On Monday, I joined Assistant Chief Tim Navarre in welcoming new academy classes on their first day, addressing them as they each began their new journey. Our Basic Peace Officers Course class is the largest our agency has had in recent memory, with 77 cadets. We also started a class for 33 lateral cadets with prior law enforcement experience. Please join me in wishing them well as they answer the call to undertake a path of law enforcement.
Many of these men and women pursued this profession for a noble reason, and we thanked them for their service and sacrifice as their training begins during a critical time. As they prepare for the road ahead, it serves as a reminder that we have an opportunity to show our communities what it means to be a peace officer. One of our core values – merit and maintain the public’s trust – happens through the daily efforts of our deputies, detention officers, and staff. It’s a tremendous responsibility and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office continues to lead the way.
Over the next several weeks and months, cadets will receive multifaceted training on becoming capable and excellent members of the peace officer community. This will prepare them to be the best, to work hard, and to demonstrate great integrity in the execution of their duties. Harris County residents deserve no less.
As we continue to place a priority on developing innovative strategies and collaborative community partnerships, new academy classes are the future and help build our capacity to keep our unwavering promise to serve and protect all. The detention officers and deputies who serve Harris County are a credit to the profession, this agency, and our community, and we wish them well on their journey.
Stress Awareness During a Pandemic
Dr. Robert Seals, our licensed clinical psychologist and Behavioral Health Unit Director, is sharing tips and resources to help manage and reduce stress during this unprecedented time.
Stress and pressure can sometimes take a negative toll on our emotional and behavioral well-being.
Mental Health Wellness Tips for Quarantine:
- Stick to a routine
- Be active for at least 30 minutes per day
- Reach out to your friends and family
- Stay hydrated and eat well
- Limit social media use
- Notice the good in the world
- Help others, if you can. Reach out for help, if you need it.
- Remind yourself daily that this is temporary
Fear and anxiety about the coronavirus can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions. Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Learn more about healthy ways to cope with stress from the CDC here.
Stay Vigilant
Thank you for doing your part to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your neighbors. Please continue to monitor CDC recommendations, practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently, and wear a face covering in public spaces. Harris County Public Health encourages residents to take advantage of free testing in their areas. Click here to schedule a test or call 832-927-7575.
HCSO Behavioral Threat Management Unit
As many families continue to stay home to protect themselves and contain the spread of COVID-19, domestic violence victims are finding their homes to be a dangerous place. Our Behavioral Threat Management Unit (BTMU) focuses on proactive strategies that can potentially prevent acts of violence by stalkers and others who exhibit behaviors that often lead to violence. Meet the BTMU team and learn more here.
Safe Driving Tips
Texas is seeing a rise in speed-related road deaths during the pandemic. Our Vehicular Crimes Unit responded to a major two-vehicle accident this week. Two children tragically lost their lives as a result of the crash.
Be safe and drive smart with tips from the Texas Department of Transportation:
- Always buckle up
- Practice patience and share the road with others
- Drive a safe speed for traffic, weather and road conditions
- Put your phone away and focus on driving
- Use extra caution when driving at night or in bad weather
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
Even with heightened levels of concern due to the pandemic, try to maximize value out of every day. Remember, small things can make a difference. God bless you, and God bless the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.