Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year â the laughter of children, the creativity of costumes, and the joy of community connections. As we prepare for this festive night, the Harris County Sheriffâs Office (HCSO) invites everyone to make safety part of the celebration.
Letâs look out for one another and make this Halloween both fun and safe:
đ Keep kids close and visible. An adult should accompany children under 12. Choose bright costumes or add reflective tape and glow sticks to make everyone easy to see.
đ¸ Walk smart, drive slow. Trick-or-treatersâuse crosswalks and look both ways. Driversâgo extra slow and stay alert in residential areas.
đĄ Make your home welcoming and safe. Turn on lights, clear walkways, and secure pets indoors so everyone can enjoy the evening without worry.
đŹ Inspect before you enjoy. Parents, take a moment to check candy and treats before little ones dig in.
If you see something, say something. Report suspicious behavior â for emergencies, call 911; for non-emergencies, call 713-221-6000.
Halloween is brighter when we look out for each other. From all of us at HCSO â thank you for making safety part of the fun!
Safe Neighborhoods Start with Connected Communities
October is Crime Prevention Month, and the Harris County Sheriffâs Office proudly celebrates the power of partnership â because safety starts with all of us.
Every light left on, every locked door, and every watchful neighbor helps build a stronger, safer community. Crime prevention isnât just law enforcementâs job â itâs a shared effort between residents, families, and local organizations.
Here are simple, impactful ways to get involved:
Stay Alert: Notice whatâs happening around you. Report suspicious behavior to local authorities.
Lock It Up: Keep homes, vehicles, and valuables secure â even if youâre stepping away for a moment.
Get Involved: Join or start a Neighborhood Watch. Community connection is one of our strongest defenses.
Light It Up: Keep entryways and driveways well-lit to discourage unwanted activity.
Educate & Empower: Talk to your family about safety awareness and the importance of looking out for one another.
When you travel, HCSOâs Vacation Watch Program can help protect your property. And by joining Nextdoor, you can stay in touch with neighbors and receive updates directly from our office.
Letâs use this month to reconnect, reengage, and recommit to a safer Harris County. If you see something, say something â contact the HCSO Community Engagement Division at 346-286-3328, or visit the National Crime Prevention Council.
Together, we make a difference â one neighborhood at a time.
KATY, Texas (Covering Katy) â The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding a Katy-area woman who has been missing for more than a year.
Amarillyz “Amy” Estevez, 23, was last seen Aug. 12, 2024, at her home on North Piper Grove Drive near Greenhouse Road.
Her mother, Nora Trevino, said Estevez went outside to speak briefly with her boyfriend and never returned. Her phone was found inside the house.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas â The U.S. Marshals Service apprehended the last remaining suspect in a 2021 Harris County murder case, bringing an end to a years-long manhunt for a man accused of ambushing and killing his neighbor.
Luis Argueta, 49, was arrested in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, and booked into the Webb County Jail pending extradition to Harris County, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
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.
HCSO Teammate of the Week: Deputy Shawn Denning
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriffâs Office proudly recognize Deputy Shawn Denning as this weekâs HCSO Teammate of the Week!
A Harris County resident recently shared:
âDeputy Denning pulled me over at the intersection of Westgreen and Highland Knolls in Katy. Deputy Denning displayed the utmost professionalism, courtesy, and respect during the traffic stop. When law enforcement officers do their job the wrong way, they should be held accountable â and when they do it the right way, they should be recognized. Deputy Denning showed an example of the right way to police⌠Too many families and communities are devastated when a traffic stop goes bad. If this interaction between Deputy Denning and me serves as a lesson to the public and law enforcement on how drivers should behave, hopefully, it can save someoneâs life. Good job, Deputy Denning.â
Deputy Denning has proudly served with HCSO for 19 years. He began his career as a Detention Officer in 2006, was sworn in as Deputy in 2015, and now serves as a Bailiff in the Court Division.
Thank you, Deputy Denning, for your professionalism, respect, and commitment to community trust. You embody the values of integrity and service that define HCSO.
HCSO Teammates of the Week: Deputy Todd Piper & Deputy Naresse Byrd
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriffâs Office proudly recognize Deputies Todd Piper and Naresse Byrd for their compassion, teamwork, and dedication to service.
A Harris County resident recently shared:
âI want to give my complete and utter gratitude to Deputy Piper and Deputy Byrd, as they both went above and beyond the scope of their duties. I had to administer CPR to my child, and my mom ran to find someone to help, as I was upset. Deputy Piper was off duty at the time, and he volunteered. Deputy Piper coached me through administering CPR to my child, helping me stay calm and focused. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t think I would’ve been able to keep my cool and focus on saving my baby. Deputy Byrd was the primary officer, and she talked to my mom and helped her calm down, accompanied us to the hospital, and stayed until she knew my baby was alright. I appreciate their empathy and kindness.â
Deputy Piper and Deputy Byrd exemplify what it means to serve with heart â showing courage, composure, and compassion in the face of crisis.
Please join us in thanking Deputies Piper and Byrd for their dedication to protecting and uplifting our community.
It has been just over a year since 23-year-old Amarillyz âAmyâ Estevez was last seen in Katy. The Harris County Sheriffâs Office is renewing its call for community assistance in the search for Amy.
Detectives stress that even the smallest piece of information could help bring Amy home. Tips can be shared without fear of retaliation.
If you have information, please contact the HCSO Missing Persons Unit at 713-274-9270 or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the Harris County Sheriffâs Office stands with survivors â reminding every person in our community that help is here, hope is real, and you are not alone.
Our Victim Assistance Unit and community partners are here to listen, support, and act. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please reach out â your safety matters.
đŁ In an emergency, call 911
đŁ HCSO Victim Assistance Unit: 713-274-9369
đŁ Houston Area Womenâs Center: 713-528-2121
đŁ National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Domestic violence thrives in silence â and silence ends when we speak up, listen, and support each other. Together, letâs break the cycle and build a safer, kinder community.
Need to find your towed car? Weâve made it easier! Starting Monday, November 3, 2025, every vehicle towed in unincorporated Harris County will be searchable at FindMyTowedCar.org.
Simply enter your license plate, VIN, or location and time of tow to see:
Where your car is being stored
Storage company contact info
Approximate fees
The site is available 24/7. Please allow about two hours after your vehicle is towed for the details to appear. We’re putting information at your fingertips to better serve Harris County.
The Harris County Sheriffâs Office proudly welcomed our 17 newly lateral deputies to the HCSO family! Your dedication, experience, and commitment to public service have prepared you to take on this important role in keeping our communities safe. Weâre honored to have you on our team.
Ready to make a difference? Apply today at HCSOJobs.com or call 713-877-5250.
HCSO joined community partners at the R.I.S.E. Empowerment Center for the unveiling of a powerful new mural celebrating healing, opportunity, and hope.
Lt. Jose Gomez spoke about how partnerships like ours with Commissioner Rodney Ellisâ Office, Harris County Public Health, and programs like R.I.S.E. strengthen neighborhoods, prevent violence, and build trust across communities.
Together, weâre creating a safer, more connected Harris County.
Every time you see flashing lights on the road, slow down and move over. Whether itâs law enforcement, firefighters, tow operators, or road crews, your caution saves lives. If you ever need emergency roadside assistance, call 713-CALL-MAP. Learn more:Â bit.ly/3RQtP3R.
On Thursday, October 9, the Harris County Sheriffâs Office proudly celebrated the graduation of 59 cadets from the Basic Peace Officer Class (BPOC) during a heartfelt ceremony at Fallbrook Church. Surrounded by family, friends, and agency leadership, the graduates marked the culmination of months of dedication, discipline, and a shared commitment to serve the people of Harris County.
In his remarks, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez commended the cadets for reaching a milestone that few achieve.
âGraduating from the Harris County Sheriffâs Office Academy is no small feat,â Sheriff Gonzalez said. âYouâve spent months in rigorous training, sacrificed time with loved ones, and faced physical, mental, and emotional challenges head-on.â
During their time at the academy, this graduating class made history by participating in the first-ever HCSO Bus Tour â an initiative designed to help cadets engage directly with communities across Harris County. The experience gave them a deeper understanding of the diverse neighborhoods, cultures, and residents they will soon serve, reinforcing the importance of empathy, awareness, and human connection in law enforcement.
Sheriff Gonzalez highlighted the diverse backgrounds represented among the graduates â including military veterans, parents, and those following family legacies in law enforcement. He emphasized that this diversity reflects the strength and resilience of Harris County and enriches the Sheriffâs Office as a whole.
As the new deputies prepared to begin their assignments in the Patrol Division, Sheriff Gonzalez encouraged them to lead with integrity, serve with compassion, and uphold the values of fairness and respect in every encounter.
âYou are more than enforcers of the law,â Sheriff Gonzalez said. âYou are mentors, community leaders, and voices for justice.â
The Sheriffâs Office also recognized the HCSO Academy staff for their unwavering commitment to developing and preparing the next generation of law enforcement professionals.
The evening concluded with pride, emotion, and unity as the graduates took their oath to serve and protect the people of Harris County â ready to begin their next chapter with courage, honor, and heart. Click here to view the album.
Building Trust, One Neighborhood at a Time: National Night Out
On Tuesday, October 7, the Harris County Sheriffâs Office joined residents across the county to celebrate National Night Out 2025, a nationwide event dedicated to strengthening trust, connection, and collaboration between law enforcement and the communities we proudly serve. Click here to view the album.
Throughout Harris County, neighborhoods came alive with block parties, cookouts, and community gatherings where residents had the opportunity to meet deputies, ask questions, and learn about safety programs and resources. From patrol deputies and mounted units to recruitment and specialized teams, HCSO members were out in full force â sharing smiles, building relationships, and reinforcing a simple truth: our community is our priority.
One of the eveningâs highlights was the friendly and spirited HCSO vs. HPD Tug-of-War, a tradition that never fails to draw a crowd. With teamwork and determination, HCSO pulled through for the win â earning not just bragging rights, but plenty of cheers and laughs from neighbors on both sides.
This yearâs National Night Out also marked a new chapter in community engagement at HCSO. The Sheriffâs Office has shifted from a centralized Community Engagement Team to a more division-led approach, empowering every unit and command to take an active role in connecting with residents. Deputies and staff are now working directly within the neighborhoods they serve â listening, responding, and building meaningful relationships one conversation at a time.
As Sheriff Ed Gonzalez often reminds us, community trust doesnât happen in a single night â itâs built through consistent presence, empathy, and collaboration.
The Harris County Sheriffâs Office extends heartfelt thanks to all the neighborhoods, volunteers, and partner agencies who made this yearâs National Night Out such a success.
Together, weâre building stronger, safer, and more united communities across Harris County â one neighbor, one conversation, and one act of kindness at a time. Be a good neighbor. Stay alert. If you see something, say something. Together, we can keep Harris County safe.
HCSO In the News
CW39: HCSO breaks ground on $157 million safety center complex
HOUSTON (KIAH) â On Tuesday, Harris County officials broke ground on a new $157 million safety center on Navigation Boulevard. The building will serve law enforcement and the community, bringing services closer to the courthouse and housing key investigative units.
The proposed development promises enhanced safety and convenience for nearby residents by offering accessible services and fostering community engagement.
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.
HCSO Teammate of the Week: Deputy Victor Plancarte
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriffâs Office proudly recognize Deputy Victor Plancarte for his professionalism, compassion, and commitment to service.
A Harris County resident recently shared:
âOfficer Plancarte was very kind and professional. We need more officers like him in the community. As a teacher in the area, his professionalism is what our students need to see from law enforcement. It shows everyone that officers are human and here to do what is best for everyone. Gratitude towards Officer Plancarte!â
Deputy Plancarte has served with HCSO for approximately eight years. He began his law enforcement career as a detention officer in 2017 and became a deputy in 2019.
Thank you, Deputy Plancarte, for representing HCSOâs values with pride and professionalism.
HCSO Teammate of the Week: Deputy Daryl Campbell
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriffâs Office proudly recognize Deputy Daryl Campbell for his professionalism, compassion, and commitment to service.
A Harris County resident recently shared:
âToday was already hectic on the road. Iâm from Hawaii but have been driving in Texas for six years and did something illegal without even realizing it. The deputy who pulled me over was so kind and gave me a warning instead of a ticket. Iâm so grateful â that act of understanding completely changed the course of my day. Deputy Campbell was awesome, and Iâm very happy we have kind officers like him. Thank you, Deputy Campbell, for cutting me some slack today. I really appreciate it.â
Deputy Campbell has proudly served with HCSO for over 10 years â beginning his career as a detention officer in 2015 before becoming a deputy in 2019. He currently serves as a Contract Patrol Deputy in District 4, in Katy, where he continues to make a difference through empathy, professionalism, and respect for the community.
Thank you, Deputy Campbell, for leading with kindness and exemplifying HCSOâs core values of integrity, service, and community first.
HCSO proudly wears purple in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month â a symbol of unity, hope, and support for survivors. We stand with those affected by abuse and remain committed to raising awareness, empowering victims, and promoting safety across Harris County.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call 713-274-9369. Together, we can break the silence and make a difference.
On September 27, a van crashed and caught fire along the Grand Parkway, trapping two passengers inside. Good Samaritans Fabian Gutierrez and Kevin Welch, along with others, rushed toward the flamesâpulling the driver to safety. Deputies say their quick actions and bravery saved a life. This week, the Harris County Sheriffâs Office proudly honored these individuals with challenge coins, recognizing their extraordinary courage.
The Harris County Sheriffâs Office partnered with the No Queen Left Behind organization to provide self-defense training for young women. Through hands-on training, the girls learned critical skills to protect themselves, build confidence, and stay safe in their everyday lives. Together, weâre building a stronger, safer community by empowering the next generation.
On October 6, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez was honored with the 2025 Cherish the Child Award from The Children’s Assessment Center – Houston-Harris County.
The award presented to Sheriff Gonzalez represents the hard work of the entire HCSO family. For over 30 years, our dedicated detectives, deputies, and team members have worked alongside CAC to protect children, support survivors, and help heal families.
From managing heartbreaking investigations to leading our annual Toy Drive, which delivers over 15,000 holiday gifts, our team’s mission remains clear: putting children’s safety and hope first. This recognition is for every HCSO teammate working daily to protect our community’s most vulnerable.
Thank you to everyone who joined us during Faith & Blue Weekend 2025! This national initiative brings law enforcement and faith communities together to build trust, strengthen relationships, and create safer neighborhoods.
We would like to thank Walmart for donating snacks, drinks and lunch. We appreciate their partnership and support. Weâre proud to serve alongside our community â because together, weâre stronger.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the entire HCSO team are proud of your dedication, discipline, and commitment to serving Harris County with integrity. Welcome to the HCSO family!
Ready to start your own career in public service? Visit HCSOJobs.com or call 713-877-5250.
Domestic violence is more than just statistics; it is a painful reality that affects families, neighbors, and loved ones throughout Harris County. This October, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office reaffirms its commitment to protecting victims, holding abusers accountable, and providing resources to help survivors heal and rebuild their lives.
From January to August 2025, our Homicide Unit responded to 67 murders, 23 of which were the result of domestic violenceânearly 1 in 3 homicides this year. While the overall number of murders has decreased compared to last year, the impact of domestic violence remains deeply troubling. Each of these cases represents a life cut short, a grieving family, and a community forever changed.
Domestic violence doesn’t always start with physical harm. It can begin with controlling behavior, constant disrespect, or isolation from friends and family. Recognizing these warning signs is the first step; reaching out for help is the next.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office stands in solidarity with survivors. Our Victim Assistance Unit offers:
Emergency shelter.
Counseling services.
Legal support and protective orders through partners like Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA).
Crime victim compensation.
Safety planning and relocation assistance.
We also help survivors create personalized safety plans because we know that leaving an abusive relationship can be one of the hardestâand often most dangerousâsteps a person can take. This is the message of Domestic Violence Awareness Month: no one should have to face this struggle alone.
To survivors: Your fight is our fight. Weâve got your back.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence:
In an emergency, call 911 immediately.
For resources and support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
Contact the HCSO Victim Assistance Unit at 713-274-9369.
Together, as a community, we can break the cycle of domestic violence and create a safer Harris County for everyone.
HOUSTON â In 2009, Sandeep Dhaliwal made history by joining the Harris County Sheriffâs Office as the first Sikh deputy, and six years after he was tragically killed in the line of duty, he is still remembered as a trailblazer.
In addition to becoming the first Sikh deputy hired with the Sheriffâs Office, he made history again by being able to wear his turban while serving out his duties as an officer. Being able to adorn the turban and keep his beard was particularly important because in the Sikh faith, these are identifying symbols of justice and protection for those in need.
HOUSTON â Harris County leaders have finalized funding to raise salaries for deputies and constables, bringing their pay in line with Houston Police Department officers.
This $8.3 billion Fiscal Year 2026 budget increases pay for county law enforcement officers, invests heavily in flood maintenance, protects funding for community health, safeguards Precinct funding for roads, sidewalks, parks, and community centers, and minimizes cuts to core services.
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.
HCSO Teammate of the Week: Deputy Josslyn Wilson
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriffâs Office proudly recognize Deputy Wilson as our Teammate of the Week.
A Harris County resident recently shared:
âI was pulled over by Deputy Wilson recently and she was truly a bright spot in an otherwise rainy dreary day. I understood the reason she pulled me over but she was polite, concise, and kind. I appreciated her demeanor and professionalism.â
Deputy Wilson began her law enforcement career with HCSO in August 2013. She is currently assigned as a patrol deputy in District 5, where she continues to serve and care for the community.
Thank you, Deputy Wilson, for your professionalism, kindness, and dedication to serving Harris County.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriffâs Office proudly recognize Deputy Adam Ray for his professionalism, compassion, and dedication to keeping our community safe.
A Harris County resident recently shared:
âI was driving in front of Birkes Elementary School on my way home. I was pulled over by HCSO Deputy A Ray. He issued me a warning to be careful. It was helpful that he reminded me of many students now walking to school within a mile radius. I shook his hand and wished him a blessed day. I am actually going to save this warning paper as a reminder that I need to be more cognizant of traffic and pedestrians. Thank you, Deputy Ray, for helping me stay on the straight and narrow. God bless and protect all of you.â
Deputy Ray began his career with HCSO in November 2011 as a Detention Officer. In February 2015, he became a certified Peace Officer. He currently serves in Patrol, District I, north Harris County, assigned to the Remington MUD 1 contract as the dayshift deputy.
Thank you, Deputy Ray, for your commitment to public safety and for serving with professionalism and heart.
On September 27, 2025, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office gathered to honor and remember our friend and fallen hero, Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, on the 6th anniversary of his passing.
His family and our teammates came together with the Copperbrook community, the very district he patrolled and protected, for a memorial breakfast.
Deputy Dhaliwalâs legacy of compassion, kindness, and courage continues to inspire us every day. He was a trailblazer who served our community with integrity and a heart full of love.
We will never forget his sacrifice. His memory lives on in the hearts of all who knew him, and we are committed to upholding the values he stood for.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriffâs Office proudly welcome the second Youth Leadership Council!
Twenty-seven outstanding students from high schools across Harris County are stepping up to lead, address critical issues, and create real-world solutions that strengthen our community.
A special thank-you to Crime Stoppers of Houston for generously hosting us, and to the Soudagar Organization for providing breakfast for our future leaders.
Together, we are building a safer, stronger Harris Countyâpowered by the voices of our youth.
On September 25, 2025, Commissioner Adrian Garcia, the Harris County Precinct 2 team, and HCSO teammates joined neighbors in District 3 to dedicate a new pocket park in honor of Retired Deputy Tommy Lee Berry.
Deputy Berry, who retired in 2024 after 41 years of serviceâincluding more than five years serving Precinct 2 residentsâfirst proposed this park idea during a Civic Club Meeting, inspired by community concerns.
Today, his vision became a reality as we celebrated the ribbon-cutting and name unveiling of this new neighborhood space at 13310 Edgeboro St.
A special thank-you to Commissioner Adrian Garcia and the Precinct 2 Team for this incredible honor and for helping bring Deputy Berryâs vision to life.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and HCSO are excited to join our community for National Night Out on October 7, 2025!
We canât wait to connect with you, share in the festivities, and continue building the bonds that make our neighborhoods safe.
