As peace officers, we know a big part of community policing is spending time outside our patrol cars. It’s about bonding with the residents you serve. And it’s finding meaningful ways to reach people and make lasting connections with them. Just this week, our Sheriff’s Office team members participated in the Houston Rodeo Parade, a decades-long tradition that signals the official kick-off of rodeo season and celebrates our western heritage. They also engaged with residents at various community events. Here’s just a glimpse of their passion for the job and our community:
Child Fingerprint Safety Events
On Saturday, Feb. 26, Patrol District IV Community Problem-Oriented Policing (CPOP) Unit Deputies Mordecai and Lai and Human Trafficking Unit Deputy Investigator Barajas participated in a Child Safety and Human Trafficking Presentation at a local Walmart.
CPOP deputies introduced their unit’s mission and shared more information about our agency’s programs and initiatives, including Harris County Safe.
More than 120 children participated in the program, which provides famlies with their child’s fingerprints and photos to have on record.
We are partnering with Walmart in the Katy area for another human trafficking awareness event.
Child Safety and Human Trafficking Event
April 30, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Walmart #768, 1313 North Fry Rd., Katy, TX, 77449
Investing in Our Community’s Future Leaders
Crime Scene Unit Sgt. DellaSala spent time with a Cub Scout Pack in the Katy area.
He talked to the third graders about law enforcement’s role in their neighborhood, various ways to stay safe, and introduced forensics by demonstrating multiple tools investigators use in the field.
“They were excited to use fingerprint brushes and look at the ridges of their hands as a lesson on the uniqueness of fingerprints,” said Investigator Simpson.
Crime Scene Unit Investigator Simpson visited with his daughter’s Girl Scout Troop in the Spring area for their detective badge.
He introduced them to the Crime Scene Unit’s critical mission of conducting detailed forensic investigations of crime scenes in Harris County through a hands-on fingerprinting activity.
Follow our Crime Scene Unit on Facebook (@HCSOCSU).
UNIDOS
UNIDOS deputies Blanco and Magallanes shared crime prevention resources and tips with Spanish-speaking residents at San Ángel Grill.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the UNIDOS team met with our partners at the Consulate General of Mexico to collaborate on crime reduction strategies within the Hispanic community.
UNIDOS team is also working on collaborating with Fe y Justicia Worker Center and Consulate of El Salvador in Houston.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
On Monday, Feb. 28, CPOP deputies and Patrol District 5 Captain Shannon collected donated stuffed animals and blankets from Lakewood United Methodist Church in northwest Harris County to give to the community. Patrol deputies will have stuffed animals on hand for children and blankets for those in need, lifting their spirits and building a strong bond between those on the front lines of protecting our community and those we serve.
Downtown Rodeo Parade
On Saturday, Feb. 26, we joined hundreds of our fellow Houstonians for the long-anticipated Downtown Rodeo Parade, a cherished tradition that brings together marching bands, floats, community leaders, and beloved Mounted Patrol peace officers.
It’s a tremendous site to see those that make up our community on horseback filling the streets that we proudly call home.
Over the next several weeks, as Houstonians and out-of-town visitors take in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, our deputies and members from our specialized units will be working collaboratively with public safety partners to ensure everyone has fun safely.
For behind-the-scenes rodeo experiences and fun facts, follow our Mounted Patrol deputies on Facebook. It’s rodeo time!