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Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office celebrated the first anniversary of the Women’s Empowerment Center on February 15, 2024. This significant milestone allows us to reflect on the center’s impact since its opening. The center symbolizes hope, resilience, and transformation for countless women in our care.
Through tailored programs, counseling services, educational opportunities, and skill-building workshops, our goal is to equip women with the tools and resources they need to thrive beyond the walls of incarceration. Our programs offer support in mental health, spirituality, trauma, substance abuse, job training, and reentry.
In the last year, 217 residents have graduated from various programs, such as Apple Technology, IN2Work, Art Classes, Finance, G.E.D., and Health Class.
We have offered anger management classes, an Apple computer lab, G.E.D. courses provided by Houston Community College, and finance classes where residents learned money management skills.
Our residents have enjoyed various activities such as church services, game nights, spa days, and holiday celebrations, including Easter, Mother’s Day, Halloween, Christmas, and Navidad en el Barrio.
Navidad en el Barrio is a non-profit organization that provides Christmas gifts for children whose mothers are incarcerated in the Women’s Empowerment Center. Last year, 40 children and sixteen residents were granted the wish to spend time with their children while they opened gifts through this effort.
Plans are underway to introduce online training courses in Nail Tech, Solar Energy, Construction, Medical Assistance, Parenting, and more. Our goals for 2024 are to keep growing the residents’ courses and training, and we hope to introduce online training options as well.
On this anniversary, we take a moment to reflect, express our gratitude, and celebrate. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all who have contributed to the success of the Women’s Empowerment Center – our dedicated staff, community partners, volunteers, and most importantly, the courageous women who have embarked on their journey of empowerment.
Watch: The Women’s Empowerment Center First Anniversary Ceremony
HCSO Launches Hustle 2.0
I am excited to announce the relaunch of our transformative program, Hustle 2.0, here at the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
This program is designed to make a significant impact on reducing crime, violence, and recidivism by empowering incarcerated individuals with the motivation and skills they need to transform their lives.
On February 15, representatives from Hustle 2.0 joined us to celebrate the first anniversary of the Women’s Empowerment Center. Their presence and support at this event underscore our commitment to empowering individuals and transforming lives.
The C.E.O. and Founder, Cat Jackson, spoke briefly at the H.C.S.O. Women’s Empowerment Center Anniversary celebration. During her speech, she highlighted that their book was written in a story-like fashion with lots of humor. She emphasized that the book’s goal is to capture the interest of even those in program-resistant populations.
Hustle 2.0 utilizes a proprietary curriculum that addresses criminogenic needs through evidence-based, trauma-informed concepts. By incorporating testimonials, case studies, art, and humor contributed by individuals with incarceration experience, we aim to engage even the most program-resistant and high-risk populations within our correctional facilities.
Their vision to transform correctional facilities from places of pain and punishment into houses of healing and hope is something we stand for here at HCSO. We are incredibly excited for this step in our journey towards a better future for those who are incarcerated.
HCSO In The News
CW39: 75th Annual Pony Express kicked off this weekend at NRG Park
HOUSTON (CW39) – The 75th Annual Pony Express kicked off this weekend at NRG Park — where mounted patrol from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office began the journey to Austin, where they hand deliver 2024 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo invitations at the Texas State Capitol.
Fox 26: Houston crash: Off-duty Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputy dies after crashing in downtown Houston
HOUSTON – An off-duty deputy, 62-year-old Ronald Bates, was identified as the victim of Saturday’s fatal crash in Downtown Houston by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
The Harris County Sheriff, Ed Gonzalez, shared his thoughts on his official Twitter account, giving his condolences to the family and friends of Bates.
HCSO Teammate of the Week
Harris County Sheriff’s Office Teammate of the Week: Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and 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.
“I am a practicing attorney in and around Houston, with 30 years of experience. However, my experience did not count when navigating the court system with a mental health client. I want to take the time to thank Gary Mustiful for assisting me and my client through the maze of the mental health program. The program is much needed in today’s society,” said a Harris County resident.
“However, getting your client into the program can be overwhelming and challenging. I saw Gary Mustiful in court one day and remembered he had given me his card. That card was a valuable asset. I called Gary, and he immediately took the time to explain the program and the process. I wanted his superiors to know what a wonderful and valuable employee they have working in the Mental Health Program. Gary has made one young man’s life better.”
Gary Mustiful is a Jail Population Analyst for Detentions Performance & Efficiency and joined HCSO last year. His professional background includes over 20 years of work experience as a Court Administrator in Harris County. Additionally, he holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Management from Texas State University.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed: Sign Up for Smart911 Today!
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents. Smart911 is a valuable tool that enhances emergency preparedness and response.
Smart911 allows you to create a Safety Profile for your household, providing vital information that 911 operators and first responders can access during emergencies.
By signing up for Smart911, you can ensure that responders have the information they need to assist you quickly and effectively in times of crisis.
Signing up for Smart911 is easy and free. Visit tinyurl.com/25sbb6yt or text us at 67283. Your information will only be shared with 911 operators and first responders in the event of an emergency, ensuring your privacy and security.
Take proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Sign up for Smart911 today to help keep our community safe and informed.
Annual HCSO Foundation Board Meeting
This week, we were honored to attend the Annual HCSO Texas Foundation Board Meeting. In 2023, they funded:
$100k for ballistic windshields
$25k seed money for the LightsOn! Program
5k for Annual Children’s Toy Drive
Thank you for supporting Law Enforcement!
Detention Officer Graduation Ceremony
Congratulations to our new Detention Officers on their graduation! We are proud of your hard work and dedication. Thank you for your commitment to serving and protecting.
HCSO Celebrates Valentine’s Day with Precinct 1 Seniors
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office had a wonderful time at the HCSO Valentine’s Day Event for the Precinct 1 Community Centers Seniors. In collaboration with Harris County Precinct 1, we organized the party to honor our seniors. HCSO teammates shared valuable resources with over 200 elderly residents and enjoyed spending time with our community!
HCSO vs. Starbucks Family Feud
Join us at the HCSO vs. Starbucks Family Feud Community Event!
Date: Friday, February 16, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: BakerRipley Pasadena, 720 Fairmont Pkwy, Pasadena, TX 77504
Come and join us for a fun-filled evening at the HCSO vs. Starbucks Family Feud Community Event! This exciting event will take place on Friday, February 16, at BakerRipley Pasadena starting at 6:00 PM. It’s a free event, so bring your friends and family along to cheer on your favorite team!
Light snacks and refreshments will be available while supplies last. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy a friendly competition and connect with your community. We look forward to seeing you there!
WATCH: HSCO Black History Month Spotlight
In honor of Black History Month, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office are highlighting leaders in our agency.
Meet Sgt. Charles Beaudion. He started as a detention officer with HCSO in 2004 and became a deputy in 2007. He’s been an investigator for Backgrounds & Recruiting. He has worked in Special Investigations as an undercover deputy for Vice and worked in Internal Affairs before being promoted to Sergeant in June 2020.
Thank you for your service, Sgt. Beaudion!
Meet Captain Marcus A. Kinnard-Bing. He joined HCSO 32 and a half years ago. He currently serves as the Vehicular Crimes Division Commander.
He has served in the Harris County Jail and also in Patrol as a sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. He has also been a major, leading the Patrol and Homeland Security bureaus.
Thank you for your service, Captain Kinnard-Bing!
HCSO Celebrates the Lunar New Year
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office proudly acknowledges and celebrates the Lunar New Year with a vibrant display of the traditional dragon dance. This celebration of heritage promotes unity as we welcome the new year together. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Asian American Peace Officer Association for organizing this memorable event, and a special appreciation to Lee’s Golden Dragon for the amazing dragon dance performance.
HCSO Welcomes the New BPOC Class
On Monday, February 12, 2024, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office welcomed 72 cadets for our Basic Peace Officer Course! Over the next nine months, these men and women will be tested, mentally and physically, to earn the right to wear the patch “The Pride of Texas.”
For the first time ever, HCSO will have two BPOC classes simultaneously. The next BPOC class starts March 11, 2024, and we anticipate having 60 cadets enroll. We wish all cadets the best during their time in the academy!