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Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:
Halloween is a fun and exciting holiday, but prioritizing safety is important, especially if you’re trick-or-treating or attending parties. Halloween is a night filled with costumes, candy, and festive fun, but it’s also important to consider safety before heading out.
Here are some Halloween safety tips:
- Trick-or-treat in well-lit areas.
- Always go with a group, and never trick-or-treat alone.
- Stay on the sidewalk and use crosswalks when crossing the street.
- Look both ways before crossing the street.
- Carry a flashlight or glow sticks to be visible to drivers.
- Inspect candy before eating it. Avoid homemade treats from strangers.
- Do not use real candles in Jack-o’-lanterns; use battery-operated LED lights instead.
- Check Sex Offender Registries ahead of Halloween day. Remember, sex offender registries provide information about individuals required by law to register. When searching for sex offender information, you can typically enter your address or the specific areas where you plan to be on Halloween to see if any registered offenders reside nearby. Knowing this information can help you ensure the safety of children.
Driver Safety:
- Drive slowly and cautiously in residential areas where children may be present.
- Be especially alert during the evening when visibility may be reduced.
- Avoid distracted driving. Do not use your cell phone while driving.
General Safety:
- If attending a Halloween party, designate a sober driver if alcohol is involved.
- Discuss a meeting point or have a cell phone with your child if they are old enough to trick-or-treat without direct supervision.
- Make sure your phone is charged and you have emergency contacts programmed.
- Report suspicious activity: If you see something suspicious, please report it! This can include anything from strange behavior to vandalism.
Following these Halloween safety tips can help ensure a fun and safe Halloween for everyone. We hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween!
HCSO Trunk-or-Treat Events
Join Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at our annual Trunk-or-Treat events. The HCSO trunk-or-treat events are free and offer a safe alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. Bring the kids to get candy and have spooky fun!
HCSO Trunk-or-Treat Friday, October 27, 2023
Hosted by HCSO District 4 at 18525 FM 529 Rd, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
HCSO Trunk-or-Treat Sunday, October 29, 2023
Hosted by HCSO and Macy’s at Macy’s Willowbrook Mall, 2000 Willowbrook Mall, Houston, TX 77070, from 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
HCSO Open House and Hiring Expo
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is excited to announce its upcoming Academy Open House and Hiring Expo, set for Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event will be held at the HCSO Academy at 2316 Atascocita Road, Humble, TX 77396.
The HCSO Academy Open House and Hiring Expo is an opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing a rewarding career in law enforcement to discover the exciting world of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. If you know someone that is looking for a career, please let them know about the upcoming hiring expo. This event is designed to provide an in-depth look at the many career paths available within the HCSO, showcasing the extensive training programs and the numerous benefits of joining our dedicated team.
Highlights of the event include:
- Academy Tour: Step inside the HCSO Training Academy and explore the facilities where our teammates receive world-class training.
- Incentives and New Higher Salary, Benefits: Learn about our competitive compensation packages and comprehensive benefits.
- “A Day in the Life of a Detention Officer”: Gain insight into detention officers’ daily responsibilities and challenges.
- Spotlight on the Detention Command Containment Team: Discover the specialized skills and training used by our Containment Team to maintain safety and order in the jail.
- Armed Detention Officer Experience: Learn about the role of our armed detention officers.
- “Started from Detention Officer Now, I’m Here” Testimonial: Hear firsthand from an HCSO Assistant Chief who began his career in detentions and has since progressed to the command level.
- What’s next for the Jail? Introducing the new position of the Detentions K-9 Officer: Learn about the exciting new role of Detentions K-9 Officer within our organization.
- Smart Study Tips to Help Pass the Licensing Course: Receive guidance on succeeding in the licensing course and beyond.
- On-site Testing: Take the first step toward joining the HCSO by participating in on-site testing.
For more information about the HCSO Academy Open House and Hiring Expo, contact 713-877-5250.
HCSO In The News
KPRC: HCSO asks for public’s help in ‘unsolved murder’ of woman who was found in Sheldon Reservoir in June
Help HCSO solve the murder of Stephanie Leighane Carrizal. On June 10, her body was floating in a reservoir in east Harris County. Investigators determined that she had suffered trauma that was not consistent with drowning. Call Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS. Photo of the victim.
FOX: Riding along with the Harris County Sheriff’s
How does the Harris County Sheriff’s Office address people who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Watch the ride along with FOX 26 Houston!
“We try to inform them (the community) about preventative care all the resources the Harris Center provides. That way as the person seas the signs of their loved one deteiring they know they can do help them from getting bad,” Deputy Mejia said.
KHOU: Case of 4 people found shot to death in burning car in Channelview area remains unsolved after almost 7 years
The victims were identified as Christopher Chaney, 28, Nicholette Briscoe, 28, Willie Norman, 25, and Kelcii Flintroy, 19. The deaths of four people found shot to death inside a burning car in the Channelview area in 2016 remain unsolved as homicide investigators search for new leads in the case.
This homicide case is still open, pending new leads. Anyone with information, contact Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-8477.
KHOU: CIRT deputies on a mission to save lives
KHOU 11 hit the streets with deputies who are part of the Crisis Intervention Response Team who are on a mission to save lives. In many cases, going beyond the call of duty goes unnoticed, but for Harris County deputies like Esteban Hernandez, answering the call to protect and serve has led him down a personal, unique path to public safety. “I lost two close cousins that I was really, really close to, to suicide back in 2014,” he said.
FOX: Fundraiser in Humble supports injured Harris County Deputy
Local law enforcement officers and first responders gathered in Humble on Saturday to show support and raise funds for Harris County Deputy Joseph Anderson, who was critically injured in a shooting incident in August. The event, organized by The Thin Blue Line, a motorcycle club comprised of active duty, retired, or reserve law enforcement officers, aims to help Deputy Anderson on his road to recovery.
HCSO Stands Against Domestic Violence
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The HCSO Adult Special Crimes Section works collaboratively with our community partners to help victims. The Family Violence Unit, the Adult Sex Crimes Unit, and the Victim Assistance Unit are here to assist and support victims on their journey to becoming survivors.
These specialized units are responsible for investigating family violence and adult sex crime cases. The Victim Assistance Unit provides immediate crisis intervention; they work collaboratively with our domestic violence partners in the community to find emergency shelter. They also assist victims with legal resources and other critical services that help victims with immediate needs and navigate the criminal justice system.
If you or someone you know needs help, call 911 or the Victim Assistance Unit at 713-274-9369. Together, we can make a stand to end domestic and sexual violence for all.
Happy National First Responders Day
Happy First Responders Day to our deputies, detention officers, dispatchers, volunteer reservists, and all of our teammates! First responders play a vital role in keeping our communities safe with dedication. Thank you for protecting and assisting our community!
Take the Red Ribbon Pledge to Live Drug-Free
HCSO Community Engagement hosted our annual Red Ribbon Boat Ride. Red Ribbon Week embraces the belief that one person can make a difference and challenges us to join forces to educate our youth about the risks of substance abuse. Visit redribbon.org to obtain drug prevention resources.
Congrats to Deputy Lowry for receiving the Unsung Hero Award
Deputy Lowry received the “Unsung Hero Award” at the Texas Adult Protective Services Conference. Deputy Lowry was honored for his work in the Boarding Home Detail, where he dedicates his energy to protecting those who can’t protect themselves.
HCSO Behavioral Health Division
Great presentation at the 2023 IACP Conference by HCSO Dr. Thomas McNeese discussing the creation of our Behavioral Health Division (BHD). Since its implementation in 2020, BHD has responded to 224 critical incidents and 3,945 routine clinic visits.
HCSO Teammates of the Week
Teammates of the Week: Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and HCSO highlight teammates who go above and beyond.
Upcoming HCSO Events
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Have unused prescription drugs in your medicine cabinet? Join the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 28, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Visit two locations:
- 7900 Will Clayton Pkwy
- 23828 Tomball Pkwy
For more information, visit dea.gov/takebackday.
Family Fall Fest
Join the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at a free Family Fall Fest on Saturday, November 4, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The fest will be at Windwood Presbyterian Church, 10555 Spring Cypress Rd, Houston, TX 77070.
Gun Buyback Event
Join the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and the Harris County Precinct 4 Office of Commissioner Lesley Briones for a Gun Buyback event on Saturday, November 18, from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Westchase Park and Ride, 11050 Harwin Drive, Houston, TX, 77072. Turn in your firearms to receive gift cards! We hope to see y’all there!
HCSO Bicycle Rodeo
Join Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and HCSO at the upcoming Bicycle Rodeo Event! HCSO deputies will be on hand to conduct bicycle inspections, provide safety tips, and answer all your questions.
