Author: HCMUD 150

Crime Prevention Month recognizes the role each of us plays in promoting safety awareness and neighborhood unity. It reminds us of our collective power – and responsibility – to make an impact in our neighborhoods and the lives of our neighbors.

Crime prevention is most effective when residents, public safety agencies, businesses, houses of worship, and schools work together in partnership. Our patrol leaders and deputies must establish relationships with the neighbors that make up the community they serve and increase trust daily to inspire positive change.

On Tuesday, we look forward to getting out once again and safely interacting with residents across the county during this year’s National Night Out festivities. This tradition is an evening the Sheriff’s Office looks forward to every year. Let’s build on the spirit of community and collaboration that this day brings. And let’s carry on its true meaning – coming together as neighbors, as a community – year-round.

Crime Prevention Tips and Resources

The National Crime Prevention Council and local law enforcement agencies join forces every year to spread the word about personal safety and crime prevention resources. One of the most important aspects of crime prevention is increasing our awareness of our surroundings. When it comes to knowing our own neighborhood the best, we are the experts.

• Stay active in your community. Join your homeowner association or Neighborhood Watch Program.
• Be aware of the crimes being reported in your area.
• Sign up for Nextdoor, a social app that allows you to make online connections with your neighbors to exchange helpful information about your community. Follow our agency to become more aware of how we are supporting and serving you daily. You will receive breaking news updates, missing persons and wanted suspects alerts, crime prevention resources, and invitations to virtual community forums.
• Keep your doors and garages locked. Protect windows and sliding glass doors with good locks or other security measures.
• The Sheriff’s Office offers an added sense of security when you go out of town through its Vacation Watch Program.
• Work out a buddy system with a neighbor to check on each other regularly.
• Park in well-lit, busy areas. Have your car or house key in hand as you approach your home or vehicle.
• Hide valuables in your car or remove them completely from your car.

See Something, Say Something

Crime prevention starts with you. Take precautions to reduce your vulnerability to certain crimes, including theft, fraud, and property crime.

See something, say something. We need everyone to be involved and energized in their efforts to protect themselves, their family, and their property.

Contact Us

Looking for more crime prevention tips and resources? Call us.

Harris County Sheriff’s Office Community Engagement Division: 346-286-3125

We hope to see you and your family in your neighborhood for a night of fun at National Night Out!

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We recently launched a pilot Recovery Support Peer Specialist Training Program in the Harris County Jail. On Tuesday, we presented certificates of completion to our first ten participants. The graduates are now providing supervised hands-on support and guidance to others in their recovery journey.

This moment has been in the making for more than a year. We were able to implement this life-changing opportunity through partnerships and the support of the Office of the Governor.

Addiction has impacted countless lives. As public safety leaders, we must have a multi-faceted approach to reduce recidivism, and a crucial part of that approach is treatment and peer-to-peer coaching.

“No one can walk with someone through life better than someone who has experienced it,” said Dariel Newman, Director of Nursing.

“And this was our vision for this program. We wanted to help people inside our facilities, not just with doing their time, but positioning them to come back to their communities with a new mindset and skills they didn’t have before.”

Participants demonstrated continuous courage and a strong desire to remain sober while lifting others in their recovery journey to make it to graduation.

They completed six hours of foundational training and 46 hours of interactive training with extensive role-playing and scenarios led by Darrel Sims, a recovery coach trainer.

His personal story of addiction and overcoming barriers serves as an inspiration to those who want to change.

“I was once in the same position as the people I serve today,” said Sims, who has dedicated himself to empowering others through mentorship and teaching resiliency. He referred to his work as a calling, adding, “Recovery is different for every individual, and we are here to help them find their unique path. It’s about being hands-on and person-centered.”

Empowering Others

This pilot program is an invaluable tool in meeting the needs of those entrusted into our care and reducing recidivism. It’s designed to promote self-determination and healthy coping skills to reach personal wellness and navigate stressors.

“It’s not about telling someone how to live their life,” said Helen Harper-Davis, Substance Abuse Program Lead, and Substance Abuse Counselor. “It’s about guiding them to a different perspective by putting options on the table, sharing a vulnerable moment, and trying to get down to what is making them feel a certain way.”

We are proud to champion a collaborative initiative that makes life better for the person providing the support and the person receiving it.

Participants have started applying the knowledge, skills, and tactics they learned to fulfill 250-hours of real-life experience. Working with a newly formed cohort inside the county jail is one step closer to completing their certifications. Most importantly, they provide a sense of empathy and understanding that only comes from having experienced recovery. Their journey is just beginning.

“It’s easy for society to write us off because of a stigma or their biases,” said one of the program graduates. “And it’s easy for us to give up and accept these titles. But this has given us hope and purpose as we reenter society.”

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We recently created the Neighborhood Policing Division to strengthen our agency’s commitment to enhancing relationships across our county and to build on our longtime philosophy of engaging those we serve in the safety of our communities.

The various units that makeup our newest division are community-focused with the goal of addressing quality of life challenges and behavioral health-related issues through problem-oriented policing methods, meaningful partnerships, and proven training.

“Collaboration is central to the way we lead,” said Capt. Shelton, who oversees the newly established Neighborhood Policing Division. “It’s seen in our mental health programs and behavioral health training that have become models in policing across the state and nation. It’s seen in our community outreach efforts that empower our most vulnerable neighbors with the tools, skills, and support to help them overcome barriers to success.”

Capt. Shelton added, “We have been working hard to gain insight into the unique needs of each neighborhood and to keep building trust. Our work must be an extension of our core values and improve our response to our community’s public safety needs.”

The Neighborhood Policing Division will host its first virtual public safety forum on Tuesday, Sept. 21, at 6 p.m., introducing the division’s mission, leaders, and units.

Register Today

We invite Harris County residents to join their neighbors for this meaningful discussion on important updates and upcoming events. You will learn about new boarding home regulations from our Boarding Home Detail and a special guest from the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office.

You will also hear about neighborhood contracts and a training program called Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement that promotes an agency-wide culture that prevents misconduct, reduces mistakes, and enhances deputy health and wellness.

Public safety forums are part of our ongoing efforts to keep you informed. They are also an opportunity for you to ask questions and share any concerns with deputies patrolling your block and leading these initiatives.

We know that a strong neighborhood depends on strong relationships. And we recognize the invaluable impact you have on the safety of our neighborhoods and Harris County’s future.

A safe and compassionate community requires constant attention, care, and collaboration. Thank you for your partnership and for joining us on this journey.

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On Saturday, our nation marks the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. It is hard to imagine the sense of profound upheaval, devastation, and uncertainty that existed on that day in the moments after the attacks. No matter how much time has passed since the tragedy, we continue to fulfill our sacred obligation to remember all those who lost their lives.

We pause to remember the 2,977 souls we lost, including the 412 first responders who perished while striving to save others.

These brave heroes rescued people trapped in the massive amount of smoke, debris, and rubble from when the Twin Towers fell, and the west side of the Pentagon partially collapsed. Many died trying to climb flights of stairs to save people. Thousands of other victims suffered severe injuries and endured grueling long-term recoveries. And there are still victims that remain unidentified. They will never be forgotten.

9/11 Commemorative Badge

As a tribute to the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, more than 765 Sheriff’s Office team members ordered commemorative badges, a strong show of support that underscores the phrase, “Never forget,” as a testament of who we are as people and as a country.

20 years later, our hearts remain with those who lost loved ones on 9/11. Our lives are forever changed.

A portion of the proceeds from these sales were donated to Tunnel to Towers, a nonprofit that offers the construction of mortgage-free smart homes for injured veterans and first responders.

At the Sheriff’s Office, we honor and support our team members who served selflessly in the U.S. Armed Forces and then answered the call to protect their local communities.

Today we unveiled a Military Service Wall to recognize the service members and veterans in our ranks who perform in various roles, sworn and civilian, and at all levels of the agency. We take great pride in our teammates who fought and sacrificed for our liberty and freedom and continue to give back to their communities as public servants.
“Seeing our military reservists and veterans work tirelessly every shift put living a life of service into perspective,” said Major Bosquez, the 701 Housing Bureau Commander. “It inspired us to create a living tribute for our heroes who walk these hallways daily to show our appreciation for their countless contributions and to bring a smile to their face.”

As team members saw the progress of the work, their pride as veterans was on full display. In passing, many jokingly made sure Deputy Leason and Detention Officer Villarreal, both veterans, got the military branch colors right and did not overlook any details.

Deputy Leason, U.S. Army Veteran

Major Bosquez says the most rewarding part of this project was bringing in veterans on our team to guide the vision and get involved in the process.

“Our very own military vets rolled up their sleeves and grabbed paintbrushes, beaming as we got closer to the big reveal.”

He added, “This was a true team effort from the start, from the planning meetings that set the foundation and the dedicated paint crew to today’s unveiling. It’s a real testament to our camaraderie and endless support for one another.”

Detention Officer Villarreal, U.S. Air Force Veteran

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