As Halloween approaches, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) encourages everyone to enjoy the festivities safely. Whether you’re trick-or-treating or celebrating at home, here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind:
- Before heading out, check local resources or the Texas Department of Public Safety’s website to identify homes of registered sexual offenders.
- Children under 12 should always be accompanied by an adult when trick-or-treating.
- Stick to well-lit areas and familiar neighborhoods, and avoid dark or isolated streets.
- Ensure costumes are visible and safe — use reflective tape or glow sticks, and avoid costumes that restrict vision or movement.
- Use crosswalks and look both ways before crossing the street. Drivers should be extra cautious in neighborhoods.
- Homeowners, keep your porch well-lit and remove any tripping hazards from walkways.
- If celebrating with pets, keep them inside and away from the door to avoid incidents.
- Parents should inspect all candy before allowing children to eat it.
- Always watch your children, and remind them never to enter a stranger’s home or vehicle.
- Report suspicious activity: Don’t hesitate to contact law enforcement if something feels off. For emergencies, call 911; for non-emergencies, call 713-221-6000.
Following these simple tips can ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween for everyone. Have a happy and safe Halloween!
HCSO Halloween Events
Join the Harris County Sheriff’s Office for spooky fun at our Trunk-or-Treat events! Bring the kids for a safe, fun-filled evening with plenty of candy and festive activities. Don’t forget your costumes!
WATCH: Halloween Safety Tips
Ensuring the Safety of Our Community During Crime Prevention Month
October is Crime Prevention Month, and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) proudly emphasizes our efforts to decrease crime and safeguard our communities. Crime prevention involves building partnerships between the HCSO, local organizations, and the community, not just law enforcement.
Raising awareness is crucial in reducing crime. Residents can play a vital role in preventing crime by knowing what to look for and how to respond effectively.
Here are some ways you can help make your neighborhood safer:
- Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to local authorities.
- Lock Up: Secure your home, vehicles, and personal belongings, even when you’re away for a short time.
- Get Involved: Join or start a neighborhood watch group to stay connected with your neighbors and look out for one another.
- Light It Up: Ensure your home’s exterior is well-lit, especially around entrances and driveways.
- Educate Your Family: Teach children and teens the importance of being aware and following safety guidelines.
The Sheriff’s Office provides an added sense of security when you go out of town through its Vacation Watch Program. We also encourage you to sign up for Nextdoor, a social platform that allows you to connect online with your neighbors to exchange helpful information about your community. Follow our agency to become more aware of how we support and serve you daily.
See something, say something. Contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Community Engagement Division at 346-286-3328 or visit the National Crime Prevention Council’s website. Stay safe, stay aware, and let’s make this Crime Prevention Month count!
WATCH: 💜 Love Should Not Hurt 💜 – Break the Chains of Silence on Domestic Violence
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office is here to raise awareness and provide support for those suffering in silence.
Our Victim Assistance Unit, along with our dedicated partners, stands ready to help those impacted by domestic violence.
If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out:
- 🟣 In emergencies, call 911
- 🟣 Call HCSO at 713-274-9369
- 🟣 Call the Houston Area Women’s Center at 713-528-2121
- 🟣 Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233
- 🟣 Chat at thehotline.org
- 🟣 Text “START” to 88788
Together, we can break the chains of silence.
HCSO In the News
- FOX26: Harris Health trains inmates, staff how to do CPR
Harris Health and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office are training inmates and staff on how to do CPR. - ABC13: Houston ranks No. 1 in number of laser strikes recorded in Texas this year
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — New research from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) puts Houston in the number one spot for the amount of laser strikes recorded in Texas this year. This week, a man was arrested for shining a high-intensity light at a Harris County sheriff’s deputy mid-flight. - Star Courier News: Area enjoys National Night Out
HIGHLANDS–The Annual National Night Out was celebrated at the San Jacinto Community Center on Tuesday night, Oct. 1st starting at 6pm. This is a partnership with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and other community groups, so residents can get to know their First Responders. - MyTexasDaily: Harris County reentry programs empower individuals for a brighter future
HOUSTON, Texas — The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating significant achievements in its reentry programs for individuals reintegrating into society. Over the past month, both female and male clients have demonstrated dedication to personal growth and positive change.
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Bank Jugging Alert!
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has noticed an increase in bank jugging incidents. These happen when criminals observe individuals withdrawing cash from ATMs or banks and then follow them to steal their money.
Stay vigilant and take steps to protect yourself. By working together, we can help prevent these crimes and keep our community safe.
Phone Scam Alert!
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office warns our community about scammers pretending to be HCSO personnel.
Please stay vigilant and follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Verify Identities: If someone claims to be an HCSO teammate, ask for their name and badge number, then contact HCSO at 713-221-6000 to verify.
- Never Share Personal Info: Do not give out personal or financial information over the phone or online unless you know the recipient’s valid identity.
- Beware of Threats: Legitimate law enforcement will never threaten arrest over the phone for non-payment of fines or fees.
- Report Suspicious Calls: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately and report it to our office.
- Stay Informed: Educate yourself about common scams and share this information with friends and family.
Let’s work together to protect one another from scammers. If you have any concerns or questions, please call us at 713-221-6000.
Free Car Seat Event
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with Safe Kids Greater Houston, Texas Children’s Hospital, and Save a Life, is hosting a free car seat event to help ensure your child’s safety on the road.
Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will provide one-on-one assistance with proper car seat installation and harnessing.
- Date: Friday, November 1, 2024
- Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Location: HCSO Academy, 2316 Atascocita Road, Humble, TX 77396
To register, please visit freeseatcheck.as.me/HCSO. For questions or more info, call 832-824-3483.
HCSO Celebrates World Restart a Heart Day
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged World Restart a Heart Day on October 16, 2024, by emphasizing the significance of CPR and life-saving efforts. In collaboration with Harris Health and the American Heart Association, we conducted CPR classes for our jail residents, equipping them with the essential skills to assist in critical situations.
Together, we’re building a safer community by equipping everyone with the tools to make a difference when it matters most. Every second counts!
Congratulations to Lieutenants Jonathon Viningre and Chris Adolph
Congratulations to Lieutenants Jonathon Viningre and Chris Adolph of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office for graduating from the prestigious Leadership Command College – Class Number 99 of the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas!
This advanced program, taught by a consortium of Texas universities, equips law enforcement leaders with the skills needed to effectively manage police agencies and provide top-tier service to their communities.
Their journey began with Module I on leadership at Texas A&M University’s Center for Executive Development, followed by Module II at Texas Woman’s University, which focused on law enforcement’s political, legal, and social aspects. The program concluded on September 27, 2024, with advanced law enforcement administration training at Sam Houston State University.
We are proud of Lt. Viningre and Lt. Adolph for their dedication to leadership and service!
High Water Truck Pull Challenge Winners!
The results are in, and… Challenge conquered! On October 12, The Harris County Sheriff’s Office won second place at the High-Water Truck Pull Challenge against multiple agencies!
We had a fantastic time participating in the challenge to support the incredible athletes of the Special Olympics of Texas!
We were proud to flex our strength for a great cause and come together with our community. Thanks to everyone who came out to cheer us on and for the invitation!