On Thursday, we co-hosted a press conference with the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office and several other key public safety partners to discuss new protections for people living in boarding homes that take effect on Wednesday, Sept. 1.
The speakers discussed the importance of safe boarding home options for seniors and our most vulnerable neighbors, regulations in unincorporated communities, enforcement plans, and community resources. The new state law, authored by state Sen. Borris Miles, creates tougher criminal sanctions for those who operate unlicensed boarding homes. It also creates criminal penalties for people who fail to report abuse or neglect in boarding homes.
In Harris County, we work as a public safety team to protect our communities. The residents we serve are part of this team. We rely on them to report abuse when they see the signs of a bad boarding home operator on their block. Watch the recorded press conference and learn more about the boarding home permitting process here. To report abuse or neglect, call the Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 or file a report online. Once a facility passes inspection, our newly formed Boarding Home Detail will review the permit applications.
Stay Informed and Be Ready Before a Storm Hits
Four years after Hurricane Harvey devastated our region, we are on high notice as meteorologists and emergency management officials monitor the tropical depression in the Caribbean that will likely move into the Gulf of Mexico and strengthen into a hurricane. Landfall is forecast for Sunday night. And while the latest forecasts predict landfall is most likely in Louisiana, our region is advised to remain vigilant.
This is the most active period of hurricane season. If you haven’t already, finalize your emergency plan, stock up on critical supplies, bookmark preparedness resources, and stay informed.
Preparedness Checklist
- Create an Emergency Plan: Knowing what to do protects you and your loved ones. Every family is unique and has different needs. Discuss how you will stay in contact with each other, what you will do in an emergency, and where you will go if you need to evacuate. This plan is your guide and best protection against the dangers of a disaster.
- Stay Informed: Closely monitor the local National Weather Service forecast and sign up for emergency alerts at Ready Harris. If you must get on the roads, check road conditions on Houston TranStar’s traffic map. Monitor rainfall data, bayou flooding levels, and flooded roads, parks, and low-lying areas at the Harris County Flood Warning System website.
- Build a Kit: During emergencies, you may need to evacuate or hunker down at home for an extended period. Consider building a go-bag and shelter-in-place kit. Don’t panic buy – give yourself time to purchase disaster supplies and prepare your emergency food, water, and medical necessities.
The time to prepare is now. God bless you, and God bless the Sheriff’s Office.
Gulf Coast Violent Offenders and Fugitive Task Force Recognized by U.S. Marshals Service Director Washington
The Gulf Coast Violent Offenders and Fugitive Task Force is a multi-agency task force led by the U.S. Marshals Service. The purpose of the task force is to combine the efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to locate and arrest the most violent fugitives in our region. It also serves as the central point for agencies to share vital information and partner on major cases.
The regional fugitive task force was presented the 40th Director’s Honorary Award for Distinguished Group by U.S. Marshals Service Director Donald W. Washington for their efforts in implementing a strategy to address violence in the Southern District of Texas, arresting 4,891 fugitives, 168 gang members, and locating 17 missing children over a year.
Lt. Haberland, Criminal Investigations Bureau
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has been a vital member and partner agency since the inception of the task force in 1993,” said Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Arthur Fernandez. “The professionalism of the sheriff’s deputies and sergeants assigned to the task force is an example of the best resources and partnerships the USMS has across the country. The successful apprehension of the area’s most violent offenders, high profile targets, and the overall volume of cases handled by the task force is recognized by our Investigative Operations Division and the Director of the U.S. Marshals in Washington, DC.
It is a great honor to work with the dedicated men and women who truly hold the line between our community and the evil actors that choose to victimize our neighborhoods and nation,” said Lt. Haberland, who oversees the Criminal Warrants Section and our involvement in the task force. “It is an absolute privilege to be a part of such an amazing team of talented and skilled investigators. I am grateful for their service and all that we stand for as peace officers and an agency.
We have dedicated two squads to the task force, which includes nine deputies and two sergeants. These operations also result in a large amount of weapons, narcotics, and cash seized off our streets.
We’re thankful to be part of this critical partnership and joint law enforcement effort to keep our communities safe. And we’re proud of our Criminal Warrants Section and teammates serving on the task force.