My team and I are committed to protecting our workforce, community, and jail population against the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
I want to assure our community that our commitment to serve and protect will not change during this challenging time. Every call means potential contact with someone who could be contagious. That’s why our patrol deputies have been given cleaning materials that they are using to disinfect their vehicles any time they are called upon to transport a suspect.
We are working to reduce non-essential contact between residents and deputies by temporarily restricting public access to our substations. All HCSO storefronts and substations will remain staffed — but closed to the public — as part of our efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19. While you will be unable to obtain offense and accident reports in person, these services are available online. Please click here for offense reports, and here for accident reports.
We have assigned more deputies to take non-emergency crime reports by phone at 713.221.6000 and online here to help with this measure. Click here for some of the types of reports they’re taking. As always, call 911 for an emergency that threatens anyone’s safety.
We are also implementing safety measures in our jail to protect our staff and those who are entrusted in our care. Cleaning crews have increased the frequency of cleaning operations. All employees and volunteers entering the jail system are being checked for fever each time they enter the building.
We also created a short informational video for our inmates, concerning the importance of proper cellblock sanitation, hand washing, and what to do if they believe they are getting sick. Additional staff members have also been assigned to field calls on the Inmate Care Concern phone line to help family and friends share concerns about the quality of care their loved ones are receiving. You can call 713-274-7477, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Inmate Care Concerns may also be submitted online here.
As we continue to see more COVID-19 cases, we’re reminding our residents to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and remain vigilant. The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management created an SMS messaging service to keep residents informed.
To get regular updates text CV19 to 888777. You will receive regular SMS texts with the latest news and developments. If you want an assessment and advice on symptoms, please call Harris Health System’s Ask My Nurse seven days a week from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. at 713-634-1110. To get more information please click here.
Prevention tips:
It’s also important to practice social distancing to slow the spread and to flatten the curve. And don’t forget to follow the World Health Organization advice of following five simple steps:
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. If you can’t wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer that has at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Cough/sneeze into your elbow.
- Don’t touch your face.
- Stay more than 3ft (1m) away from others.
- Stay home if you feel sick.
During these difficult times, it’s important to take care of our mental health. The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD activated the COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line 833-251-7544 to help our community. Remember, you are not alone.
As the COVID-19 crisis continues to rapidly evolve, we know that with the support of our residents we can flatten the curve. We will get through this together. God bless you, and God bless the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.