Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez – HCSO Welcomes New Detention Officers and Cadets

On Friday, March 8, we held a graduation ceremony to welcome 48 detention officers into the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. This event marked the successful culmination of our latest Detention Officer Training Program. Family and friends came to show their support as we embraced a new cohort of dedicated professionals into our ranks.

After completing 120 hours of training, which included scenarios, defensive tactics, weekly testing, and successfully passing the TCOLE License Exam, Detention Officer Oscar Lukaszewsky emerged as the class Valedictorian. He maintained a 100% grade average throughout the entire course.

During the ceremony, graduates demonstrated their commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and service to our community. Through rigorous training and hands-on experience, these individuals have developed the skills necessary to excel in their roles as detention officers, ensuring the safety and security of both staff and inmates within our facilities.

As we welcome our newest members to the HCSO family, we are confident that they will continue to uphold our agency’s values and contribute to our mission of serving and protecting the residents of Harris County. We also welcomed a new class of detention cadets, along with a new class of deputy cadets. Currently, we have a total of 146 deputy cadets and 38 detention officer cadets in training.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the graduates and wish the new cadets the best of luck and success in their careers.

Furthermore, we are pleased to announce our upcoming Detention Officer Fast Track Recruitment Event on March 19. This event offers individuals interested in joining our team the chance to gain insights about the role and start the application process. To expedite the hiring process, we will conduct interviews, onsite testing, fingerprinting, and background testing all on the same day.

HCSO Shares Tips for Responsible Celebrations

Promoting responsible behavior during St. Patrick’s Day is crucial, particularly about drinking and driving. Here are some safety tips from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office to encourage sobriety and prevent impaired driving:

  • Plan Ahead: Plan your transportation before you start drinking. Designate a sober driver, use public transit, or arrange for a ride-sharing service.
  • Alternate Drinks: If you’re celebrating with alcoholic beverages, alternate between alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated and reduce alcohol consumption.
  • Monitor Your Alcohol Intake: Keep track of how much alcohol you consume and know your limits.
  • Watch Your Friends: Look out for your friends and make sure everyone has a safe way to get home. Never let a friend drive drunk.
  • Use a Designated Driver: If you’re planning to drink, designate a sober driver before heading out. Make sure everyone in your group knows who the designated driver is.
  • Use Ride-Sharing Services: Use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft to get home safely if you’ve been drinking.
  • Stay Overnight: If you’re unable to find a safe way home, consider staying overnight at a friend’s house or a nearby hotel.
  • Avoid Walking Alone: If you’re walking home, do so with a group of friends or in well-lit, populated areas.
  • Report Drunk Drivers: If you see someone attempting to drive while impaired, report them to local law enforcement immediately.

Help HCSO prevent impaired driving and promote a safer St. Patrick’s Day celebration!

HCSO In The News

KHOU: Father pleads for help finding his missing teenage son with mental disabilities.

HOUSTON — Jose Reyes said he and his son Mauricio had only been in Houston for about two weeks when he went missing. Now, it’s been nearly three weeks since he’s been seen.

Anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of this missing juvenile is urged to contact the HCSO Missing Persons Unit at 713-755-7427 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477.”

Terry Rivera, suspect in 12-year-old’s shooting death, granted bond.

After being apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border and brought back to Houston, Terry Bryan Rivera, the suspect wanted in connection with the death of 12-year-old Carlos Fernandez in Harris County, has been granted bond.

Rivera has received a $2 million bond, a compromise between the state’s request for $5 million and the defense’s proposal.

HCSO Teammates of the Week

Harris County Sheriff’s Office 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.

“I am an EMT with Harris County and had an encounter with one of your teams. We were called to a trailer park for a report of an aggressively elderly lady who was acting erratically. Reports were made that she had threatened to hurt her son and herself. Deputy Gonzales and Trevino’s team were on the scene. It was discovered that her blood pressure was high, and she needed to be transported. The patient refused, becoming more upset. Deputy Gonzales spent a great deal of time creating a rapport with the patient and attempted to find some common ground to convince her to come peacefully,” said a Harris County resident. “She was ultimately not successful, and the patient was forcefully taken out of the vehicle. She did stop resisting and complied. Deputy Gonzales accompanied EMS and the patient in the ambulance to the ER, and Deputy Trevino followed. The time spent and patience shown by both deputies were above and beyond, especially on a busy Thursday full moon night. I want to thank both deputies and say I will happily work a scene with them any time. Please express my admiration and appreciation.”

Deputy Orlando Trevino started his law enforcement career in 2002 with the Harris County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office. He worked there for almost 19 years before joining our agency in 2020. He’s currently assigned to District 1 in north Harris County as a Field Training Officer.

Deputy Natalie Gonzales joined HCSO ten years ago as a detention officer and became a deputy in 2019. A few months ago, she started patrolling District 1.

Harris County Sheriff’s Office 2023 Annual Report

Under the direction of Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office 2023 Annual Report provides a glimpse of the dedication and efforts of our certified, detention and professional teammates, who are committed to our values and pursuit of excellence.

Read the report HERE.

HCSO Mounted Patrol Foundation Denim and Diamonds Gala!

HCSO Mounted Patrol Foundation presents the first annual Denim and Diamonds Gala! We’re celebrating 75 years of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Patrol with dinner, music, dancing, awards, an auction, door prizes, and more!

The Gala is scheduled for April 6, 2024, at David H. McNerney American Legion Post 658, located at 14890 FM 2100, Crosby, Texas 77532. To purchase tickets, please scan the QR code in the flyer.

Individual tickets cost $50 each, and you can reserve a table for eight people for $375. As a guest, you will receive a ticket that gives you a chance to win a door prize. There will be both door prizes, raffle prizes, and live and silent auctions.

The event starts at 6 p.m., ends at midnight, and includes dinner, music, and fun! We hope y’all can make it!

Women’s History Month Spotlight

In honor of Women’s History Month, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) are celebrating some of our agency’s remarkable women.

Meet Detention Captain Sondra Sams.

“Women’s History Month is a time to reflect and pay homage to women’s vast and significant accomplishments and contributions,” said Captain Sams. “My mother was my greatest female inspiration. Not only was she an amazing wife and mother, but she was also the kindest human being I have ever met. She was my biggest cheerleader and my greatest inspiration.”

Captain Sams was promoted to the new position on January 25, 2024. Along with Lieutenant Joash Butler, Sams became the first detention captain in the agency’s history, dating back to 1837.

“I advise young women just starting their careers in law enforcement to set achievable short-term and long-term goals, adopt time management habits, and have a can-do attitude because you can do anything you put your mind to.”

Captain Sams joined our agency in 2000 as a detention officer. She has a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in education from the University of Houston Downtown.

Meet Sergeant Lakisha Cheatham.

“Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate women’s past, present, and future achievements while also recognizing the work that still needs to be done to create a more equitable and just society for all,” Sgt. Cheatham said. “Women now serve in broader roles and positions within law enforcement agencies. This diversification of roles allows women to contribute their unique skills and perspectives to various aspects of law enforcement work.”

Sergeant Cheatham joined the HCSO in 2015. Since then, she has served in multiple capacities within the agency, including the Crisis Intervention Response Team, the Homeless Outreach Team, and the Community Problem-Oriented Policing Unit. Currently, Sgt. Cheatham oversees Background Investigations.

“Remember that finding the right balance between your personal and professional life is an ongoing process that may require regular reassessment and adjustments. By prioritizing self-care, effective communication, and time management, you can achieve a fulfilling balance between both.”

Upcoming HCSO Career Fairs

Are you looking for a job? Join Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Recruitment Team at upcoming job fairs! For more information regarding our available positions, visit HCSOJobs.com or call 713-877-5250.

Upcoming Job Fairs:

Harris County Alarm Permit Requirement

Did you know? If you have an alarm system in unincorporated Harris County, an alarm permit is required, and it must be renewed annually. For more information, click HERE or call 713-755–4600.

Coffee With a Cop & The Easter Bunny

Join us for Coffee with a Cop & the Easter Bunny on Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 11 a.m. -2 p.m.

2023 Harris County Sheriff’s Office Annual Report

Welcome to the 2023 Harris County Sheriff’s Office Annual Report.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is committed to working with the community to enhance the quality of life of our residents, reduce crime, and provide a safe and productive environment for those incarcerated in our jails. We are committed to these values, to implementing best practices in criminal justice, and to transparency through a data-driven model of community policing.

This annual report will give you a glimpse of the dedication and effort of the certified, detention, and professional Harris County Sheriff’s Office staff who are committed to our values and our pursuit of excellence.

Click here to access the report.

Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez – Celebrating Women’s History and Welcoming the Houston Rodeo Festivities

Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:

The Houston Livestock and Rodeo Show celebrates our region’s rich heritage and showcases our community’s unity and spirit. Our participation underscores our commitment to engaging with the public and strengthening bonds with our fellow Houstonians.

On March 1, HCSO will again showcase our exceptional K9 Unit as we compete in the Hard Dog, Fast Dog competition. This event aims to determine which dog can bite the hardest and run the fastest. With our track record of success in past competitions, we anticipate another impressive showing from our talented K9s.

As the rodeo festivities continue, mark your calendars for March 4, First Responders Day. On this day, first responders who present their badges will receive free admission to the rodeo, along with up to four family members. We appreciate the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for hosting First Responders Day and recognizing the invaluable contributions of the various safety providers, including firefighters, EMS, and other emergency services agencies in the Houston Area.

HCSO deputies will be on-site throughout the rodeo, assisting with operations and ensuring the safety of all attendees. Their dedication and professionalism exemplify the values of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, and we’re proud to have them represent us at the Houston Rodeo.

HCSO Celebrates Women’s History Month

As we enter Women’s History Month, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office proudly acknowledges the valuable contributions of women within our ranks. From leadership and executive roles to every corner of our organization, women play a vital role in keeping our communities safe and our operations running smoothly. Despite the male-dominated nature of law enforcement, we recognize the unique perspective and compassion that female representation brings to public safety.

Last year, HCSO opened the historic Women’s Empowerment Center (WEC). As we celebrate its first anniversary, we reflect on the center’s mission to provide programs and resources to empower women to learn new skills and rebuild their lives. Our goal for the WEC is simple: to ensure that when these women return to their communities, they are better equipped than when they entered our care.

One of the hallmarks of our commitment to women’s advancement is our involvement with the 30X30 Initiative, which sets a goal to achieve 30% representation of women within our organization by the year 2030. We are pleased to report that we are on track to meet this objective, thanks to proactive recruitment efforts, retention strategies, and a commitment to promoting gender diversity at all levels of our agency.

In addition to recruitment efforts, we offer comprehensive benefits packages, including healthcare benefits, parental leave, and employee assistance programs, ensuring that our teammates have the support they need to thrive professionally and personally.

HCSO Celebrates the First Anniversary of the Women’s Empowerment Center

HCSO In The News

KHOU 11: Child who was missing from west Harris County found safe, HCSO says

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A 10-year-old boy who went missing in west Harris County on Tuesday was found safe Wednesday morning, according to the sheriff’s office

Hoodline: HCSO Launches Crime-Free Multi-Housing Program to Curb High Crime Rates in Cypress Station

In an effort to combat persistently high crime rates in Cypress Station, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has unveiled the Crime-Free Multi-Housing Program in the area and is looking to roll it out across unincorporated Harris County.

The Baytown Sun: Crosby ISD is Committed to Community Safety.

Superintendent Paula Patterson says: I had a chance to meet with Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and his command staff, as well as members of the Harris County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office and Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner’s Office.

The school district is committed to safety in our communities of Crosby and Barrett Station.

Hat Toss Day Celebration at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez proudly joined Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for the first-ever Hat Toss Day celebration!

HCSO Spring Break Camp

Join us at the HCSO & Dick’s Sporting Goods Spring Break Youth Camp. Free to attend, but you must register.

This two-day camp promises exciting sports activities, skill-building exercises, and a chance for your child to make new friends in a safe and supervised environment. Youth ages 13-17 are welcome to attend!

Dates: Monday, March 11 – Tuesday, March 12

Time: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Location: Dick’s Sporting Goods, 24600 Katy Fwy, Ste 1100A, Katy, TX 77494

Participants must arrange their transportation to and from the event.

Light snacks and refreshments will be available while supplies last. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy a friendly competition and connect with your community. We look forward to seeing you there!

How to Register: Secure your child’s spot today by clicking HERE or by scanning the QR code.

WATCH: HSCO Black History Month Spotlight

In honor of Black History Month, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office are highlighting leaders in our agency.

Meet Major Earl Dean, who began his career with HCSO in January 1993 and has faithfully served the residents of Harris County for nearly 30 years.

In April 2023, Major Dean became the West Region Patrol Bureau/Neighborhood Policing Division Major. He has previously served as District 2 Patrol Captain, Detentions Specialized Housing Captain, Parks and District 4 Watch Commander/Lieutenant, and Community Engagement Supervisor.

Major Dean enjoys reading books, collecting fine arts/antiques, fishing, theatrical plays, and family trips.

Thank you for your service, Major Dean!

Meet Ashley Warren, a Licensed Professional Counselor with the HCSO Behavioral Health Division. She joined HCSO in December 2022.

She provides mental health services, education, and consultation to all within the department, their dependents, and retirees. Before joining our agency, she worked with the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department (HCCSCD).

Thank you for your service, Ashley Warren!

HCSO Honors Deputy Rondald Bates

Sherrif Ed Gonzales joined family, friends and teammates to offer final honors to Deputy Rondald Bates and bid farewell to our brother in blue, Harris County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Ronald Bates. It was a solemn ceremony at Fallcreek Church filled with memories and respect for his service. Rest in peace, Deputy Bates. You will always be remembered.

Public Safety Partners Combat Wire Theft

HCSO Assistant Chief Tommy Diaz and Major Saul Suarez joined the Houston Police Department and Crime Stoppers to bring awareness to a recent spike in infrastructure vandalism, also known as copper wire theft.

HSCO Participates in March on Crime Press Conference.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office joined the Houston Police Department and other public safety partners at the 40th Annual “March on Crime” press conference.

March on Crime is HPD’s annual campaign to engage the public in the fight against crime.