HCSO Newsletter #249 — While They Trick-or-Treat, We Keep Watch | | Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez: | | |
There's a sound I love about Halloween night: the doorbell ringing again and again, kids shouting "trick or treat!" a little too loudly, and parents laughing on the sidewalk behind them. This Saturday, neighborhoods all across Harris County will come alive like that, and I hope yours does too.
My wish for every family is simple. I want everyone to get home with a full bag of candy and a good story to tell. Here's how we can make that happen together.
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Before you head out
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Map out your route and get to know the area. The Texas Department of Public Safety keeps a public sex offender registry you can check ahead of time.
- If your children are under 12, go with them. Pick bright costumes, or add reflective tape and glow sticks so drivers can spot them.
On the street
- If you're walking, cross at crosswalks and look both ways. Every time, even when the street seems quiet.
- If you're driving, take it extra slow in residential areas. A child in a dark costume can step out from between two cars in a second.
At home
- Handing out treats? Turn on your porch light, clear toys and hoses off the walkway, and keep pets inside. All that doorbell ringing can stress them out.
- When the kids get home, take a quick look through the candy before anyone digs in.
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More than one night
October is also Crime Prevention Month, and Halloween is a good reminder of what prevention really looks like. It looks like neighbors who know each other's kids, porch lights left on, and people willing to speak up when something feels off. Our deputies can't be on every street at every hour, but you're already there. That's why I believe safety is something we build together.
A few habits that make a real difference all year long:
- Know what's normal on your street, so you notice when something isn't.
- Lock your home and your vehicle, even if you're only stepping away for a minute, and keep valuables out of sight.
- Keep entryways and driveways well lit.
- Join a Neighborhood Watch, or start one. Get to know the people next door.
- Talk with your family, kids included, about staying aware and looking out for one another.
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Traveling soon? Sign up for our Vacation Watch Program and our deputies will keep an eye on your home while you're away. You can also follow HCSO on Nextdoor for updates from our office and your neighbors. If you see something, say something. In an emergency, call 911. For non-emergencies, call 713-221-6000.
Thank you for being part of what keeps Harris County safe. From my family and everyone at HCSO, happy Halloween.
| | Plan Ahead for a Safer Halloween | | | | |
Imagine receiving an urgent phone call from someone claiming to be a local law enforcement officer, telling you that you missed jury duty and face hundreds of dollars in immediate fines. One Houston-area resident nearly fell for that exact high-pressure scheme — and her viral cautionary tale is serving as a stark warning for residents across Greater Houston.
If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately and contact official court or law enforcement numbers directly. If you have already lost money to a scammer, file a police report with local authorities and report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission.
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A joint law enforcement operation targeting online solicitation of minors was conducted Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
According to a community advisory from the Harris County Sheriff's Office, the operation was conducted jointly by the sheriff's office, the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The sheriff's office is based in Houston under Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
| | 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’ve lived in the Greenwood Forest Subdivision since 1983. In short, the area has changed significantly in the last 40+ years. It’s no longer safe to walk the neighborhood at night, and being in the wrong place at the wrong time during the day is too easy to do. Today, I saw a Deputy Valladares ticketing a truck/trailer parked on the wrong side of the road leading to my subdivision. This law enforcement action may seem insignificant to some, but to me it was a welcome sign that the Sheriff’s Office was increasing its patrol presence in this area. I talked with Deputy Valladares briefly after he had completed his action and was pleased with his polite, calm, and professional demeanor. Thank you.”
Deputy Valladares began his law enforcement career in 2009 and joined HCSO in 2019. He is currently assigned to the Special Response Operations Bureau. With more than 17 years of service, he shows that every interaction matters, and that a visible, professional presence helps residents feel safer in their own neighborhoods.
Thank you, Deputy Valladares!
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A Harris County resident recently shared:
“A few months ago, my wife’s father was found deceased at his home by his loving wife. Deputy Chavez arrived shortly after being dispatched. He began gathering valuable information and spoke with all members of our family. Deputy Chavez showed compassion and kindness toward us and spoke in a very professional and direct voice. As a U.S. Marine, I also noticed that Deputy Chavez has a straightforward military bearing. We began to speak as if we knew each other and communicated very well. Deputy Chavez showed care, respect and support the entire time. Before leaving, he made sure all of our questions were answered and provided extra details regarding any future assistance. Deputy Chavez’s professionalism helped our family through a very difficult time. Thank you again.”
Deputy Chavez began his law enforcement career when he entered the HCSO Academy on March 11, 2024. Today, he serves as a Patrol Deputy in District 3, East Harris County, on the evening shift.
Thank you, Deputy Mario Chavez!
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Proactive policing. Real results. Safer communities. 🚔💪
At HCSO, our deputies don't just respond to crime. They work to prevent it. Want a career where you can make a difference? Apply at hcsojobs.com or call 713-877-5250.
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Congratulations to Detention Sergeant Pikes, our Employee of the Month!
Sgt. Pikes goes above and beyond to support our Detentions Support Services Bureau, demonstrating outstanding leadership, teamwork and dedication across the 1307 Kitchen, Commissary, Law Library and Mailroom units.
Thank you, Sgt. Pikes, for your hard work, positive attitude and commitment to excellence. We're lucky to have you on Team HCSO!
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Congratulations to our newest class of Detention Officers on their graduation!
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and HCSO couldn't be prouder of these men and women who answered the call to serve. Welcome to the team!
Ready to start your own career in service? Call 713-877-5250
or visit HCSOJobs.com to apply today!
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Our HCSO SWAT and Bomb Squad teams brought their A-game to the Texas Tactical Police Association SWAT Competition!
Our team placed 7th out of 44 teams.
Going head-to-head with some of the best tactical teams in Texas, our deputies put their training, skills and teamwork to the test.
Proud to see our teams representing HCSO!
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Cool people have cool jobs. Plot twist: You could be one of them.
Ready to make a difference and have a career that's anything but ordinary? Join the HCSO team!
Apply today at hcsojobs.com or call 713-877-5250.
| | The HCSO Youth Leadership Council visited the Houston Area Women's Center to learn about domestic violence and how to recognize the signs. We’re grateful to their team for taking the time to educate and empower our youth on this important topic. | | | | |
