Sheriff Message

The men and women of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office came together on Monday with Cadet Cornelius Anderson’s loving circle of family and friends to mourn the passing of a beloved son, brother, and public servant. Funeral services with full honors for Cadet Anderson were held at Humble First Assembly of God.

Cornelius Anderson was a part of our greater Houston community, graduating from North Shore Senior High School and the University of Houston-Downtown. He was also a treasured member of our agency, and he will be terribly missed by everyone who had the honor of knowing him.

Cadet Anderson was looking forward to dedicating his life to protecting and serving our communities. He did not get to fulfill his goal of becoming a deputy, but we posthumously named him an honorary deputy at his memorial service on Monday.

Cadet Anderson’s character and dedication to making a difference showed everyone he encountered that he was made for the job. He was a great teammate and a wonderful person who inspired and positively influenced his many friends and colleagues through his commitment to service.

Please continue to pray for his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Donations for Cadet Anderson’s family may be made in his name to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Benevolence Association. We will keep him and his family in our hearts. Your brothers and sisters in blue have the watch from here.

Hurricane Preparedness

With summer comes the beginning of hurricane season. We’ve already seen multiple storm systems form in the tropics, including one that’s poised to impact our weather this weekend. The best thing to do before a hurricane warning is issued is to prepare.

One of the most important roles our agency plays during hurricane season is encouraging residents to stay informed and be ready. Our agency works together as a team with each other, our public safety partners, and our community before, during, and after a crisis.

Follow these important hurricane preparedness tips from the CDC:

• Get emergency supplies: Have enough supplies for your household, including medication, disinfectant supplies, cloth face coverings, and pet supplies.
• Make a plan: Create a family disaster plan.
• Avoid flooded areas: Take precautions before, during, and after a flood.
• Prepare to Evacuate: Never ignore an evacuation order.
• Protect older adults: Understand older adult health and medical concerns.
• Protect your pets: Ensure your pet’s safety before, during, and after an emergency.
• Stay safe after a hurricane: Learn how to avoid injuries, make sure your food and water are safe, and clean up mold safely.
• Review important documents: Make sure your insurance policies and personal documents are up to date. Make copies and keep them in a secure password-protected digital space.
• Strengthen your home: Declutter drains and gutters, bring in outside furniture, and consider hurricane shutters.
• Stay informed: Identify and follow your local weather authority.

You can’t stop a hurricane, but you can act now to protect yourself and your household. Put together an emergency plan and make sure every member of your family knows what to do. Visit Ready Harris to sign up for local emergency alerts, as well as to learn about a disaster supply kit checklist, evaluation tips, helpful websites and more.

Safety Tips for Driving in Severe Weather

The heavy rain we experienced this week was a reminder to take certain precautions when driving in inclement weather.

Here are tips from Ready Harris that can save lives:

• Allow for more travel time and plan to drive at a slower pace than normal when the roads are wet. Traffic is likely to be moving slower due to accidents or flooded roads.
• Brake earlier and with less force than you would normally.
• Avoid crossing flooded areas. If you come to an area that is covered with water, you will not know the depth of the water or the condition of the ground under the water.
• Never attempt to go around barricades. It is against the law, and they are there for your safety.
• Turn on your headlights to help you see the road and help other motorists see you.
• Pull over and wait it out if it is raining so hard that you cannot see the road or the car in front of you.
• Give trucks or buses extra distance. Their extra-large tires can create enough spray to block your vision completely.
• Defog your windows. Rain will quickly cause your windshield to fog up.
• Monitor road conditions with the Roadway Flood Warning System and seek alternate routes when roads are flooded.

Remember to always have a plan and stay informed to protect yourself and your loved ones from severe weather threats. Residents are encouraged to monitor the local NWS forecast and to sign up for emergency alerts at ReadyHarris.org.

National Hire a Veteran Day

This Saturday, July 25, is National Hire a Veteran Day. We honor the women and men who have served in the US Armed Forces and are proud to foster a supportive culture for veterans across our agency. In their annual “Best for Vets” employer rankings, The Military Times recognized the Harris County Sheriff’s Office as the number one government and nonprofit organization employer for veterans in 2019. Last year, nearly 200 employers in the nation competed for the “Best for Vets” recognition, providing in-depth data on their culture, recruiting, policies and resources related to veterans, service members and military families.

If you’re looking to make a difference, learn more about our career opportunities here.

Staying Alert

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) continues to work closely with the CDC and other public health organizations to monitor and educate the public about COVID-19.

HCPH provides daily updates from hospitals, medical facilities, and other health officials across our region regarding testing, confirmed cases, and the development of COVID-19. For these updates, refer to the Harris County / Houston COVID-19 Cases Dashboard.

HCPH encourages residents to get tested for COVID-19 if they feel they are exhibiting symptoms or have been in contact with someone who tested positive. Learn more about free testing and take the Houston and Harris County Public Health self-assessment tool here.

As the number of COVID-19 cases climb across Harris County, we must stay vigilant and protect ourselves, our loved ones, and neighbors. Stay home when possible, wear face masks, practice social distancing, and remain hopeful.

God bless you, and may God bless the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

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The men and women of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office mourn the loss of Cadet Cornelius Anderson. We are deeply saddened by the passing of a beloved friend and public servant, and we offer our sincere condolences and prayers to Cadet Anderson’s family and friends.

Cadet Anderson, 28, joined our HCSO family in December 2019 as a detention officer assigned to the 1200 Baker Street facility. He was completing his first week of training in the Basic Peace Officer’s Course at the academy in Humble when he experienced a medical emergency that took his life on Sunday, July 12. Cadet Anderson did not get to fulfill his goal of becoming a deputy, but we intend to deputize him posthumously and his funeral will be conducted Monday with full honors.

Cadet Anderson represents the best of us, and he is a credit to the profession, this agency and our community. Let’s continue to pray for Cadet Anderson’s family and all his colleagues and classmates preparing for a career of service to our communities.

Motor Assistance Program (M.A.P.) Announces Expansion

Starting Monday, July 20, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and its partners will offer expanded service hours for its no-cost Motor Assistance Program (M.A.P.). Stranded motorists on Harris County freeways can call M.A.P. for immediate roadside assistance, 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday.

The free roadside assistance program is designed to remove stranded motorists on Harris County freeways to a nearby safe location, reducing traffic congestion and keeping motorists and first responders safe. Services include:

• Change a flat tire
• Jump-start a car
• Assist with minor engine repair
• Supply fuel, water and/or air
• Remove stranded vehicles from roadways
• Provide stranded motorists with courtesy transportation to a safe location

As travelers take to area roads and freeways, safety should always be a top priority. The Sheriff’s Office responds to several fatality crashes with stranded motorists a year. The expansion of this quick clearance program is another step toward reducing secondary incidents, keeping traffic moving, and most importantly, saving lives. For more information about M.A.P., click here or call 713-CALL-MAP (713-225-5627) for immediate roadside assistance.

Watch Your Car Month

The summer months are historically one of the riskiest times of the year for vehicle burglary and theft in Texas, but you can take simple steps to protect your vehicle.

The Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority (ABTPA) offers the following precautions to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of vehicle burglary or theft:

• Always lock your vehicle and take your keys.
• Never leave your car unattended while it is running.
• Park in a well-lit area.
• Take valuables with you when you are not in your vehicle or keep them out of sight.
• Give parking attendants the ignition key only.
• Install an anti-theft device.

For more information on how to protect yourself, visit ABTPA online.

Stay Vigilant

Keep doing your part to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your neighbors from COVID-19. Harris County Public Health encourages you to regularly monitor CDC recommendations and to take advantage of free testing in your area. Click here to schedule a test or call 832-927-7575.

God bless you, and God bless the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

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On Monday, I joined Assistant Chief Tim Navarre in welcoming new academy classes on their first day, addressing them as they each began their new journey. Our Basic Peace Officers Course class is the largest our agency has had in recent memory, with 77 cadets. We also started a class for 33 lateral cadets with prior law enforcement experience. Please join me in wishing them well as they answer the call to undertake a path of law enforcement.

Many of these men and women pursued this profession for a noble reason, and we thanked them for their service and sacrifice as their training begins during a critical time. As they prepare for the road ahead, it serves as a reminder that we have an opportunity to show our communities what it means to be a peace officer. One of our core values – merit and maintain the public’s trust – happens through the daily efforts of our deputies, detention officers, and staff. It’s a tremendous responsibility and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office continues to lead the way.

Over the next several weeks and months, cadets will receive multifaceted training on becoming capable and excellent members of the peace officer community. This will prepare them to be the best, to work hard, and to demonstrate great integrity in the execution of their duties. Harris County residents deserve no less.

As we continue to place a priority on developing innovative strategies and collaborative community partnerships, new academy classes are the future and help build our capacity to keep our unwavering promise to serve and protect all. The detention officers and deputies who serve Harris County are a credit to the profession, this agency, and our community, and we wish them well on their journey.

Stress Awareness During a Pandemic

Dr. Robert Seals, our licensed clinical psychologist and Behavioral Health Unit Director, is sharing tips and resources to help manage and reduce stress during this unprecedented time.

Stress and pressure can sometimes take a negative toll on our emotional and behavioral well-being.

Mental Health Wellness Tips for Quarantine:

• Stick to a routine
• Be active for at least 30 minutes per day
• Reach out to your friends and family
• Stay hydrated and eat well
• Limit social media use
• Notice the good in the world
• Help others, if you can. Reach out for help, if you need it.
• Remind yourself daily that this is temporary

Fear and anxiety about the coronavirus can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions. Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Learn more about healthy ways to cope with stress from the CDC here.

Stay Vigilant

Thank you for doing your part to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your neighbors. Please continue to monitor CDC recommendations, practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently, and wear a face covering in public spaces. Harris County Public Health encourages residents to take advantage of free testing in their areas. Click here to schedule a test or call 832-927-7575.

HCSO Behavioral Threat Management Unit

As many families continue to stay home to protect themselves and contain the spread of COVID-19, domestic violence victims are finding their homes to be a dangerous place. Our Behavioral Threat Management Unit (BTMU) focuses on proactive strategies that can potentially prevent acts of violence by stalkers and others who exhibit behaviors that often lead to violence. Meet the BTMU team and learn more here.

Safe Driving Tips

Texas is seeing a rise in speed-related road deaths during the pandemic. Our Vehicular Crimes Unit responded to a major two-vehicle accident this week. Two children tragically lost their lives as a result of the crash.

Be safe and drive smart with tips from the Texas Department of Transportation:

• Always buckle up
• Practice patience and share the road with others
• Drive a safe speed for traffic, weather and road conditions
• Put your phone away and focus on driving
• Use extra caution when driving at night or in bad weather
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs

Even with heightened levels of concern due to the pandemic, try to maximize value out of every day. Remember, small things can make a difference. God bless you, and God bless the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

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The Fourth of July brings thoughts of a family get-together and celebrating our great nation. As we take in this year’s Independence Day festivities at home, they may feel and look different, but it’s still a time to reflect on the meaning of this holiday. For many, it represents the birth of our nation, equality, democracy, and community. It is a picture of who we are and what we strive to become.

As issues of systemic racial and economic inequality remain at the forefront, we understand that some of our neighbors may be struggling to make sense of what the Fourth of July means to them. We are in this together. We must build momentum toward a more effective, equitable, and thoughtful approach to law enforcement, and continue conversations on systemic issues as a community.

Safety First

As we begin to celebrate the nation’s Independence Day, I want to remind all of our residents to celebrate responsibly.

You can do your part by remembering the following:

1. Help Stop the Spread: As the Fourth of July meets the current surge of COVID-19 cases in our region, the place you are safest is at home. As you gear up to celebrate the holiday this weekend with your household and venture out to pick up groceries or supplies yourself, make sure you practice social distancing, wear a mask, and wash your hands frequently.
2. Don’t Drink and Drive: Drink responsibly and use designated drivers or ridesharing services. Report drunk drivers to law enforcement officials immediately.
3. Celebratory Gunfire is Dangerous: It’s illegal and dangerous, and what goes up, must come down. Don’t risk injuring someone, killing someone, or damaging property.
4. Remember Pets: Please consider bringing your pets indoors, as many pets are frightened of fireworks and may try to escape your yard to run from all the noise.
5. Practice Water Safety: Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in young children. You can significantly reduce this risk by following a few tips from the Judah Brown Project, which is led by HCSO Reserve Deputy Mark Brown:
   • Learn to Swim: Swimming lessons can protect young children from drowning, but constant, careful supervision is still important.
   • Supervise: Designate a responsible adult to watch young children playing in or around water.
   • Learn CPR: In the time it takes for paramedics to arrive, your CPR skills could save someone’s life.
   • Buddy System: Always swim with a buddy, and select a swimming site that has lifeguards when possible.

Help Stop the Spread

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Harris County at an alarming rate, we need to remain vigilant and protect ourselves and loved ones. Getting past this pandemic is a shared responsibility, and I’d encourage you to celebrate responsibly by staying home, wearing face masks when venturing out in public, and practicing social distancing.

Harris County Public Health encourages residents to get tested for the virus. Click here for more information about free testing. Please remember if you need help or advice dealing with the pandemic, visit readyharris.org or call 211. There are programs in place to assist with basic needs such as housing, food, and healthcare.

The Harris County Commissioners Court extended its disaster declaration through August 26, extending the mandatory mask order. The mask order mandates that businesses require patrons to cover their faces.

We all must have a heightened sense of awareness. The safety of our communities is a collaborative effort between our communities and law enforcement agencies. We are encouraging everyone to celebrate safely and to report anything out of the ordinary to law enforcement.

I’m optimistic this month will bring new opportunities for all of us. Let’s continue to work together and stay strong. Have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July holiday weekend. God bless you, and God bless the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

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