Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez – Back-to-School Safety: Protecting Our Students, Together
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Visit the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homepage
Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:
As students across Harris County return to school, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office joins parents, educators, and neighbors in making safety our top priority. Whether a child is walking, biking, riding the bus, or traveling by car, every student deserves to start and end their day safely.
We know the first weeks of school are exciting, but they can also be hectic. That’s why we’re asking every driver, parent, and community member to do their part in creating safer roads and school zones.
Back-to-School Safety Tips
- Slow Down in School Zones: Follow posted speed limits and stay alert. Children can be unpredictable, especially near crosswalks. Avoid texting or using your phone — distracted driving is both dangerous and illegal in school zones.
- Watch for School Buses: Stop when buses are loading or unloading children. Passing a stopped school bus with flashing lights isn’t just illegal — it can have tragic consequences.
- Practice the Route Together: If your child walks or bikes to school, do a “practice run” with them. Point out crosswalks, safe places to go for help, and any potential hazards. Bright clothing or reflective gear helps them stay visible.
- Buckle Up, Every Time: Whether it’s a quick drive or a longer commute, seatbelts save lives. Make sure younger children are in the right car seats for their age and size.
- Stay Connected: Encourage your child to talk openly about anything that makes them feel unsafe — on campus, online, or along their commute.
From August 11 to August 22, HCSO deputies will step up traffic enforcement in school zones during the busiest times — one hour before and after school — to protect students during these critical weeks.
And with Texas Tax-Free Weekend (Aug. 8–11), families can save on school supplies, backpacks, and clothing under $100, both in stores and online — helping students start the year prepared.
As parents, neighbors, and public servants, we share the same goal: to give every child in Harris County a safe, positive start to the school year. Together, through awareness and cooperation, we can make that happen.
Stay safe, and have a wonderful school year.
WATCH: Back to School Safety Tips
HCSO In the News
Click2Houston: HCSO Dive Team assisting in recovery efforts for Hill Country Floods
The Dive Team for Harris County Sheriff’s Office is assisting with recovery efforts for the Hill Country Floods.
HCSO Deputy Javier Rojas is leading the operation in Kerrville, Texas, using Diver-Mounted Sonar gear to work towards underwater recoveries.
Click2Houston: Former corrections officer accused of targeting women on dating apps in Harris County serial rape investigation
HOUSTON – A man is now behind bars and facing multiple criminal charges following Harris County Sheriff’s Office serial rape investigation.
The suspect is 47-year-old Carl Earl Redfield, KPRC 2 first confirmed on Monday.
During Tuesday’s press conference, authorities also noted Redfield was previously a corrections officer in Indiana.
ABC13: $5K reward offered for information leading to arrest in hit-and-run that killed couple riding bikes
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A reward is being offered for information after deputies say a couple riding bikes were killed in a hit-and-run earlier this month.
On July 1, just before 11 p.m., Daniel Perez and Krystal Calvillo were riding their bicycles along Veterans Memorial in northwest Harris County when Perez was hit by a car.
Click2Houston: Multi-agency task force arrests dozens in Houston-area jugging robberies
A regional task force has arrested multiple suspects in connection with a string of violent ‘jugging’ robberies, where victims were tailed from banks and attacked.
In a press conference Thursday morning in Conroe, Montgomery County Sheriff Wesley Doolittle joined leaders from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Houston Police Department, and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office to share details of the joint operation.
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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 Joshua Cuellar as our Teammate of the Week. His dedication, professionalism, and connection with the community exemplify the best of public service.
A resident recently shared a heartfelt moment:
“Shout out to Deputy Joshua Cuellar, who took a break from patrolling Lakewood Crossing on the evening of Sunday, June 8th, to shoot some hoops with my son and his friends at his high school graduation party!”
Deputy Cuellar began his journey with HCSO in February 2024, joining the Basic Peace Officer Academy. His law enforcement career began in 2019, following his graduation from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Charleston, SC. While serving in the U.S. Coast Guard as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer, he developed a passion for public safety. Upon transitioning from active duty, he joined HCSO to continue that mission and further his law enforcement career. He currently serves in District 5 Patrol in north Harris County.
Thank you, Deputy Cuellar, for going above and beyond. Your service makes a lasting impact!
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognize Deputy Victor Castillo as our Teammate of the Week. With 16 years of distinguished service, Deputy Castillo continues to exemplify professionalism, courtesy, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Harris County.
A Harris County resident recently shared:
“On July 1, 2025, I was stopped by Deputy V. Castillo on Jones Road. He was very professional, courteous, and sociable. This started my day off in a very positive way.”
Deputy Castillo joined HCSO in July 2009 and currently serves on day shift patrol in District 5. His years of experience and respectful approach are a reflection of the core values we uphold every day.
Thank you, Deputy Castillo, for your exceptional service and the meaningful impact you continue to make in our community.
Resolution for CIRT Team
Honoring Life-Saving Work
On June 26, 2025, HCSO Crisis Intervention Response Team (CIRT), alongside mental health clinicians from The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, spent over four hours talking with a woman in crisis who was armed and standing in the middle of I‑45 North.
Through patience, compassion, and teamwork, they built trust, de-escalated the situation, and ensured she surrendered safely. Most importantly, they connected her with mental health resources to begin her path to healing.
We thank the Harris County Commissioners Court for recognizing this extraordinary effort with a resolution honoring the deputies and clinicians who prevented a tragedy and gave someone a second chance at life.
HCSO: Sex Offender Watch
HCSO deputies are going door to door, verifying compliance, and making felony arrests when necessary — all to ensure that registered sex offenders in Harris County are following the law.
This work isn’t just enforcement — it’s a promise to our community: that safety, accountability, and justice come first.
HCSO Dive Team Takes Kerrville
The HCSO Dive Team has deployed to Kerrville, TX, to support ongoing recovery efforts after the devastating July 4th floods that tragically claimed lives.
Our team, alongside Texas Task Force 1 and hundreds of dedicated volunteers and first responders, is working tirelessly to bring closure to the impacted families. Deputy Javier Rojas is leading a vital search operation using Diver-Mounted Sonar technology as we continue targeted underwater sweeps.
Our hearts remain with the community of Kerr County during this unimaginable time.
Be Aware: Jugging Crimes on the Rise
Criminals are targeting individuals as they leave banks and businesses with cash. Victims are followed to stores, parking lots, or even their homes—then violently robbed.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez joined Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and regional law enforcement partners in a unified effort to address and prevent these crimes across our communities.
Starting September 1, House Bill 1902 goes into effect, allowing law enforcement to charge jugging as a felony.
Stay aware of your surroundings, and if you notice something suspicious, don’t hesitate to speak up. Report suspicious activity:
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Non-emergency: 713-221-6000
Stay alert. Stay safe.
HCSO Hosts Annual Tip-a-Cop
What an incredible turnout at Tip-A-Cop!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out to support Special Olympics Texas and shared a meal with us. Our HCSO deputies had a blast serving our amazing community — all for a powerful cause.
Together, we’re creating a more inclusive, compassionate Harris County.
Protecting our Seniors
Extreme heat can be deadly — especially for our seniors.
Please take a moment to check on the older adults in your life. Make sure they have working A/C or fans, are staying hydrated, and know where to go if they need help cooling off.
Cooling centers are open across Harris County. Click HERE to find one near you.
Let’s protect those who once cared for us.
Water Safety Saves Lives
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office urge families to stay vigilant around water. Whether at the pool, lake, or beach — a few simple steps can prevent a tragedy.
Drowning can happen in just 20 seconds — especially for children ages 1 to 4, who are at the greatest risk.
Let’s protect each other and make every memory near the water a safe one.