Visit the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homepage
Visit the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homepage
Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:
Neighbors,
Some lessons you can’t learn from a classroom, a textbook, or a training manual. Sometimes, you have to sit across from another person, listen to their story, and try to see your community through their eyes. That’s what we wanted for the 62 cadets in BPOC Class B2-2025.
As part of our “Unity in the Community” Cadet Bus Tour, our future deputies spent a day traveling across Harris County and learning from the people who know their communities best.
At Barrett Station and the Riley Chambers Community Center, they learned about the history and experiences that helped shape that community. At Boat People SOS, they heard about Houston’s Vietnamese community and the experiences of people who built new lives here.
At Al-Noor Masjid, they spent time learning about the Muslim community, culture and faith. And at the Mexican Consulate, they continued the conversation about service, community and the importance of understanding the people behind the calls we answer.
For our cadets, these weren’t simply stops on a bus tour. They were opportunities to listen. And that matters because this community experience is part of a much broader preparation for the badge. At the academy, these cadets have been challenged academically and physically and trained in areas ranging from driving and firearms to the skills required to navigate the realities of law enforcement. But preparation isn’t only about what you can do. It’s also about how you see the people you are called to serve.
One cadet told us, “This tour is important because we have a chance to be out in the community and learn about different cultures and different backgrounds that we will serve.”
Another cadet described the experience as eye-opening, sharing that he knew very little about Vietnamese and Muslim cultures before the tour.
That honesty is important. None of us can know everything about every community. But we can choose to listen. We can choose to learn. And we can approach one another with respect and an open mind.
That is the kind of foundation we want our future deputies to carry with them when they leave the academy.
Because public safety is about more than responding when something goes wrong. It’s also about building relationships before we need them—so that when someone calls for help, there is already a foundation of trust.
I’m grateful to the community leaders who opened their doors and shared their time, knowledge and personal perspectives with our cadets: Priscilla T. Graham, Theresa Thomas and the Boat People SOS team, Zahoor Gire and the Al-Noor Masjid leadership, Dr. Rolando “Rudy” Treviño, Commissioner Lesley Briones, and the Mexican Consulate staff.
And thank you to Walmart, McDonald’s and Panadería Tierra Caliente for helping take care of our cadets throughout the day.
Our 62 cadets will graduate on October 1.
Soon, they’ll begin a new chapter—serving the people and communities they spent this day getting to know a little better.
I hope they remember what they learned on that bus for many years to come.
HCSO In the News
Harris County Sheriff’s Office builds online cold case database for 641 unsolved crimes
More than 40 years ago, neighbors found the bodies of a man and woman in their twenties at an apartment in Houston. No one had heard from the couple in days, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. They’d been stabbed, and the man had also been shot.
HCSO Cracks Down on Northside Chop Shops
Under the leadership of Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Auto Theft Task Force recently coordinated a multi-agency operation targeting illegal vehicle chop shops. The operation included the execution of search warrants at three locations across Harris County and resulted in the recovery of four stolen vehicles, 252 stolen vehicle parts and components, and one arrest.
Follow HCSO Social Media
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube
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.
A Harris County resident recently shared:
💬 “Deputy Aviles pulled me over for expired registration, and I expressed how I haven’t been able to afford to get it registered as I’m drowning in bills and debt and he gave me a warning. He doesn’t understand how thankful I am to him for showing me mercy because I am so stressed about money. He was so kind and understanding and I had to let you know how much it meant to me. I was able to continue my day of work and I will be going tomorrow to get this fixed. Thank you so much Deputy Aviles. I will never forget this.”
Deputy Aviles has proudly served with HCSO for nearly 15 years, beginning his law enforcement career in November 2011. He currently serves as a patrol deputy.
👏Thank you, Deputy Aviles, for leading with compassion and making a real difference in someone’s day!
A Harris County resident recently shared:
💬”Deputy Barboza was super helpful and nice. He made sure to provide me a good service into helping me change my spare tire, so that I can be able to take it to the store and replace it for a new one. 10/10 of excellent service.”
Deputy Barboza has been with HCSO since September 2018. He began his law enforcement career with Harris County Constable Precinct 5 in June 2017. He is currently assigned to District 6 Patrol, north Harris County.
👏 Thank you, Deputy Barboza, for going above and beyond to help our community!
Deputy Kasey Lewis Joins HCSO Dive Team
Every dive has a purpose.
At 50, Deputy Kasey Lewis is making history as the first woman to join the HCSO Dive Team since the Marine Unit took over operations in 2017.
But for Lewis, the milestone is secondary to the mission: recovering evidence, searching for victims, and helping bring answers and closure to families.
Her achievement also reflects HCSO’s commitment to the 30×30 Initiative, a national effort focused on increasing the representation and supporting the advancement of women in law enforcement.
25 Years Later: Harris County Remembers 9/11
On September 11, 2026, Harris County paused to remember.
One of the most solemn days of the year. Sheriffs, US United, and DistrictWON connected communities in various states through one of our greatest traditions: Friday Night Lights High School Football. Sports have the unique power to unify all of us.
An incredible national moment of unity, led by America’s Sheriffs and local leaders. Thank you, Channelview ISD and Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, for hosting the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and other public safety partners. 🏈
We will never forget.
HCSO Honored by MADD for Commitment to Safer Roads
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office were proud to join Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for its Law Enforcement Recognition Dinner, honoring those who work every day to keep impaired drivers off our roadways.
We are grateful to MADD for recognizing the dedication of our deputies and for their continued partnership in the fight to end impaired driving.
Together, we remain committed to preventing crashes, saving lives, and making Harris County roads safer for everyone. 💙🚔
65 Arrests, 65 Lives Potentially Saved: HCSO’s Labor Day DWI Crackdown
On Labor Day weekend, 65 individuals were arrested for impaired driving across Harris County. That’s 65 opportunities to prevent someone from hurting themselves or others on our roadways. If you plan on drinking, plan for a safe ride home. #DrivelikeaTexan
New Class of Detention Officers Graduates, Ready to Serve
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!
HCSO Is Hiring: Join Our Detention Officer Team
HCSO is hiring Detention Officers! Looking for a career with purpose, growth, and great benefits? Join HCSO and make a difference in your community every day.
Apply now: HCSOJobs.com or call 713-877-5250.