HCSO Newsletter #172 – Honoring Our Heroes | |
Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez: | |
The Harris County Sheriff's Office humbly pays tribute to those who have served our country and the many veterans in our agency who continue serving their community as public servants. This week and all year, we celebrate these American heroes who have fought and sacrificed for our liberty and freedom. | | |
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HCSO supports our team members who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and then answered the call to protect their local communities. Seeing our military veterans work tirelessly every shift puts living a life of service into perspective. Their stories and experiences inspire us. We are moved by their resiliency and servant leadership. | |
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At the Sheriff’s Office, veterans are represented in various roles, sworn and civilian, and at all levels of the agency. We benefit significantly from their wealth of training, experience, and commitment to teamwork and serving others.
We empower our veterans and foster an inclusive culture for them. Our Office of Military Relations provides a wide range of support to our team members who are current military service members and veterans, as well as those in our larger community who served their country.
Your service to the community is greatly appreciated, and on this day, we extend our gratitude not only for your work in law enforcement but also for your past service in the Armed Forces. Your commitment to protecting and serving is genuinely commendable. Thank you for your selflessness and dedication.
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The Harris County Sheriff's Office is excited to announce its upcoming Academy Open House and Hiring Expo, set for Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event will be held at the HCSO Academy at 2316 Atascocita Road, Humble, TX 77396.
The HCSO Academy Open House and Hiring Expo is an opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing a rewarding career in law enforcement to discover the exciting world of the Harris County Sheriff's Office. If you know someone that is looking for a career, please let them know about the upcoming hiring expo. This event is designed to provide an in-depth look at the many career paths available within the HCSO, showcasing the extensive training programs and the numerous benefits of joining our dedicated team.
Highlights of the event include:
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Academy Tour: Step inside the HCSO Training Academy and explore the facilities where our teammates receive world-class training.
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Incentives and New Higher Salary, Benefits: Learn about our competitive compensation packages and comprehensive benefits.
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"A Day in the Life of a Detention Officer": Gain insight into detention officers' daily responsibilities and challenges.
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Spotlight on the Detention Command Containment Team: Discover the specialized skills and training used by our Containment Team to maintain safety and order in the jail.
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Armed Detention Officer Experience: Learn about the role of our armed detention officers.
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"Started from Detention Officer Now, I'm Here" Testimonial: Hear firsthand from an HCSO Assistant Chief who began his career in detentions and has since progressed to the command level.
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What's next for the Jail? Introducing the new position of the Detentions K-9 Officer: Learn about the exciting new role of Detentions K-9 Officer within our organization.
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Smart Study Tips to Help Pass the Licensing Course: Receive guidance on succeeding in the licensing course and beyond.
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On-site Testing: Take the first step toward joining the HCSO by participating in on-site testing.
For more information about the HCSO Academy Open House and Hiring Expo, contact 713-877-5250.
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The Harris County Sheriff’s Office partners with Lights On! to launch an innovative program that replaces tickets with repair vouchers.
Instead of receiving a citation for minor vehicle violations, qualified individuals with valid driver's licenses and insurance will be eligible to receive vouchers covering up to $250 for repairing inoperable headlights, taillights, turn signals, or license plate lights at vetted repair shops.
The Lights On! initiative launched on November 1, in the East Harris County and East Aldine area and will expand to other districts in the coming months.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Foundation plays an integral role in this collaboration, helping to ensure the successful implementation of the program.
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The department will be hosting an upcoming open house and hiring event on November 11. As the largest county in Texas continues to grow, so does the demand on the Harris County Sheriff's Office. The department is in dire need of detention officers and wants to recruit quickly. Currently, there are about 1,900 HCSO detention officers, and according to Lieutenant Mike Nguyen, the department is looking to hire 500 more to outweigh the risks that come with these vacancies. | | | |
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Drivers in north Harris County who are pulled over for broken lights will now receive a repair voucher instead of a ticket as part of a pilot program to promotive positive police-community interactions. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Lights On! program, will give drivers in the East Aldine area vouchers of up to $250 to repair broken headlights, taillights, turn signals or license plate lights at participating auto shops. Eligible drivers must have a valid driver’s licenses and insurance. | | | |
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New Horizons Behavioral Health announced on Friday that it is expanding its services offered in Harris County by partnering with Harris County first responders to introduce a new Co-Responder Program.
The Co-Responder Program will pair emergency service professionals with New Horizons mental health professionals when responding to incidents where individuals may be experiencing a mental health crisis.
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HCSO Teammates of the Week | |
Teammates of the Week: Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and HCSO highlight teammates who go above and beyond. | |
Houston rapper TraeThaTruth and his foundation, Angel by Nature, donated bluetooth speakers for the incarcerated persons in our custody and care. The speakers will be in specialty tanks for cell block use. Music will bring a smile to their faces. We are grateful for your support! | |
In support of Operation Green Light, a nationwide National Association of Counties (NACo) initiative, the Harris County Sheriff's Office Emergency Dispatch Center (EDC) will be illuminated in green through November 12 to show appreciation and support for veterans and their families. | |
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On October 15, 2023, at 11 p.m., Dwayne Joseph Brinac, 58, was riding his bicycle northbound in the 12800 block of Crosby Lynchburg Rd in East Harris County. When a dark-colored 2011-2015 Chrysler Town and Country van was traveling northbound, it struck the victim.
The vehicle then fled the scene of the crash without stopping and rendering aid to the victim. The victim sustained life-threatening injuries and died at the scene as a result of those injuries. Call 713-274-7400 or Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-8477. A photo of the victim is below.
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Deputy Lowry received the “Unsung Hero Award” at the Texas Adult Protective Services Conference. Deputy Lowry was honored for his work in the Boarding Home Detail, where he dedicates his energy to protecting those who can’t protect themselves. | |
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The Harris County Sheriff's Office is partnering with the Office of Commissioner Lesley Briones, Precinct 4, to organize a gun buyback event. This event encourages residents to voluntarily turn in their firearms for gift cards just ahead of the holidays.
We hope to see everyone at the gun buyback event on Saturday, November 18, from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Westchase Park and Ride, 11050 Harwin Dr, Houston, TX, 77072.
This event is a proactive community safety initiative and can have positive outcomes in preventing accidents and promoting responsible gun ownership. There is $170,000 in gift cards to hand out to the community and those cards are ready for immediate use.
All weapons collected during this buy back event will be destroyed and will not be resold or kept by the Sheriff’s Office.
For those planning to turn in firearms next week, do not sell your firearms to solicitors who may be outside the event. You never know if that firearm ends up in the wrong hands. Let our professionally trained staff safely dispose of the firearms.
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Join Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and HCSO at the upcoming Bicycle Rodeo Event! HCSO deputies will be on hand to conduct bicycle inspections, provide safety tips, and answer all your questions. | |
Please join HCSO at the Jingle Mingle with the Blues at the HCSO Academy, located at 2316 Atascocita Rd, Humble, TX, 77396, Friday, December 8, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Entry is free! This event is for HCSO employees and their children. Let's celebrate the holidays together! To RSVP, please click here. We hope to see y'all at the party! | |
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. | |
2023 HCSO Christmas Wish Drive | |
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Hello HCSO Family,
Every year, we come together to support the communities we serve and make a memorable difference in the lives of children in need. The Sheriff’s Office collects toys and other gifts for the Children’s Assessment Center, an advocacy center dedicated to providing compassionate and coordinated services to abused children in our area. Now in its 29th year, our holiday toy drive ensures this time brings joyful memories to the nearly 5,000 children served by our community partner.
We have toy drive coordinators – our elves – throughout the Sheriff’s Office who have stacks of wish cards. We encourage you to consider visiting a toy coordinator near you. On these cards, you will find each child’s gift wish. You can “adopt a child” to sponsor on your own or with your teammates. Bring the new, unwrapped gifts to your toy drive coordinator by Friday, December 1st.
Click here to see the 2023 HCSO Christmas Toy Drive: Elf Coordinator Contact List.
We cannot do this without your generosity. Thank you for helping make the holidays brighter for our community’s greatest asset.
Thank you!
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This video provides a quick overview of the preferred way to apply restraints to a compliant subject. | |
Be Alert: Increased Phishing and Spam Emails | |
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It has come to Harris County Universal Services (HCUS) Cybersecurity's attention that there has been an increase of Phishing and Spam emails. The security and privacy of our organization's data and communications are of utmost importance to us, and we take this matter very seriously.
HCUS Cybersecurity wants to ensure that all members of our organization are informed about this issue and equipped to minimize the impact.
Please read the following information carefully:
- Be cautious when opening emails from unknown senders or those that contain suspicious links or attachments.
- Verify the sender's email address before clicking on any links or downloading attachments.
- Avoid providing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers via email.
- Report any suspicious emails to HCUS Cybersecurity immediately.
- Block offending emails from external sources to avoid receiving more communications from the sender.
If you receive any email that you suspect is a phishing or spam message, please report it immediately by forwarding the email to ReportSuspiciousEmail@hctx.net. Do not engage with the email or click on any links or download any attachments. Reporting these emails helps us identify potential threats and take appropriate action.
Remember, cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in our systems. By following these guidelines, you can help us keep our organization safe from cyber threats.
Your vigilance and cooperation in identifying and reporting suspicious emails are crucial.
HCUS Cybersecurity appreciates your understanding and support during this time. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us HCUSGRC@us.hctx.net.
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Newsletter #171 - Help Trick-or-Treaters Celebrate Halloween Safely | Newsletter #171 - Help Trick-or-Treaters Celebrate Halloween Safely Visit the Harris County Sheriff's Office Homepage Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez: Halloween is a fun and exciting holiday, but pr | | | | | | |
