Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez – Celebrating Our Women in Blue
In honor of Women’s History Month, join me in celebrating the remarkable women in our agency who have dedicated their lives to serving others.
These women pursued careers in law enforcement for various reasons – many wanted to make a meaningful impact in the very community where they lived, to work toward building trust between peace officers and neighbors, and for their sheriff’s office to be as diverse as Harris County.
They don’t all wear our uniforms. They’re not all in the same division or do the same job. They work in all areas of our agency but have the same passion and drive for our mission. Whether on the front lines or behind-the-scenes, the work they do every day, individually and collectively, is important and helps make our neighborhoods a better, safer place.
At a time when our communities are growing more diverse, residents must meet deputies and police officers who look like them, who understand their community’s needs and challenges, and who share their experiences and perspectives.
We’re highlighting only a couple of the women who are taking us to new heights and leading us into a new era of policing rooted in partnerships, innovative strategies and approaches, data analysis, and proven training.
Meet Patrol Bureau Major Susan Cotter
Major Cotter oversees the largest and most visible component of the agency often tasked with providing the initial response to calls for service.
She joined the Sheriff’s Office in 1991 as a certified jailer. She has since served in several roles, including a juvenile probation drill instructor, patrol deputy, accident investigator, auto theft investigator, drug recognition expert instructor, and standardized field sobriety testing instructor.
Major Cotter’s passion for safe roadways has set the bar in traffic enforcement. She’s had a big impact in the fight against preventable crashes and deaths throughout her public service career.
Major Cotter speaks with urgency about the need for law enforcement to be in the community interacting with residents about the day-to-day happenings in their neighborhoods. She still enjoys being in a patrol vehicle and responding to scenes.
Meet Detention Support Services Bureau Major Eleanor Jones
Major Jones joined the Sheriff’s Office in 1989 as a certified jailer. She has since held many roles and assignments, including Motorist Assistance Program deputy, narcotics investigator, homicide detective, shift and unit supervisor, and division commander.
Major Jones now oversees a broad number of critical support functions that are an integral part of the Criminal Justice Command and serve the more than 8,000 incarcerated persons in our care. This bureau provides detainees with food, transportation to medical care, proper sanitation conditions for personal hygiene, clergy visitations, access to legal resources, and literacy and rehabilitation programs.
She understands the importance of investing in people to reach their full potential. These programs, resources, and opportunities empower people with the tools, skills, and support to be successful when returning to their communities.
Our women in blue are showing our young girls and future leaders that they, too, can succeed as a patrol deputy, investigator, detention officer, crime analyst, dispatcher, victim advocate, command staff member, or as any of the other essential roles throughout our agency. They have given the next generation a chance to see themselves in them and feel empowered to chart their own course.
Communities need more women in law enforcement. We’re seeking diverse perspectives and want to hire and promote those who embody our core values. If you’re looking to make a difference, learn more about our career opportunities here.
This month is a moment for us to pause and honor the hardworking women in our agency. We’re grateful for their daily dedication, countless contributions, and commitment to our profession.
