HCSO Newsletter #186- Prioritizing Road Safety and Mental Health | |
Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez: | | |
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At the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, we recognize that mental health is a crucial component of overall wellness, impacting various aspects of life, from physical health to personal and professional relationships. | |
This is true, especially for our law enforcement teammates who face unique and challenging stressors in their daily duties. Good mental health also promotes social stability. It helps reduce crime, substance abuse, and homelessness. Here are some tips to help you prioritize your mental health:
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Practice Self-Care: This could include exercise, hobbies, reading, or simply relaxing. Regular self-care helps reduce stress and improves mood.
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Stay Connected: Maintain strong relationships with friends and family. Make time for regular in-person or virtual social interactions.
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Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries to protect your time and energy. This includes saying no to overwhelming demands and taking breaks when needed.
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Prioritize Sleep: Good sleep is vital for mental health. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, keep a consistent sleep schedule, and make your sleeping environment comfortable and free from distractions.
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Stay Physically Active: Regular physical activity boosts mood and reduces anxiety and depression. Find an exercise routine you enjoy, whether walking, running, yoga, or any other activity that gets you moving.
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Limit Screen Time and Social Media Use: Excessive screen time, particularly on social media, can contribute to anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy. Set limits on your screen time and take regular breaks from digital devices.
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Practice Gratitude: Regular gratitude practice can improve mental health by shifting focus from negative to positive aspects of life. Keep a gratitude journal, noting things you're thankful for daily.
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Remember, it's okay to seek help and support when needed. Numerous resources are available to guide you on your journey to mental wellness. Mental Health Texas is a valuable resource for Texas residents seeking mental health and substance use services. A Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) service locator can help you find treatment facilities. You can visit their website at www.mentalhealthtx.org.
Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHAs) and Community Mental Health Centers offer mental health services in communities throughout Texas. To locate your nearest LMHA, visit Resources.hhs.texas.gov/pages/find-services or call 2-1-1 Texas.
By prioritizing mental health, individuals and societies can achieve greater overall well-being. A mentally healthy society is more likely to be a safe one.
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HCSO Launches DWI Initiative for Memorial Day Weekend | |
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The Harris County Sheriff's Office held a press conference ahead of Memorial Day to address the critical issue of impaired driving. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez acknowledged Memorial Day as a time to honor fallen service members and for family and community gatherings. However, the day can quickly turn tragic due to impaired driving.
Harris County has been ranked among the highest in the nation for traffic fatalities related to impairment. While this statistic is shocking, the sheriff's office actively works to change it. Deputies will be in full force to identify and remove impaired drivers from the roads. We also urge the community to support these efforts by making responsible choices. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead if they intend to consume alcohol—alternatives such as designated drivers, ride-sharing services, or other transportation options are great ways to drink responsibly.
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In addition to safety efforts, the press conference served as a reminder of the true spirit of Memorial Day. Sheriff Gonzalez encouraged the community to honor the memories of fallen service members by valuing the lives of their fellow community members. He urged everyone to commit to creating a safer Harris County where families can enjoy their time together without fear of tragedy. Loved ones of victims attended the press conference and shared impactful testimonials.
Sheriff's message is clear. "If you drink, don't drive, not only on this holiday but every day."
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WATCH: HCSO Launches Multi-Agency Partnership for DWI Initiative Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend | | |
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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A severe storm with damaging winds, prompting tornado alerts, passed through Houston and surrounding areas late Thursday, leaving behind a trail of damage.
In west Harris County, ABC13's cameras captured a couple of downed transmission lines at West and Fry Road.
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HOUSTON – It’s no secret that Houstonians aren’t known to be the best drivers.
But how about this question - Do our driving habits on the road keep first responders from saving lives?
All drivers should know that when you see lights and hear sirens, you need to move over.
However, the reality is - we aren’t doing that.
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Harris County Sheriff's Office Teammates 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. | |
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"On April 13, at about 6:15 p.m., my family was involved in a major crash on I-45 involving a wrong-way driver. Deputy De Leon went above and beyond to make sure that I was able to get to the hospital, following the transport of my husband, along with all of the necessities we had in our car at the time," said a Harris County resident. "Our family was incredibly grateful for him going above and beyond what typically happens in those scenarios so I could get to the emergency room quickly to check on my family. We truly appreciate the effort he took during a very scary situation."
Deputy De Leon started his law enforcement career in 2011 and joined HCSO two years ago. He is a patrol deputy in District 1, north Harris County.
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Last Thursday, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff's Office hosted a promotions ceremony for 21 teammates.
Congratulations, and we wish them all the best!
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HCSO Citizens’ Police Academy Class Pre-registration is now open!
Are you interested in learning more about the role of law enforcement in your community? The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Community Engagement is offering six (6) separate 5-week Citizens’ Police Academy classes, and we invite you to pre-register to hold your place!
What is the Citizens’ Police Academy?
The Citizens’ Police Academy is a community outreach program designed to provide residents with an inside look at the operations of the HCSO. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about various aspects of law enforcement, including patrol procedures, criminal investigations, crisis intervention team, and more.
Why pre-register?
Pre-registering for the Citizens’ Police Academy classes ensures that you have a spot reserved for the class of your choice. Space is limited, so we encourage you to pre-register as soon as possible.
Click HERE to pre-register.
Benefits of Participating
By participating in the Citizens’ Police Academy, you gain a better understanding of the role of law enforcement in your community, and you engage with HCSO deputies and staff. This program is also an excellent way to meet fellow community members who share similar interests.
Don’t miss this chance to learn more about the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and the vital role they play in keeping our community safe. Pre-register today!
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Join us for the HCSO vs. Filipino Community Basketball game from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, at Filhoops, 7835 Wright Rd., Houston, TX 77041. Come cheer for your favorite team.
This event is free and open to everyone. Bring your friends and family!
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Are you interested in starting a career in law enforcement? The Harris County Sheriff's Office invites you to our upcoming Career Fair that will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Saturday, June 8, at the HCSO Academy, located at 2316 Atascocita Road, Humble, TX 77396.
To be eligible for these positions, candidates must be 18 or older and have a high school diploma or an equivalent degree. This event is open to the public, and no prior experience is necessary!
For more information about career opportunities at HCSO, please visit HCSOJobs.com or call 713-877-5250. We hope to see y'all there!
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Hope City Church will provide free hot meals and supplies over the next few days. If you need food or supplies visit 5300 W. Sam Houston Parkway N.
Drive-through distribution:
- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 25.
- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, May 27.
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Seeking Disaster Assistance Information? | |
Whether it's a natural disaster or unforeseen crisis, stay informed and stay ready. Familiarize yourself with the resources available to you so that you can navigate any emergency with confidence. | |
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The Police Executive Research Forum has acknowledged the Harris County Sheriff's Office for implementing and standardizing Integrated Communication, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT) training for its detention staff. HCSO is the nation's first agency to implement ICAT training in the Harris County Jail. Thanks to PERF for the recognition!
The report features case studies from two agencies training detention personnel in ICAT: the sheriff’s offices in Harris County, Texas, and Santa Cruz County, California.
In January 2021, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and HCSO started an agency-wide training in ICAT to have a positive impact when we respond to mental health calls in the field and in our jails.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/3dkcnfep to read the publication.
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HCSO K9 Bram crossed the rainbow bridge today with his family and handler Deputy James Love at his side.
K9 Bram was a dual-purpose explosive detection and criminal apprehension canine that served the residents of Harris County for eight years. During that time, Bram made a significant impact on the community, conducting a multitude of bomb sweeps at public infrastructure and events such as Super Bowl LI and the MLB World Series.
In addition, K9 Bram assisted in the apprehension of multiple violent felony suspects during his career.
Bram, you will be missed. Rest easy!
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Congratulations to all the graduates! We celebrate your hard work, dedication, and remarkable achievements. Your success is an inspiration to us all, and we are proud to honor this milestone with you. | |
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. | |
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Congratulations to Chief, the Harris County Sheriff's Office Mounted Patrol pony, on his retirement! Chief has been serving for the past six years, bringing joy to the residents of Harris County.
Congratulations, and enjoy your well-deserved retirement!
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Familiarize yourself with our Mental Health Resources | |
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to emphasize the importance of mental well-being and highlight the resources available to our team at the Harris County Sheriff's Office. This month, we are proud to feature the Behavioral Health Division (BHD) and launch our new Peer Support Network.
The Behavioral Health Division was established in 2020 with a mission to provide evidence-based and confidential mental health services to HCSO teammates. Under the leadership of Dr. Thomas McNeese, the BHD has become an essential part of our agency, offering a range of services designed to enhance the well-being and productivity of our team.
The BHD team, composed of in-house behavioral health specialists, delivers a variety of quality services including individual and family counseling, crisis consultation, and educational training. The team, which includes doctoral-level clinical psychologists, professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists, is available 24/7 for crisis consultation and also provides non-crisis consultation on occupational and operational issues.
In addition to their direct services, the BHD has built partnerships with institutions like Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Houston’s First Responder Program. These collaborations ensure that our services meet the highest level of professional practice and training, keeping us at the forefront of cutting-edge, evidence-based services.
Complementing the efforts of the BHD is the newly formed Peer Support Network, which provides a safe space for HCSO teammates to share their feelings, concerns, and experiences with colleagues who understand the unique challenges of the job. The goal of the Peer Support Network is to reduce feelings of isolation, normalize reactions to trauma, and promote mental health and resilience.
As the agency’s first full-time Peer Support Specialist, Deputy John Celius plays a crucial role in this initiative. He offers a non-judgmental listening ear, emotional support, and practical guidance to help individuals navigate difficult situations.
Both the Behavioral Health Division and the Peer Support Network are integral parts of our commitment to supporting the mental health of our teammates. During Mental Health Awareness Month, we encourage all HCSO team members to use these resources. Whether you need support navigating a specific concern or looking to improve your general wellness, the BHD and Peer Support Network are here to help you move forward.
To learn more or schedule an appointment with the Behavioral Health Division please call (346) 286 3150. For the Peer Support Network, contact Deputy Celius at (281) 381 8563 or (346) 286 3150. Reach out via email at HCSOPeerSupportAdmin@hctx.net.
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Welcome to the Harris County EAP online scheduler where you can schedule an appointment with a Harris County Dedicated Counselor!
You can get support on a variety of topics including relationships, mood issues, eating, sleep, depression, stress, burnout, loneliness, parenting, self-esteem, and more. This service is completely confidential and no information regarding your participation is shared.
Aetna’s Resources for Living is an employer-sponsored program, available at no cost to you and all members of your household. Children living away from home are covered up to age 26. Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Appointments are conducted virtually and can be scheduled for 25- or 50-minute sessions.
- Same day appointments may be available.
- There is no cost for this appointment.
- This service is available for Harris County employees only. Dependents/household members can call 833-657-2111 for EAP resources.
To schedule an appointment, visit Schedule Appointment with RFL Online Scheduler, then select one of the following providers by clicking on Book next to their name for the desired appointment duration, and then select a date and time.
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HCSO Newsletter #185 - Appreciating our Heroes and Encouraging Safety | HCSO Newsletter #185- Appreciating our Heroes and Encouraging Safety Visit the Harris County Sheriff's Office Homepage Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez: Meteorologists are forecasting an above-average | | | | | | |
