Visit the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homepage
Visit the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homepage
Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:
On September 16, 2025, a bus filled with Harris County Sheriff’s Office cadets traveled across Houston to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse communities they will soon serve as deputies. This initiative was designed to provide cadets with firsthand insight into the unique needs, concerns, and perspectives of different neighborhoods before they graduate from the academy.
The day-long tour began at Talento Bilingüe de Houston, where Dr. Rolando “Rudy” Treviño spoke with cadets about cultural representation, communication, and the importance of building trust with Houston’s Latino community. He emphasized the language barriers that can sometimes arise and encouraged cadets to remain patient, empathetic, and mindful when serving Spanish-speaking residents.
At Emancipation Park, Tammie Lang Campbell highlighted the community’s rich history and underscored the importance of law enforcement leading with compassion rather than force. She reminded cadets that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” pointing to the need for proactive, community-centered policing.
The tour continued at the Montrose Center, where Johnny Argumedo and Anya Tsang provided insight into the LGBTQ+ community. They discussed respectful ways community members wish to be addressed, the importance of making individuals feel welcome, and how outdated terminology can be harmful or offensive.
At the Sikh Center of the Gulf Coast Area, Gurmeet Singh Kindra and Hardeep K. Singh spoke about the concerns of the Sikh community and shared what they need from law enforcement leaders to feel both understood and supported.
The experience left a lasting impact on the cadets. Cadet Taylor Aguon reflected, “I’m a Black woman, so I know our own struggles, but hearing the concerns of other cultures was very important because Houston is a big ole melting pot.” She emphasized the importance of understanding a community before attempting to serve.
Cadet David Tong shared his most significant takeaway: “to bridge the gap between law enforcement and different communities. How we relate to them, interact, and get beyond all the anxiousness that we have between each other.”
As one of the most diverse cities in the nation, Houston demonstrates that adequate public safety depends on more than just enforcing the law—it requires understanding the people we serve. By connecting directly with leaders and residents in these communities, cadets gained valuable knowledge that will help them approach their future roles with cultural awareness, empathy, and respect.
This initiative reflects HCSO’s ongoing commitment to preparing deputies not only to uphold the law, but also to serve as trusted partners in every neighborhood across Harris County.
WATCH: Building Trust Beyond the Badge
HCSO In the News
Lost Something? HCSO’s Property Room listings are online!
Lost Something? HCSO’s Property Room listings are online! Search items & learn how to file a claim: http://tinyurl.com/42v58wb2 or call 713-274-9310.
Thanks, Houston Chronicle and KHOU, for sharing!
- Chronicle: http://tinyurl.com/5yz2xzed
- KHOU: http://tinyurl.com/4acyne2e
Fake ‘toll fee,’ traffic violations calls under investigation by FBI, Harris Co. Sheriff’s Office
HOUSTON – Harris County authorities, along with federal agents, are warning the public about widespread fake text messages targeting victims around the Houston area.
According to the Harris County District Clerk’s Office, the FBI and the Sheriff’s Office Financial Crimes Unit are investigating messages demanding payment for a so-called “toll fee” notifying recipients about supposed traffic violations. These messages claim to be from the District Clerk’s Office, but officials have confirmed they are not genuine.
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Honoring Our Fallen Heroes
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office proudly joined forces with the Texas Brotherhood Ride on their final stop as they honored 13 fallen first responders across Texas.
Among them were four of our own heroes — Deputies Fernando Esqueda, John Coddou III, Bryan Sweetman, and Rondald Bates — whose names and legacies will be carried on this ride from Lubbock to Houston.
Their courage and sacrifice live on, and thanks to the Texas Brotherhood Ride, we are reminded that Texas Never Forgets.
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.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognize Deputy Carlos Sturghill for his professionalism and dedication to our community.
A Harris County resident recently shared:
“I had to bring my wife to the Methodist Willowbrook hospital. Upon entering the building, the security officer appeared aggressive and hostile to me at the time. I won’t go into all the details, but Deputy Carlos Sturghill was able to calm this situation with such ease and respect. Recognizing how I was feeling as I rushed my wife to the emergency room, this deputy is a credit to himself, his unit, and to all of law enforcement. The Sheriff’s Office should be proud to have deputies like him—he represents exactly what residents expect when they encounter members of law enforcement. His ability to bring about calm and peace should be recognized.”
Deputy Carlos Sturghill has proudly served with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) since June 2011. He began his law enforcement career in December 1996 with the Milwaukee Police Department, bringing years of valuable experience to his role. Currently, he is assigned to the Courts Division, where he serves as a bailiff, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to professionalism and public service.
Thank you, Deputy Sturghill, for your commitment to excellence, your steady professionalism, and for treating every situation with respect and compassion.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognize Andrea Harlan, Receptionist with our Human Resources Division, for her professionalism, kindness, and commitment to service.
A retired HCSO member recently shared:
“The HR Division has shown great improvement in handling retired Deputy matters. Andrea was very quick in getting me a new retirement ID and even made a follow-up call to let me know it had been sent out the same day she received my expired ID. This happened in less than a week. It’s nice to see the HCSO cares about their retirees and is always there to assist in any way with respect and courtesy.”
Andrea has been a valued part of HCSO since November 2023 and currently serves as a Clerk in Human Resources. In just a year and a half, she has already made a positive impact through her dedication to assisting both employees and retirees with respect and compassion.
Thank you, Andrea, for embodying our values of service and excellence, and for the care you show to the HCSO family every day.
HCSO Introduces First – Ever Basic Detective Course
HCSO is hosting its first-ever Basic Detective Course — an important step in strengthening investigations and serving our community.
This required training equips detectives with the knowledge and skills to conduct investigations of every kind. Currently, 32 detectives are participating in this inaugural course.
We are incredibly proud of their dedication and hard work in reaching this milestone. Their commitment ensures Harris County continues to receive professional, thorough, and compassionate service.
Spotlight on Service: Isis Garcia Honored for Turning Data into Action
From traffic clerk to Crime Analyst, Isis Garcia has dedicated more than 13 years to turning data into action at HCSO.
Yesterday, Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia recognized Isis for her innovation, leadership, and commitment to public safety. Her mastery of analytics and mentorship of fellow analysts have made a lasting impact across Harris County.
As we look to celebrate National Crime and Intelligence Analyst Appreciation Day, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on Isis and her remarkable contributions to public safety.
Mental Health Resources from CIRT
September is Suicide Prevention Month. If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please remember: you are not alone.
Support and hope are always within reach. Call 713-221-6000, dial 988, or 911 in an emergency.
We’re here for you.
Join HCSO for National Night Out!
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and HCSO are excited to join our community for National Night Out on October 7, 2025!
We can’t wait to connect with you, share in the festivities, and continue building the bonds that make our neighborhoods safe.
Welcome to HCSO!
Congratulations to our 47 newest Detention Officers!
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the HCSO team are incredibly proud of your hard work and dedication. Are you ready to join our ranks? Visit HCSOJobs.com or call 713-877-5250.
Scam Alert!
The Harris County District Clerk’s Office has received multiple complaints about fraudulent text messages demanding immediate payment. These texts include fake links that take you to a fraudulent website asking for personal and credit card information.
Stay safe:
- Always check links before clicking.
- Never provide personal or financial details to suspicious sites.
- Report scams to HCSO at 713-221-6000.
Protect yourself and your information!