As storms quickly developed over our area earlier this week, we braced for a potentially dangerous flash flood event. The heavy showers and thunderstorms remained a concern through early Thursday.
Although flooding was mainly confined to isolated areas and roads, the possible negative impact of the severe weather conditions came less than two weeks before the start of this year’s hurricane season.
It’s a good reminder of the need to stay alert, take all necessary precautions, and follow the guidance of local officials:
- Stay off the roads. If you must go out, check road conditions on Houston TranStar’s traffic map.
- Monitor the local NWS forecast and sign up for emergency alerts at Ready Harris.
- Monitor rainfall data, bayou flooding levels, and current flooded roads, parks, and low-lying areas at the Harris County Flood Warning System website.
- Give yourself time to purchase disaster supplies and prepare your emergency food, water, and medical necessities.
- Follow local guidance about updated plans for evacuations and shelters.
We always monitor and prepare for the worst-case scenario and encourage our residents to do the same. Since Hurricane Harvey’s historic landfall, our agency has devoted more staff and resources to high-water equipment and swift water rescue training to better ensure the safety of our communities.
Several vehicles were submerged in high water on the Grand Parkway Toll Road near Boudreaux Rd. and Gleannlock Forest Dr. in north Harris County.
When storms threaten, we strategically stage our fleet of rescue vehicles and watercraft throughout the county so we are be poised to act when called upon.
It is important to have an emergency plan and a disaster kit in place as weather forecasts can change quickly. Stay informed and be ready before a storm hits.
Stop Human Trafficking
Houston is considered a major hub for all forms of human trafficking. Our Human Trafficking Unit investigators play a critical role in identifying and combating these horrific cases that often victimize our most vulnerable neighbors. The prevalence of human trafficking, which involves exploiting a person for labor, services, or sex, is difficult to gauge due to underreporting and the crime hiding behind businesses.
Our coordinated response against human trafficking includes working collaboratively with law enforcement agencies, encouraging residents to report traffickers and potential human trafficking victims, and connecting victims to social service organizations that provide the necessary tools and resources to empower them.
We conduct proactive investigations and participate in multi-partner operations, where we locate victims based on intelligence that we have developed. The Sheriff’s Office is a proud member of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance, a regional task force aimed at identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking. The task force is made up of local, state, and federal agencies and combines resources to target human traffickers and connect victims of all forms of human trafficking, including labor and sex trafficking, to victims’ services.
In our latest effort to combat this epidemic that’s often hidden in plain sight in our communities, our Human Trafficking Unit organized a three-day operation from May 12-14. The first day was spent in east Harris County area hot spots for sex trafficking and prostitution. The remainder of the targeted operation was held at a hotel in northwest Harris County. It led to 17 arrests, including prostitution charges and open felony arrests.
During these operations, undercover deputies may pose as those running a prostitution ring or those soliciting sex for money. They will also arrange meetings with people who may be trafficked victims, with the hopes they can lead investigators to the traffickers.
Command Post
A human trafficking investigator meets with the victims at the arranged location, such as a hotel, for an initial conversation about their situation. We also establish a nearby command post with human trafficking investigators, victim advocates, and Texas Forensic Nurse Examiners nurses.
Partners
Victims are able to share their stories in-depth and provide investigators with any relevant information leading up to that moment.
A team of forensic nurses, who have specialized knowledge and skills to care for patients who have experienced sexual assault or human trafficking related injuries, provide on-site medical care and exams. Our victim advocate partners from YMCA International Services connect them to critical services and resources, such as counseling and basic needs support.
Collaboration among law enforcement agencies and the community is key to raising awareness of this issue and disrupting human trafficking activity. If you or someone you know might be a victim of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
We stand together with those who are being trafficked, survivors, and the many advocates in our region whose mission is to end human trafficking for all.