Visit the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homepage
Visit the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homepage
Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:
August is National Traffic Awareness Month, and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office remains deeply committed to protecting our roadways—especially as thousands of students return to the classroom.
This August, we launched targeted Roadway Safety and Back-to-School Initiatives to safeguard children, parents, and all motorists. Our goal is simple: to make sure every student arrives at school safely and returns home to their families at the end of the day.
Supporting Schools and Families
Across our districts, deputies are working closely with local school communities to keep neighborhoods safe. These efforts began as students returned to class and will continue through the first weeks of the new school year.
Our actions include:
- Increased patrols during school drop-off and pick-up to deter speeding and unsafe driving.
- Focused traffic enforcement in school zones for violations like speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield.
- Daytime patrols for visibility and reassurance around campuses.
- Nighttime checks to address suspicious activity near schools.
- Targeted enforcement along busy corridors like Woodland Hills and Wilson Road.
- Documented patrol visits to ensure consistent safety coverage.
Why It Matters
Last year, HCSO investigated 160 fatal crashes. This year, we are already nearing 100. The leading causes—speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving—remain preventable.
- Speeding contributed to about 1 in 4 traffic fatalities.
- Distracted driving was a factor in another 1 in 4.
- Impaired driving caused nearly 1 in 3 traffic deaths across Texas.
Each statistic represents a family forever changed. That’s why we ask every driver to slow down, buckle up, and stay focused. Protecting lives begins with the small decisions we each make every day.
Looking Ahead – Labor Day & Beyond
As the Labor Day holiday approaches, we remind everyone that driving while intoxicated is 100% preventable. Please plan ahead—use a rideshare, call a friend, or designate a sober driver. Our deputies, alongside neighboring agencies, will be out conducting enforcement operations to keep impaired drivers off the road.
A Shared Responsibility
Safety is not just a rule—it’s a responsibility we all share. By working together, we can ensure that this school year, and the rest of 2025, is safe for every student, family, and driver in Harris County.
Let’s continue to look out for each other, because every safe arrival is a victory for our community.
WATCH: HCSO Back-to-School Traffic Safety Initiative
HCSO In the News
If you go to WhoKilledLizBarraza.com, you’ll see a big tracker at the top of the page: 2,396 days waiting for justice.
That’s how long it’s been since 29-year-old Elizabeth “Liz” Barraza was gunned down in her driveway. On the morning of Friday, January 25, 2019, she was setting up a garage sale in the driveway of her home in the 8600 block of Cedar Walk in Tomball, Texas.
FOX26: Houston crime: Youth pole vault team’s truck, $50K in equipment stolen
HOUSTON – A group of young athletes from Illinois traveled to Houston to compete in the AAU Junior Olympics, bringing home two national championships and several medals — only to have their coach’s truck and more than $50,000 worth of equipment stolen before they could return home.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — An unlicensed chiropractor in Katy has been arrested on sexual assault charges, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
A patient told investigators that Joshua Aaron Gomez, 43, assaulted her in December 2023 at One Life Chiropractor on Fry Road.
The woman said she paid Gomez in advance for treatment of a very painful misaligned pubic area related to childbirth.
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Teammates of the Week
Harris County Sheriff’s Office 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.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognize Deputy Joshua Cuellar as our Teammate of the Week. His dedication, professionalism, and connection with the community exemplify the best of public service.
A resident recently shared a heartfelt moment:
“Shout out to Deputy Joshua Cuellar, who took a break from patrolling Lakewood Crossing on the evening of Sunday, June 8th, to shoot some hoops with my son and his friends at his high school graduation party!”
Deputy Cuellar began his journey with HCSO in February 2024, joining the Basic Peace Officer Academy. His law enforcement career began in 2019, following his graduation from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Charleston, SC. While serving in the U.S. Coast Guard as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer, he developed a passion for public safety. Upon transitioning from active duty, he joined HCSO to continue that mission and further his law enforcement career. He currently serves in District 5 Patrol in north Harris County.
Thank you, Deputy Cuellar, for going above and beyond. Your service makes a lasting impact!
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognize Deputy R. Burleigh-Pickens for his professionalism, dedication, and commitment to serving our community.
A Harris County resident recently shared:
“Deputy R. Burleigh-Pickens stopped me for a minor traffic violation. He was professional and courteous in conducting his duties. I am glad officers like him are patrolling our neighborhood and keeping us safe. Thanks to all of you for your efforts for our community! I know it can sometimes be a thankless job, but deputies like Mr. Burleigh-Pickens are a blessing. Thanks again.”
Deputy R. Burleigh-Pickens joined HCSO in April 2025 and has proudly served for the past four months. With more than three years of law enforcement experience, he began his career in July 2022 at the Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 5 before transferring to HCSO to further his career. He currently serves on the night shift patrol in District 2 in north Harris County.
Thank you, Deputy Burleigh-Pickens, for your professionalism and commitment to keeping our community safe!
HCSO Cadets Participate in Sheriff’s Run
Our cadets participated in the Sheriff’s Run this morning, allowing me another opportunity to visit with them before graduation day. Looking forward to them serving our Harris County Sheriff’s Office family & Harris County community.
Visit hcsojobs.com to join our team!