The Harris County Sheriff’s Office recently recognized and congratulated 43 exceptional colleagues who displayed outstanding commitment, skills, and leadership, resulting in well-deserved promotions on January 25, 2024, at the Second Baptist Church – Woodway Campus.
We are proud to have such remarkable teammates who embody the essence of what makes our Sheriff’s Office exceptional. The ceremony acknowledged years of hard work and dedication to the values the Harris County Sheriff’s Office upholds.
Each team member promoted has demonstrated exceptional qualities in their respective roles, whether in the field, leadership positions, or supporting roles. Their contributions have had a lasting impact on our agency.
Two teammates were recently promoted to the new rank of detention captain within the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. This is a significant milestone for our organization, representing our dedication to innovation and leadership. These two team members have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, and their promotion to this rank is a historic moment for our agency. They are the first to achieve this rank within our organization, and their names will forever be etched in our history.
The promoted individuals’ exceptional leadership qualities will undoubtedly contribute to our agency’s continued success. Leadership is not just about a title; it’s about influence, integrity, and the ability to inspire others.
As our colleagues step into their new roles, we have confidence in their ability to continue exemplifying the high standards and values that define our agency. Together, we are an unbreakable force – a strong team against adversity.
Our agency’s success results from our collective teamwork and collaboration, and the promotions we celebrate reflect that. We are stronger together.
Congratulations to our newly promoted leaders! Your hard work, dedication, and leadership have led you to this moment, and I am confident you will continue to make us proud.
Watch: B1-2023 Basic Peace Officer Course Graduation Ceremony
HCSO Celebrates Black History Month
In celebration of Black History Month, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office is honoring the people who paved the way for us and made sacrifices to create the opportunities we enjoy today.
As the Sheriff of Harris County, I am dedicated to promoting an understanding and appreciation of our community’s diverse tapestry. This month, we commemorate and celebrate a community whose resilience, strength, and indomitable spirit have played an integral role in shaping our nation.
In Harris County, we understand the significance of diversity in our law enforcement initiatives. We are committed to establishing trust and promoting positive connections with all members of our community. As this month unfolds, let us be reminded of the perpetual requirement for dialogue, comprehension, and cooperation to guarantee the safety and welfare of every African American resident in our county.
With the help of education and self-reflection, we can enhance our comprehension of the day-to-day struggles that our Black community members go through, which impact various aspects of their lives.
Acknowledging the past fosters dialogue toward collective action for a future where every community member can thrive without race-based impediments.
Celebrating Black History Month is an opportunity to honor Black individuals’ achievements, contributions, and history. It’s a chance for reflection, education, and collective action towards a more inclusive future.
In honor of Black History Month, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office are highlighting leaders in our agency.
Meet Major Latrina Kingsbury, who leads the Justice Management Bureau. She’s been with HCSO for 31 years, 20 of those years in a supervisory role.
In the 31 years she has worked with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Major Kingsbury has launched, led, and managed several projects. Her proudest achievement is her family. Thank you for your service, Major Kingsbury!
HCSO In The News
FOX26: Human sex trafficking awareness month
ICYMI: January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. HCSO Lt. Santee & Captain Ecke joined the Isiah Factor Uncensored show & discussed how groomers strategically target victims.
ABC13: Nearly $500K in high-end vehicles found when Harris Co. investigators moved in on alleged chop shop
A 25-year-old man was arrested on Friday connected to a suspected “chop shop” where authorities found a $170,000 Corvette, records state.
The bust was a multi-agency operation involving the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and Homeland Security Investigations. HCSO said nearly $500,000 in cars were recovered, including Dodge Chargers, a Cadillac Escalade, and a $170,000 Corvette.
My Neighborhood News: Harris County Sheriff’s Office Junior Mounted Posse Prepares for 72nd Annual HLSR Relay Ride
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Junior Mounted Posse is all saddled up and ready to ride in the 72nd annual Relay Ride. This historic event, which has been a part of the fabric of our community for over seven decades, will once again deliver the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo proclamations to our neighbors in surrounding counties.
HCSO Teammate of the Week
Harris County Sheriff’s Office Teammate of the Week: Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and 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.
“On January 20, Deputy Berenice Suarez was compassionate to a resident going through a tough time. She took the lady to a warming center so she could be comfortable and safe,” said a Harris County resident. “The attitude and professionalism Deputy B. Suarez displayed were nothing short of what a law enforcement deputy should attempt to exhibit on a daily basis.”
Deputy Suarez began her law enforcement career with HCSO in January 2018 as a Detention Officer. She became a deputy in July 2023 and works as a patrol deputy.
Congratulations to our Employees of the Quarter
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office are celebrating the teammates of the Quarter. We recognize Record Specialist Maria Moreno and Detention Office
r Ashley O’Hara for their exemplary service and devotion to duty. Beyond their unwavering dedication to the job, they are team players with a positive attitude. Congratulations!
Employees of the Quarter 1200 Specialized Housing: Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office are celebrating the teammates of the Quarter. We recognize Detention Officer Brian Long and Sergeant Brice Owens for their outstanding service and dedication to duty. Congratulations!
HCSO Acknowledged by the Police Executive Research Forum
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has been acknowledged by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) for implementing and standardizing Integrated Communication, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT) training. HCSO is the nation’s first agency to implement ICAT training for its detention staff.
In January 2021, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and HCSO started an agency-wide training in ICAT to have a positive impact when we respond to mental health calls. Thanks to PERF for the recognition! Click here to read the publication.
Help Us Find the Murder of Elizabeth Barraza
On Friday, January 25, 2019, just before 7 a.m., Harris County Constable’s Office Pct. 4 deputies were dispatched to a shots fired call at 8623 Cedar Walk Drive in north Harris County. Deputies reported that Liz Barraza, age 29, was found shot several times as she stood in her driveway preparing for a garage sale. She was taken to a hospital, where she died.
The suspect drove a black or dark-colored Nissan Frontier Pro 4X Crew Cab (4-door) truck. The suspect’s gender was not determined and could be male or female. No motive in the murder has been identified, and it does not appear to be robbery-motivated.
Someone out there knows who killed Elizabeth Barraza. We ask you to do the right thing. If you know something, please come forward and assist.
A cash reward of up to $50,000 is available for the person who provides information that leads to an arrest. Please call the HCSO Homicide Unit at 713-274-9100 or Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS(8477).
Join HCSO for Lemonade With a Cop
Join us on February 7, 2024, for Lemonade with a Cop at the Raising Cane’s located at 7531 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77063 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.! Stop by to learn more about the programs that the Harris County Sheriff’s Office has to offer and talk with deputies onsite over some delicious Cane’s Lemonade! We hope to see you there!