-water rescue vehicles, boats, and swiftwater rescue training to enhance our emergency response capabilities.
In 2020, we opened our elevated Emergency Call Center, which is specifically designed to remain operational during major storms, including those as powerful as a Category 4 hurricane. The center operates without interruption thanks to three backup generators and reinforced infrastructure.
Our team also conducts annual hurricane tabletop exercises in collaboration with local partners to ensure seamless rescue operations when every second counts. We encourage all residents to be prepared because together, we are stronger and safer.
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HCSO Is Here for You
Whether addressing organized crime or preparing for natural disasters, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to keeping our communities safe, informed, and resilient. A little preparation today can make a life-saving difference tomorrow.
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In Harris County, there have been four fatal drownings involving children under the age of 13 this year.
The two drownings earlier this week involved toddlers, both three years old. One child did not survive, while the other was life-flighted to a hospital.
| | | | A flat tire, running out of gas or an overheating vehicle on a major freeway can raise most anyone’s anxiety level at any time. Add to that a high volume of traffic on a busy roadway, and it can also create a very dangerous situation. This is where a program such as the Harris County Motorist Assistance Program (MAP) comes in to save the day. | | | | |
In a tradition that spans more than seven decades, the Harris County Junior Mounted Posse is opening its gates to a new generation of young riders. The youth equestrian drill team—an extension of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office—welcomes children and teens ages 6 to 20 who have a passion for horses, public service, and precision performance.
Founded in 1952 by Sheriff Buster Kern, the Junior Mounted Posse has long served as the Sheriff's Office’s goodwill ambassadors.
| | 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. | | |
This week, we recognize Lieutenant Daniel DellaSala for his exceptional professionalism and dedication—not just within HCSO, but across agencies.
A Pearland Police Department Crime Scene Supervisor recently shared this commendation: “Understanding Lt. DellaSala’s role and workload with your Department, I found it incredibly commendable that he went out of his way to help me enroll an officer in the Intermediate Crime Scene Investigation course for May 2025—all while managing his own duties. His helpful nature speaks volumes about his work ethic and is truly an asset to your Department.”
Lt. DellaSala has served with HCSO for 16 years and currently leads the Crime Scene Investigations and Crime Laboratory Unit.
Thank you, Lt. DellaSala, for representing HCSO’s core values and making a lasting impact in the field of forensic investigation.
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Celebrating Excellence: Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff's Office proudly recognize our Employees of the Quarter: Congratulations to Sergeant T. Steptoe and Detention Officer S. Obleton for their outstanding service!
During a routine check, Detention Officer Obleton’s vigilance led to a swift response that saved the life of an individual in custody. Thanks to the teamwork and professionalism of those involved, immediate aid was rendered without hesitation.
Sergeant Steptoe is recognized for her strong leadership and commitment to enhancing operations within the Specialized Housing Unit. Her hands-on approach and dedication to team development have left a lasting, positive impact on her colleagues and the facility.
Thank you both for going above and beyond in service to our community!
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The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is inviting graduating seniors and job seekers to a Hiring Event on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the HCSO Academy (2316 Atascocita Rd, Humble, TX 77396).
Explore career opportunities as a Detention Officer or Communication Officer, connect with recruiters, and get a head start on your future!
- On-the-spot applications
- Pre-background screening
- Pre-employment testing
- Great benefits: Health insurance, pension, paid vacation & more!
Open to the public. Everyone is welcome!
Must be 18+ with a high school diploma by the hiring date. Come prepared and take the first step toward a career in public service!
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We stand with the family of Austin Kanuch to renew the call for justice.
Austin was murdered in his home in September 2023. His killer is still out there—and we need your help.
📍 Greenleaf Lake Dr., west Harris County
🚴♂️ Suspect fled on a mountain-bike-style bicycle
💰 Reward: Up to $20,000 for information leading to arrest/charges
📞 Call 713-222-TIPS (8477) – tips are anonymous
Please share. Someone out there knows something. Let’s bring Austin’s killer to justice.
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Someone saw what happened.
On November 19, 2023, 21-year-old Angel Muñiz was shot and killed outside Tacos Del Toro #2 in east Harris County.
Detectives believe a witness was there—and that person may hold the key to solving this case. Even the smallest detail could help bring justice for Angel and peace to his grieving family.
🕊️ Angel didn’t get a second chance. But someone out there now has a chance to do the right thing.
If you know anything, please speak up:
📞 HCSO Homicide Unit: 713-274-9100
📞 Remain anonymous: Call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477)
💰 You may be eligible for a $5,000 reward
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Over 5,000 felony warrants cleared—and counting!
The Violent Persons Warrants Task Force, a strategic partnership between the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and local Constable agencies, is taking bold action to locate and apprehend Harris County’s most dangerous fugitives.
This multi-agency initiative is focused on one goal: making our communities safer.
🎥 Watch the video for an exclusive look at how these dedicated teams are working around the clock to serve justice and bring peace of mind to families across Harris County.
| | Sheriff Ed Gonzalez made a surprise visit to our cadets, offering words of encouragement, steadfast support, and powerful inspiration. His presence served as a reminder that true leadership is grounded in connection, mentorship, and a commitment to the continued growth of those who serve. We are proud to invest in the future of our agency—one cadet at a time. | | |
Harris County Sheriff’s Office Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit Inspector Maurice Bucklin showcased his expertise among the best in Texas.
Deputy Bucklin competed against 30 of the state's top Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspectors during a rigorous, multi-day competition.
Participants were tested in categories including Inspection Reports, General Hazardous Materials, Bulk Cargo HazMat, and Passenger Vehicle Inspections. Teams also faced off in the highly competitive HazMat Olympics.
We’re proud to announce that Deputy Bucklin earned:
- 1st Place – Hazardous Materials
- 2nd Place – Inspection Reports
- 1st Place Overall – Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) in Texas
His outstanding performance has earned him the honor of representing the State of Texas at the national level.
Congratulations, Deputy Bucklin! Your dedication, skill, and professionalism reflect the best of HCSO and the high standards of commercial vehicle enforcement.
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Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office stand in solidarity with survivors and honor the lives lost to gun violence during National Gun Violence Awareness Month.
Help save lives: Always store your firearms securely. Free gun locks available year-round — call 346-286-3125.
| | 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. | | |
Dear Team,
As we mark PTSD Awareness Month this June, I am reaching out to share important information and resources to support the mental health and resilience of every member of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Attached, please find our latest Behavioral Health & Wellness Training Bulletin, which highlights the signs, risks, and impacts of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), especially as they relate to our profession.
PTSD is a serious mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events—situations all too familiar in our line of work. Detention officers, peace officers, and communications officers are particularly vulnerable, with reported rates of PTSD far exceeding those of the general population. Left unaddressed, PTSD can affect job performance, relationships, and overall health and is linked to higher risks of depression, substance abuse, and suicide.
It’s important to recognize that symptoms of post-traumatic stress can come and go, and not everyone who experiences trauma will develop a diagnosable disorder. Many people notice that their symptoms fluctuate over time. Sometimes, they may be prominent, while at other times, they may be less noticeable or even resolve on their own as part of the natural recovery process. Even for those who do develop PTSD, there is a lot of empirically supported treatment available. Therapies such as Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing are highly effective. They can help reduce symptoms to the point where they no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Research indicates that with appropriate treatment, a substantial proportion of individuals can achieve remission and regain their ability to function effectively in daily life. PTSD is not necessarily a life-long disorder—recovery is possible, and with access to effective therapies and support, many people can experience significant relief and even complete recovery.
The bulletin outlines common symptoms, such as re-experiencing traumatic events, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, hyperarousal, and physical or cognitive effects. It also provides practical steps you can take for yourself and your colleagues, including monitoring your reactions to critical incidents, practicing healthy habits, and reaching out for support.
We are committed to your well-being and offer a range of confidential resources, including in-house mental health services, peer support, and external assistance programs. Please review the attached document for detailed information on these resources and how to access them.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By working together and supporting one another, we can build resilience and promote a healthier, stronger team.
Thank you for your dedication and service.
Very respectfully,
Thomas D. McNeese, Ph.D., MBA
Director, Behavioral Health Division
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