Visit the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homepage
Visit the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homepage
Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:
Mental health touches every one of us — and in a community as large and diverse as Harris County, knowing where to turn can change everything.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office wants every resident to hear this clearly: support is available, stigma should never stand in the way of getting help, and no one has to face a difficult moment alone.
Director Thomas McNeese of HCSO’s Personnel Support Division said it best — mental health is not separate from the rest of our lives. It affects our families, our work, our physical health, and our community. The pressures of everyday life — financial stress, grief, trauma, caregiving, even a difficult weather season — can weigh on anyone. Awareness helps people ask for help sooner. And asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is one of the bravest things a person can do.
How HCSO Shows Up
When deputies respond to someone in crisis, the goal is always the same: safety, compassion, and connection to the right resources. HCSO has invested in specialized programs to make that possible.
The Crisis Intervention Response Team (CIRT) pairs a specially trained deputy with a master’s-level crisis clinician from The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD — so when someone is struggling, they are met with both protection and care.
The Clinician Officer Remote Evaluation (CORE) program allows deputies in the field to consult with behavioral health clinicians remotely, ensuring that even in the most unexpected moments, the right support is never far away.
These programs exist because we believe that people in crisis deserve to be met with compassion — not just a badge.
Resources Available to You — Right Now
You do not have to wait for a crisis to reach out. These resources are available 24/7:
- Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD: Harris County’s local mental health authority. 713-970-7000 | Toll-free: 1-866-970-7000 | Text: 832-479-2135 | Crisis text: 988
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 | Chat at 988lifeline.org Free, confidential, and available around the clock.
- 2-1-1 Texas: Call 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905 for local community resources. For mental health and substance use support, select your language and choose Option 5.
- SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-4357 | Text your ZIP code to 435748 | findtreatment.gov
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1 | Text: 838255
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 800-799-7233 | Text START to 88788 | thehotline.org
- HCSO Crime Victim Assistance Unit: For victims, survivors, and families impacted by crime. 📞 713-274-9369 | VictimAssistanceUnit@Sheriff.hctx.net | Text in English or Spanish: 832-470-6772
Mental health awareness is not only about crisis response. It is about prevention, education, and making sure people know where to turn before problems become emergencies. This month — and every month — HCSO is committed to showing up for this community in every way that counts.
Hurricane Season Starts June 1: Harris County, Are You Ready?
Here in Harris County, we know better than most what a powerful storm can do. We have lived it. And the Harris County Sheriff’s Office has one message for our community as we head into the 2026 hurricane season: prepare now — before the storm ever has a name.
Waiting until a hurricane watch is issued is waiting too long. The time to stock supplies, review your evacuation route, check on your elderly neighbors, and make a family communication plan is today — not when the wind starts picking up.
A basic emergency kit should include water and non-perishable food for at least three days, medications, important documents, flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, a phone charger, and a plan for your pets. Small steps taken now can make an enormous difference when it matters most.
Know your zone. Familiarize yourself with Harris County’s evacuation zones and pay close attention to guidance from county and city officials when a storm approaches. Follow HCSO on social media and monitor local news for real-time updates.
When a storm threatens Harris County, HCSO will be ready. Our deputies and first responders will be positioned across the county — supporting evacuations, maintaining public safety, and responding to emergencies as conditions allow. We train for these moments. We prepare for these moments. Because protecting this community is not just our job — it is our commitment.
Harris County is resilient. We have proven that before, and we will prove it again. But resilience starts with preparation. Make your plan. Know your route. Look out for one another.
🔗 For preparedness resources, visit ReadyHarris.org.
HCSO In the News
Community Impact: Harris County approves additional $19M for public safety facilities improvements
Harris County Commissioners Court allocated an additional $19 million to the Harris County Sheriff’s and Fire Marshal’s offices to support ongoing capital improvement projects across eight law enforcement facilities.
The May 14 vote increased funding from $100 million to $119.73 million for the projects, which aim to enhance resiliency and technology at facilities in the HCSO’s patrol districts, according to agenda documents.
HOUSTON – Nearly three years after Austin Kanuch was stabbed to death in his sleep, his family is turning grief into determination, unveiling a memorial bench in Cypress Park while a $40,000 reward remains on the table for information leading to an arrest.
The bench is part of the We Remember Memorial created by Tom Ramsey’s office in partnership with Crime Stoppers of Houston. It features a QR code that pulls up details about Kanuch’s unsolved murder, giving the community an immediate way to learn about the case and submit tips.
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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.
HCSO Teammate of the Week: Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognize Deputy Juan Celestial
A supervisor recently shared:
“A commendation is in order for Deputy Celestial for his outstanding judgment, professionalism, and dedication to duty. Deputy Celestial conducted himself in a manner that reflects great credit upon himself, his peers, and the department. His actions exemplify the highest standards of service and leadership, and he should be given strong consideration during his next promotional opportunity. Semper Fidelis.”
Deputy Celestial has dedicated an extraordinary 29 years of service to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office — beginning his law enforcement career in 1994 as a certified officer. Over nearly three decades, he has built a reputation for professionalism, sound judgment, and unwavering commitment to duty. Currently, he serves in the Maritime Tactical Operations Section (MTOS).
Deputy Celestial, 29 years of showing up, doing the right thing, and setting the standard for those around you. Thank you for your decades of service to Harris County. We are incredibly proud to have you on this team.
HCSO Teammate of the Week: Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognize Deputy Dane Simpson
A Harris County resident recently shared:
“I’m writing to commend Deputy Simpson for his professionalism and courteous conduct during a traffic stop. Although it was very early in the morning, Deputy Simpson’s approach was respectful, calm, and professional. He explained my warning was for a defective license plate light — and even took the time to explain why it matters. What impressed me most was his customer service and respectful demeanor. Deputy Simpson represented his department positively and professionally, and I felt it was important to share my appreciation.”
Deputy Simpson has been proudly serving HCSO for nearly 5 years. He began his patrol career 3 years ago. In just under five years, Deputy Simpson has already shown what it means to represent this badge with professionalism, patience, and genuine care for the people he serves.
Deputy Simpson, we are proud to have you on this team!
Welcome to the Agency!
HCSO Command Staff proudly welcomed the Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC) Cadets of Class B1-2026 to the agency.
66 dedicated cadets embark on a remarkable journey defined by service, courage, and a commitment to protecting the people of Harris County.
Best of luck to each of you—your future starts now.
Click It or Ticket
From May 18th through May 31st, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office will join law enforcement agencies across Texas for the “Click It or Ticket” campaign with increased seat belt enforcement throughout Harris County.
Seat belts reduce the risk of serious injury or death by nearly 50%. One simple click could save your life.
Buckle up every ride, every time.
Career Day at Boone Elementary
On Friday May 15, 2026, Harris County Sheriff’s Office District 4’s Community Engagement was honored to participate in Career Day at Boone Elementary!
Deputy Charles Hill had the opportunity to speak with students about careers in law enforcement, the importance of education, and the many ways deputies serve and protect the community each day.
We appreciate Boone Elementary for the invitation and for providing an opportunity to inspire and engage with the next generation of leaders. Investing in our youth through mentorship, encouragement, and positive interaction continues to make a lasting impact in our community.
Wear Your Seat Belt!
POV: your local deputy begging you to just wear the seat belt already 😭🚔
Our deputies have seen firsthand how fast a normal drive can turn into a life-changing crash.
Buckle up every ride, every time.
Honoring Austin Kanuch
HCSO stood alongside the family of Austin Kanuch to renew the call for justice.
Austin was murdered in his home in September 2023. His killer is still out there, and his family continues to wait for answers.
In honor of Austin’s life and memory, Crime Stoppers of Houston hosted a memorial bench dedication at Cypress Park.
This bench serves as more than a memorial — it is a reminder that Austin will not be forgotten, and neither will the pursuit of justice in his case.
If you have any information, no matter how small it may seem, please contact Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS. Tips can remain anonymous.
Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office honor the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities whose voices, values, and cultural richness uplift our society.
We recognize their contributions to public service and beyond.