Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez – Holiday Safety
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Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with loved ones and reflect on gratitude. However, safety should always remain a priority. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) provides essential tips to ensure you and your family enjoy a safe holiday.
- Plan Ahead: Whether traveling across town or out of state, plan your route, buckle up, and minimize distractions while driving.
- Community and Home Security: Be vigilant in your neighborhood and report suspicious activities. If you’re hosting guests, ensure your walkways are clear and well-lit to prevent accidents. Remember, if you see something, say something! Contact us at 713-221-6000.
- Stay Aware: Crowded stores and parking lots can make it easier to misplace or lose belongings. Keep your items secure and stay mindful of your surroundings.
- Secure Your Car: Always lock your car and store valuables or shopping bags out of sight in the trunk or under a blanket.
- Monitor Children: Have a plan in case of separation, such as designating a safe meeting spot.
- Shop Smart Online: Use trusted websites, avoid deals that seem too good to be true, and use secure payment methods like credit cards to protect against fraud.
- Beware of Scams: Be cautious of phishing emails and fake online stores. Double-check URLs and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
- Travel Safety: Whether traveling across town or to another part of the country, consider using the HCSO’s free Vacation Watch Program, where deputies regularly check on your property to help deter crime and offer you peace of mind. Signing up is easy — visit the Vacation Watch website
- Protect Your Packages: To avoid porch pirates, consider scheduling deliveries when someone is home or using secure package lockers. Call 713-221-6000 to report stolen packages.
A little planning and awareness can significantly enhance the safety of your loved ones and property.
We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who sacrifices time with their families to ensure others can celebrate safely with theirs.
For more information about HCSO’s programs and services, please visit our website or follow us on social media. Happy shopping, and Happy Holidays!
WATCH: Protecting Your Packages
As we enjoy the holiday season, it’s important to be vigilant and protect your packages from porch pirates.
The HCSO Burglary and Theft Unit is sharing valuable tips to help safeguard your packages and ensure a secure holiday season.
Call 713-221-6000 to report stolen packages.
WATCH: HCSO Motorist Assistance Program (M.A.P.)
In recognition of Crash Responder Safety Week (CRSW), the Harris County Sheriff’s Office is highlighting our Motor Assistance Program (M.A.P.).
Did you know we have a free program designed to assist stranded motorists? Call our 713-CALL-MAP if you ever need emergency roadside assistance. For more information, visit bit.ly/3RQtP3R.
Holiday Self Care Tips
The holiday season can bring joy, but it may also be a challenging time for many. If you or someone you know is experiencing the holiday blues, here are some tips to prioritize self-care and seek support:
- Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s okay not to feel festive. Allow yourself to experience and accept your emotions.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Focus on what feels manageable and don’t hesitate to simplify celebrations.
- Set Boundaries: Protect your peace by saying no to commitments that may increase stress.
- Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation into your routine.
- Plan Self-Care Activities: Make time for activities that bring you joy and comfort.
- Reach Out for Support: Contact the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD at 713-970-7000.
The holiday blues are temporary. It’s vital to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. If you or someone you know is facing more severe symptoms, seeking professional help is a courageous and necessary step.
You are never alone—support is always within reach.
HCSO In the News
Click2Houston: ‘Choose a new life:’ How domestic violence victims can find help
HOUSTON – Domestic violence is a growing issue claiming more and more lives across the country and right here at home in Houston.
On Friday, a woman was stabbed to death by her husband, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
This marks the 24th domestic-related murder the sheriff’s office is investigating in 2024.
Take Me Home Program created to help missing elderly make it home safely
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – If you’ve ever experienced it, you know the terror that comes with having elderly loved one go missing. Now there’s a new initiative designed to help.
Thousands of seniors wander away and go missing every year and too often there’s a devastating ending, like Terry Barnes, who had declining mental health and disappeared when she walked away.
Houston Chronicle: Lawyer accused of drug smuggling into jail third in past year
Authorities are still grappling with the flow of narcotics in the Harris County jail.
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HCSO 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.
“I needed to report a wire fraud/cybercrime that had occurred for our business. The officer who contacted me to make the report was extremely professional and courteous and showed interest in our concerns,” said a Harris County resident. “Having personally put numerous hours into this fraud, I can honestly say that your officer showed far more attention and interest than any other parties that I have dealt with in this process. Thank you!”
Deputy Ho began his law enforcement career in 1997 and currently serves on the Northwest Harris County patrol.
Vacation Watch Program
Traveling for the holidays? Keep Your Home Safe with HCSO Vacation Watch!
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office want you to enjoy your holidays worry-free. Sign up for our Vacation Watch program, and we’ll keep an eye on your home while you’re away.
- Deputies will conduct regular checks of your property.
- Deter crime and provide peace of mind.
- It’s FREE and easy to sign up!
Learn more and register here: http://bit.ly/2YZOEom.
Congratulations BCCC Graduates
On November 8, HCSO proudly welcomed 66 new detention officers to the team. Congratulations on your graduation! Your hard work and dedication to serving and protecting are truly commendable, and we are incredibly proud of your achievements.
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month at HCSO
November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and the HCSO is launching the “Take Me Home” program to help protect loved ones with cognitive conditions.
For more information about the Take Me Home program or to register a loved one, visit bit.ly/TakeMeHomeProgram or email us at TakeMeHome@sheriff.hctx.net.
Criminal Investigations Bureau Receives Award
We are excited to announce that the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau has achieved the Silver Level Designation in the Texas Victim Friendly Initiative! This accomplishment reflects our significant progress in enhancing support for crime victims.
We want to extend a special thank you to Captain Gale Johnson, Lieutenant John A. Klafka, Sgt. Tommy Smith, Deputy Oscar Cisneros, Deputy Nicholas Cooke, and Victim Advocate Karen Ahumada for their outstanding efforts in improving our Victim Assistance program.
Their dedication and hard work have resulted in better training, updated policies, and new online resources for victims.
To learn more about our Victim Assistance program, please call 713-274-9369.
Pawsitivity at HCSO
Our partners at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, brought some furry joy to the Sheriff’s Office on Monday, November 18, 2024, with a visit from Joey, a therapy dog! Spending time with these amazing animals can help reduce stress and boost morale. Thank you!
Veterans Day Parade
On November 11, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office participated in the annual “Houston Salutes American Heroes Veterans Day Celebration.” We stand in unwavering gratitude for all veterans who have served and continue to serve our nation. Their sacrifices have secured the freedoms we cherish.
We are honored to have 755 veterans, 62 active reserves, and 14 deployed deputies among our ranks. Their dedication to service extends far beyond the battlefield, making our community a safer place for all.
Thank you, veterans, for your courage, commitment, and unwavering service. We salute you!