Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez – Protecting Yourself and Your Community this Labor Day
As Labor Day approaches, many look forward to enjoying a well-deserved break with family and friends. Whether you’re planning a road trip, a backyard barbecue, or a day at the lake, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office encourages everyone to prioritize safety throughout the holiday weekend.
Water Safety: For those spending time on or near the water, follow essential safety practices. Wear life jackets when boating or swimming, and never leave children unattended near water. Be aware of weather conditions and avoid swimming in areas with strong currents or other hazards. If you’re boating, don’t operate a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Travel Safety: If you hit the road, please drive responsibly. Expect heavier traffic and allow extra time for your journey. Always wear your seatbelt, obey speed limits, and avoid distractions such as texting while driving. If you plan to drink, designate a sober driver or use a rideshare service. Let’s work together to keep our roads safe for everyone. Click HERE for more tips.
Fire Safety: If your Labor Day plans include grilling or a campfire, please take precautions to prevent fires. Keep grills away from structures and flammable materials, and never leave them unattended while in use. Ensure campfires are fully extinguished before leaving them. Remember, it only takes a spark to start a wildfire.
Heat Safety: The Texas heat can be intense, even in early September. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and take breaks in the shade or indoors if you spend time outside. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, such as dizziness, headaches, and nausea.
We should all look out for one another this weekend. If you see something suspicious or someone in need of help, don’t hesitate to contact local authorities. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office wishes you a happy and safe Labor Day. We can all contribute to a safer community by taking these simple precautions. Enjoy the holiday and remember to stay safe!
WATCH: Water Safety Tips
Suicide Prevention: What You Can Do to Save Lives
September is Suicide Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, provide support, and connect people with resources that can save lives. Suicide is a critical public health issue, and by understanding the signs and being aware of available resources, we can all play a part in preventing it.
While there is no single cause for suicide, understanding the risk factors and warning signs is crucial. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline identifies several warning signs that may indicate a loved one is at risk for suicide, mainly if the behavior is new or seems linked to a stressful event. These include but are not limited to:
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness or being a burden to others.
- Increasing use of alcohol or drugs.
- Acting anxious or engaging in reckless behavior.
- Experiencing significant changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping too little or too much.
- Withdrawing from social activities or isolating themselves.
- Displaying rage or experiencing extreme mood swings.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be contacted by calling 988. They offer free, confidential support 24/7.
This month, take the opportunity to learn more about suicide prevention and help break the stigma surrounding mental health. Share information with friends and family, participate in community events, and consider donating to organizations that support suicide prevention efforts.
By staying informed and supporting those around us, we can help prevent suicide and create a community where everyone feels valued and supported.
WATCH: National Mental Health Awareness Month
HCSO In The News
HOUSTON – A big drug bust was achieved through the help of Harris County Sheriff’s Office K9, Trex. Trex helped deputies locate 80,000 to 100,000 pills of ecstasy during an ongoing investigation.
Details on the investigation have not been released. No arrests have been announced at the time of this writing.
KHOU11: Baby Moses Law: HCSO reminds parents who abandon infants that there are other options
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Two newborn babies were found dead in Harris County in the last week. In the last six months, at least five other infants have been abandoned across the Houston area.
The disturbing trend prompted law enforcement to urge parents to follow the state’s Safe Haven or Baby Moses law.
MyTexasDaily: Harris County Jail Showcases Veterans Support Program to Texas Veterans Commission
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office hosted a tour of its jail facilities for the Texas Veterans Commission and Commissioner Kevin Barber, highlighting the success of the “Brothers in Arms” program, which supports incarcerated veterans.
Launched in February 2019, the Brothers in Arms program provides veterans within the Harris County Jail with specialized resources, guidance, and support tailored to their unique needs.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – KPRC 2 is learning more about a missing teenager from Harris County after her father tells us she was found in New York.
Avery Baker, 16, was last seen at her father, Anthony Baker’s home on Thursday, August 15. “I was angry at first, but it turned into fear and panic pretty quickly,” Mr. Baker said.
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HCSO Teammate 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.
“I wanted to take this opportunity to praise Deputy Collins. We had a very emotional case this week, and he was in charge of the jury. The jury, who we could tell was deeply touched by the evidence they heard, had so many great things to say about him,” said Harris County Judge Ana Martinez. “They were all so thankful he was in charge of them and made sure we were aware of how much they appreciated his service. Deputy Collins continues to display a wonderful command of the courtroom, and his warm personality makes him a great fit for our court.”
Deputy Ellison Collins is a 20-year veteran of HCSO. He began his law enforcement career as a detention officer with our agency and later became a deputy. Currently, he serves as a bailiff in felony courts within the HCSO Courts Division.
Understanding the Baby Moses Law
If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed and struggling with the challenges of a newborn child, remember that you are not alone.
The Baby Moses Law in Texas provides a compassionate and safe alternative for parents in crisis to surrender their newborns (up to 60 days old) at designated safe havens without fear of prosecution. These safe havens include hospitals, fire stations, and EMS stations.
This law ensures that infants are left in secure and caring environments where they can receive the protection and care they need. It offers a lifeline for parents who may have no other options.
Support and Resources:
- No questions asked. No fear of prosecution.
- Safe havens include hospitals, fire stations, and EMS stations.
- Need help? Call 1-800-252-5400 or visit the Texas Health and Human Services at hhs.texas.gov.
- Help is available, and no one should face these challenges alone. Together, we can ensure the safety and well-being of every child.
Honoring the Legacy of Deputy John H. Coddou
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Unit Robbery Supervisors and Investigators were deeply honored to join fallen Deputy Investigator John H. Coddou’s wife, Kathleen, and mother, Rose, in accepting a resolution from the Robbery Investigators of Texas (RIOT) in his memory.
This resolution, presented at the annual RIOT conference in Fort Worth, Texas, honors Deputy Coddou’s life and legacy as a great investigator, dedicated public servant, and a true hero to all of us.
Deputy Coddou joined our agency in 2003 and served in many capacities. His commitment to justice and service will continue to inspire and guide us.
Gone but never forgotten.
Veterans Commission Visits Harris County Jail
Earlier this month, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office hosted a tour of the Harris County Jail for the Texas Veterans Commission and Texas Commissioner Kevin Barber.
The Texas Veterans Commission visited our Brothers in Arms Program, which is designed to assist all veterans housed in the jail with the resources, guidance, and support they need during their time with us.
Since the Brothers in Arms program was established in February 2019, over 1,600 veterans have received programming and resources tailored to their needs. In 2023, with the assistance of our Texas Veterans Commission partners, we identified over 2,000 veterans incarcerated at Harris County Jail.
The Brothers in Arms Program is not just about assistance—it’s about building a community within our facility where veterans can connect, heal, and find the strength to move forward.
We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Texas Veterans Commission and other community partners to serve our residents with excellence.
HCSO Crime Lab Maintains ANAB Accreditation
We are thrilled to announce that, following a comprehensive external audit, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit Crime Laboratory has successfully achieved continued accreditation from the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)!
This prestigious accreditation reaffirms our commitment to maintaining a high-quality lab management system and highlights the expertise and dedication of our skilled teammates.
Thank you to our amazing team for their unwavering commitment to excellence and ensuring the integrity of our forensic investigations. Your efforts are vital in solving crimes and bringing justice to victims and their families.
HCSO Joins National Leaders at 48th NOBLE Conference
Several Harris County Sheriff’s Office members attended the 48th annual National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives – NOBLE Training Conference and Exhibition held in New Orleans. This year’s theme was “Stronger Together: Reducing and Preventing Crime through Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations.”
HCSO Teammates presented and moderated educational workshops, panel discussions, and interactive sessions. More than 2,000 law enforcement professionals nationwide participated in the Blessing of the Badge Ceremony, Memorial March, and Host City Reception.
HCSO is proud to be part of such an inspiring and transformative experience, working towards a stronger, more united future in law enforcement.
