HCSO 2022 Annual Report

EDGONZALEZ SHERIFF

Iamimmenselyproudofthededicationandeffort tocontinuallyimprovethateachpersoninourdepartmentdemonstrateseachday.Thepagesthat followreflectthisdedicationandeffortandthe valuesoftheHarrisCountySheriff’sOffice.

Wearecommittedtoworkingwithourcommunity toenhancethequalityoflifeofeverycitizen,to reducecrime,andtoprovideasafeandproductiveenvironmentforthoseincarceratedinour jails.

Wearesteadfastinourcommitmenttothesevalues,toimplementingthebestpracticesincriminaljustice,andtotransparencythroughadatadrivenmodelofcommunitypolicing.Thisannual reportwillgiveyouaglimpseoftheprogress madeintheHarrisCountySheriff’sOfficein2022 andourpursuitofexcellence.

EdGonzalez

MIKELEE CHIEFDEPUTY

Iamdeeplygratefulfortheopportunitytoserve themenandwomenoftheHarrisCountySheriff’s OfficeastheirChiefDeputy.Together,wehave madegreatprogresstowardourgoalofmaking theHarrisCountySheriff’sOfficethepremier sheriff’sofficeinthenation.Asyoureadthrough thisannualreport,youwilllearnmoreaboutour visionandthemanyaccomplishmentsoftheHarrisCountySheriff’sOfficein2022.Theseaccomplishmentsareonlypossiblethroughtheefforts ofallthededicatedmembersofthisdepartment: certified,detentions,andprofessionalstaff.

Iwillcontinuetoworkdiligentlytoprovidethe bestservicepossibletothecitizensofHarris CountyandtheteammembersoftheHarris CountySheriff’sOffice.

MikeLee

LAWENFORCEMENTCOMMAND(continued)

Disclaimer

Theinformationprovidedinthisannualreportisintendedforgeneralinformationalpurposes only.Whileweendeavourtoprovideup-to-dateandcorrectinformation,wemakenorepresentationsorwarrantiesofthecompletenessoraccuracyoftheinformationinthereport.

OUR MISSION

ToenhancethesafetyandprotectthetrustofthecitizensofHarrisCountybyenforcingthelawwithintegrityandprofessionalism.

OUR MOTTO

21st centuryleadinglawenforcementagency.

OUR VALUES

Meritandmaintainthepublic’strust. Embraceanddeliverprofessionalservice. Protectourcitizenswithhonorandcourage. Exemplifyethicalconductatalltimes. Develop,encourage,andcareforourSheriff’sOfficefamily.

“EveryoneinHarrisCounty shouldbeproudofthework beingdoneattheHarris CountySheriff’sOffice (HCSO),whetheritisthereductionofviolentcrimewe haveseenthroughtargeted programssuchastheHarris CountySafehotspotsprogram,theViolentPersons TaskForce,ortheincredible progressmadewithprograms tohelpthementallyill.I salutetheHCSOandSheriff Gonzalezandlookforwardto continuedsuccessinmaking HarrisCountythesafestit canbe.”

“IwanttosharemyappreciationfortheHarris CountySheriff’sOffice (HCSO).Theyhavebeen veryhelpfulincombating thehomelessissuesinthe areaandcontinuetowork withus.Ourpartnership withtheHCSOhasbeena terrificbenefittoourorganization,andIlookforwardtocontinuingtowork withtheminthefuture.”

“ThePoliceExecutiveResearchForum(PERF)has workedwithSheriffGonzalezandChiefDeputy MikeLeeonanumberof projectsandhasbeen continuallyimpressed.We visitedandsawfirsthand howtheagencyworksto identifymentalhealthand addictionissues.Allof theseeffortsreflectan agencyadoptingcutting edgepractices.”

“ThecollaborationThe HarrisCenterforMental Health(TheHarrisCenter) haswiththeHarrisCounty Sheriff’sOfficeisoneof whichIammostproud. Ouramazingpartnership hascreatedopportunityto transformthelivesof thosewithbehavioral healthconcerns.Iamconfidentourpartnershipwill continuetocreateawardwinningapproachesto workingtogetherandnationallyrecognizedbest practices.”

WayneYoung ChiefExecutiveOfficer TheHarrisCenter

ChuckWexler ExecutiveDirector PERF

SteveMcKinney President McKinneyRestaurant Management

AdrianGarcia Commissioner HarrisCountyPrecinct2

ThomasDiaz AssistantChief

PhillipBosquez

CHIEFDEPUTYEDISONTOQUICARETIRESAFTER33 YEARSOFSERVICE

ChiefToquicabeganhislawenforcementcareerin1989as adetentionofficer.Hebecameacertifiedpeaceofficerin 1990aftergraduatingfromtheHarrisCountySheriff’sOffice Academy,ClassB3-90.

Duringhis33-yearcareerwiththeHCSO,ChiefDeputy Toquicaworkedinnearlyeverybureauintheagency,includingdetentions,patrol,patrolsupportservices,criminalinvestigations,inspectorgeneral,andhomelandsecurity.

In2014hewaspromotedtotherankofmajor.In2017he wasappointedtoChiefDeputyandservedinthatcapacity untilhisretirementinOctober2022.

AnnualHarrisCountySheriff’sOfficeHolidayToyDrive

TheChildren’sAssessmentCenter servesabusedchildreninHarris County

TheHarrisCountySheriff’sOfficeFoundation donated$5,000forthepurchaseoftoysandhas fundedthedriveforthepastsevenyears

NATIONALINITIATIVE

THEGOAL

Toincreasetherepresentationofwomen inpolicerecruitclassesto30%by2030, andtoensurepolicepoliciesandculture supportthesuccessofqualifiedwomen throughouttheircareers.

THECURRENTSITUATION

Womenmakeuponly12%ofswornofficersand3%of policeleadershipintheUnitedStates.Womenmake up17%ofsworn(certified)personnelintheHCSO.

THERESEARCH

Womenofficersuselessforceandless excessiveforce,arenamedinfewer complaintsandlawsuits,areperceived bycommunitiesasbeingmorehonest andcompassionate,andseebetter outcomesforcrimevictims,especially insexualassaultcases.

MEDIARELATIONSUNIT

TheHarrisCountySheriff’sOfficeworkshardtodevelopcommunitytrustthroughpositiverelationshipswiththelocalmediaandthe community.MediaRelationspersonnelareessentialtothistask.Theyreachouttothecommunitytosharealertsandpressreleases, preventandsolvecrime,andsharewhatishappeningintheSheriff’sOffice.Beyondbeingactiveonsocialmedia,MediaRelations serveseachbureauandcommandoftheSheriff’sOfficebyhelpingtocreatebrochures,pamphlets,posters,publishinganagency newsletter,andproducingvideos.Additionally,theyrespondtoopenrecordsrequests,mediareleases,websitee-mails,mediainquiries,interviews,andon-sceneresponses.

2022STATISTICS

▶ 56mediareleases

▶ 13,567Texasopenrecordsrequests

▶ 698websitee-mails

▶ 156mediainterviews

▶ 140on-sceneresponses

SOCIALMEDIA

Facebook

Followers:92K

Tweets:529

Impressions:3.1M

ProfileVisits:1.6M

Mentions:13K

Note:

Nextdoor Twitter

Followers:210K

PageReach:7.2M

PageVisits:750K

PageLikes:28K

Instagram

Followers:19K

Members:700K

PageReach:56K

PageVisits:25K

PageLikes:1.5K

Households:400K

Neighborhoods:1.5K

Comments:6.6K

ThereareseveralsocialmediaaccountswithintheHarrisCountySheriff’sOffice,includingSheriffGonzalez,ChiefDeputyMikeLee,thefivepatroldistricts,theCrimeSceneUnit,etc.TheanalyticsaboveareforthemainHarrisCountySheriff’sOfficeaccounts.

PERSONNELANDBUDGET

HARRISCOUNTYSHERIFF’SOFFICE

ADMINISTRATIVEOPERATIONSCOMMAND

ADMINISTRATIVEOPERATIONSCOMMAND

ADMINISTRATIVEOPERATIONSCOMMAND

ADMINISTRATIVEOPERATIONSCOMMAND

ADMINISTRATIVEOPERATIONSCOMMAND

ENHANCEDPROMOTIONALPROCESS

Fewprocessesinalawenforcementagencyhaveasfar-reachingconsequences asthepromotionalprocess.Thefutureleadershipoftheagencyhangsinthebalance.AsignificantrevisionoftheHCSOpromotionalprocesswasmadein2022, thefirstrevisionin23years.Detailedinformationonthenewpromotionalprocess isoutlinedinCivilServiceRule14,PromotionsandEligibilityLists.

Someofthesignificantrevisionsincludethefollowing:

▶ Pointsgivenformilitaryservice

▶ Pointsgivenforhighereducation

▶ Thenumberofdaystostudyarespecified

▶ Thetestisgivenjustonce

▶ Outsideassessmentforsergeant,lieutenant,andcaptain

▶ Thereisaconsistentprocessfortelecommunicators

FormoreinformationonCivilServiceRule14,therule canbelocatedat: https://civilserv.harriscountytx.gov/Documents/ RULE%2014%20Final%206-11-21-Revised.pdf.

SeniorManagementInstitute forPolice(SMIP)

SMIP isademandingthree-week courseprovidedbythePoliceExecutiveResearchForumatBoston University.SusanCotter(thirdfrom left)andCaptainJerryPhilpot(fifth fromleft)successfullycompletedthe course.

CAREERDEVELOPMENT

InternationalAssociationof ChiefsofPolice(IACP)Women’s LeadershipInstitute (Lefttoright)SofiaSilva,Shonda Bower,EllysaRhen,Lakisha

Cheatham,BrittanyJones,Ebonie Butler,StephanieVillegas,Lameka White,andMeganHerrin(notinpictureChristineMcGee)successfully completedtheinstituteprovidedby theInternationalAssociationof ChiefsofPolice(IACP).

CAREERDEVELOPMENT

CrimeSceneInvestigator Certification

Onesergeantand10crimesceneinvestigators (CSIs)successfullycompletedaweek-longInternationalAssociationofIdentification(IAI)certificationclasses.All11passedtheverydemandingend-of-classtest.TheHCSOnowhas thehighestnumberofCSIsintheagency’shistory.

SchoolofPoliceStaff andCommand

LieutenantAricAlbers(left)andCaptain TobyKroegergraduatedfromNorthwesternUniversity’sSchoolofPolice Staff&Command(SPSC).Theintensivecurriculumfocusesonsuchcritical areasasplanningandpolicies,media relations,budgetingandresourceallocation,humanresources,contemporary policing,andmore.

CAREERDEVELOPMENT

FBINationalAcademy

Establishedin1935,theNationalAcademy providesadvancedinvestigative,management,andfitnesstrainingtoseniorofficers whoareprovenleaderswithintheirorganizations.Undergraduateandgraduate-level coursesareofferedinareassuchaslaw,behavioralandforensicscience,understanding terrorismandterrorists,andleadershipdevelopment.Theprogramalsoemphasizes physicalfitness,andstudentstrainwith academyfitnessinstructorsduringtheir10 weeksatQuanticototacklethe“YellowBrick Road,”agrueling6.1milerunandobstacle course.Uponcompletionofthecoursethey receiveayellowbricktosignifytheiraccomplishment.

CaptainSaulSuarez,LieutenantBryanBuccini,LieutenantDarleneThomas,andLieutenantLisaStronggraduatedfromtheFBI NationalAcademyin2022.

CaptainSaulSuarez

LieutenantDarleneThomas

LieutenantBryanBuccini

LieutenantLisaStrong

BEHAVIORALHEALTHDIVISION

TheBehavioralHealthDivision(BHD)wasestablishedin2020withthemissiontosupporttheemotionalhealthandwell-beingofHarrisCounty Sheriff’sOffice(HCSO)employeesandtheirfamilies.ThisprogramofsupportservicesisthefirstofitskindfortheHCSO.

InadditiontobehavioralhealthclinicalservicesforemployeesandeligiblefamilymembersandeducationandtrainingforallHCSOemployees, theBHDprovides24/7consultationtoCIRTunits,PEERSupportTeammembers,supervisors,commandstaff,andtheSheriff.TheBHDdirector consultsonadvancingwellness-relatedpolicytoimproveemployeemorale,well-being,resilience,andretention.

2022STATISTICS

▶ 92incidentresponses(callouts)

▶ 5,415trainingcontacthours

▶ 67wellnesscheckvisits

▶ 1,380routineclinicvisits

▶ 44postcriticalincidentvisits

BehavioralHealthDivisionStaff2022

(Lefttoright)BrandiWisniewski,administrativeassistant;Dr.RobertSeals, director;JeffManzer,licensedcounselor;ChristieAllan,licensedcounselor; Dr.ThomasMcNeese,psychologist.

TRAININGACADEMY

EVIDENCE&PROPERTYROOM

ThemissionoftheEvidence&PropertyRoomistoprovideprofessional care,custody,andcontrolofallpropertysubmissionsbytheHarrisCounty Sheriff’sOffice;HarrisCountyConstableOfficeprecincts2,3,4and5;and stateexhibitsreceivedfromthecountyanddistrictcourtsofHarrisCounty.

TheEvidence&PropertyRoomisresponsibleforwarehousingitemsidentifiedasbeingabandoned,recovered,stolen,and/ororderedrestoredtotheir ownersordestroyedbytherespectivecourts.

NineteenemployeesareassignedtotheEvidence&PropertyRoom:2 sergeants,3clerks,3part-timedeputies,and11full-timedeputies.

TheEvidence&PropertyRoomreceived66,903itemsin2022.Ofthese,3,658 werefirearms.

SUPPORTDOGGABRIEL

Employersareincreasinglyallowingdogsintheworkplace.Supportdogshavebeenshowntolowerstresslevelsinindividuals wholovedogswhichcontributestoafriendlierworkenvironment.Havingdogsintheworkplacecanresultinhigheroverall employeesatisfaction,improvedmorale,andfacilitatesanatmosphereofbetterteamwork.

HARRISCOUNTYSHERIFF’SOFFICE

VIOLENTPERSONSTASKFORCE

TheViolentPersonsTaskForcewasimplementedinSeptember2022toaddressthe backlogofoutstandingwarrantsinHarrisCounty.Itisamulti-agencytaskforcemodeled aftertheverysuccessfulUSMarshalsFugitiveTaskForcefundedbytheAmericanRescuePlanAct(ARPA).Thetaskforcehastwoteams.Thetotalnumberofpersonnelassignedtothesetwoteamsis10HCSOdeputiesand6deputyconstables.Thefollowing HarrisCountyconstableagenciesareparticipating:precincts1,2,3,5,6,and8.

Individualswithrevokedandforfeitedbondsforseriousoffensesareatoppriorityforthe taskforce.Theprioritizationofwarrantsis:aggravatedrobbery,aggravatedassault,aggravatedsexualassaultofachild,injurytoachild,aggravatedassaultfamilymember,andaggravatedsexualassault.

Withthiscollaboration,agencieswillnolongerbeworkinginsilosandrestrictedbygeography.Thetaskforcewillexecutewarrantsthroughoutall ofHarrisCounty.Thetaskforcecleared432outstandingwarrantsand 9murderwarrantsin2022. Averagenumberofwarrants

6,000

A71%increase over 2019

3,500

INNOVATINGTOCATALYZEEMPLOYMENTOFTHEHOMELESS

HarrisCountyPrecinct2CommissionerAdrianGarciawasinvitedto theWhiteHousetobepartoftheAmericanRescuePlan WorkforceSummit.CommissionerGarciahighlightedthecountywideEmploy2Empower(E2E) workforceprogramthatisfundedbytheAmericanRescuePlanAct(ARPA)andthatprovidesemploymentopportunitiestoindividuals experiencinghomelessness.

CommissionerGarciachampionedandinitiatedthepilotprograminJune2021incollaborationwiththeHarrisCountySheriff’sOffice HomelessOutreachTeam.Individualsarerecruitedfromencampments.Participantsareprovided wrap-aroundservices.Theyarepaid$15anhourtoperform

taskssuchasgraffitiabatement,pressurewashingcountyfacilities, andpainting.Theprogramallowsparticipantstoeasetheirway backintotheworkforce.Theyareprovidedtransportation toandfromtheirjobsiteandareprovidedbreakfastand lunchwhilereceivingcareerrecoveryservices.

Thekeystotheprogramaretheinvolvementofthe localnon-profitCareerandRecoveryResourcesthat providescasemanagementtoprogramparticipants andalawenforcementagency-theHarrisCounty Sheriff’sOffice-thathascompassionateprogramsfor individualsexperiencinghomelessness.

TheAirOperationsUnithassixhelicopters,onefixedwingaircraft,sixpilots,andsixtacticalflightofficers (TFOs).Theunitprovidesanaerialviewpointforassistingwithfootandcarchases,missingperson searches,criminalsurveillance,photo-reconnaissanceflightsanddisasterrelief.EverymissionincludesapilotandTFO.TheTFOcommunicateswith unitsonthegroundandoperatesmultiplecamerasas wellasthespotlight.Theunitalsoutilizesdrones.

2022STATISTICS

▶ 930missionsconducted

▶ 147vehiclepursuits

▶ 106criminalinvestigations

▶ 190assistedarrests

Atacticalresponsemaybeneededwheneveroneor moreofthefollowingcircumstancesarepresent:active shooter,terroristincident,hostagesituation,barricaded subjectwhohasthreatenedthelifeofanother,oranysituationwhereaheightenedrisktothesafetyofofficersor thepublicexistsorisanticipated.SWATalsoassistswith theexecutionofhigh-riskwarrantsandassistsother agenciesuponrequest.

HOLISTICASSISTANCERESPONSETEAM(HART)

TheHolisticAssistanceResponseTeam(HART)isanon-lawenforcementcrisisresponseprogramthatmobilizestwo-person,unarmedteams composedofonebehavioralhealthcrisisinterventionspecialistandoneemergencymedicaltechnician.Theteamsrespondtonon-violent,noncriminal911callsrelatedtomentalhealth,homelessness,anddruguse.HARTbecameoperationalinMarch2022.Itisa12-monthpilotwithan optiontorenewevery12monthsuptofouradditionalyears.TheprogramisplacedinHarrisCountyPublicHealthandworkscloselywiththeHarris CountySheriff’sOffice.HARTisdeployedindistrictoneandhastwoteamsinthefieldperdayfrom0700to2200hourssevendaysaweek. FeaturesofHARTincludethefollowing:

▶ ItisthefourthbranchofHarrisCounty’s911emergencyresponse

▶ Itisbasedontime-testedcommunityresponsemodels

▶ HARToperatesindependentlyfromlawenforcement

▶ LawenforcementmayrefercallstoHART

▶ HARTisanearlyinterventionhelpingtodivertindividuals

▶ HARTallowspolicetofocusonmoreseriouscalls

▶ HARThelpsreducedependenceonpolice 2022STATISTICS

▶ 1,612totalcalls

▶ 554welfarechecks ▶ 290suspiciouspersonscalls ▶ 196mentalhealthcalls ▶ 145meetthecitizencalls ▶ 77medicalcalls ▶ 71disturbancecalls

2022PATROLCALLSBYDISTRICT

NOTE:District4numbersarehigherduetothelargenumberofcontractsinthisdistrictandself-initiatedcallsforservicesuchascontractchecks

DISTRICT DISTRICT DISTRICT DISTRICT DISTRICT

2021COMPARISON

Dispatchedcallsforserviceandself-initiatedcalls

PATROLDISTRICTS

NEIGHBORHOODCONTRACTPOLICING

TheHarrisCountySheriff’sOffice(HCSO)contractswithhomeownerassociations,municipalutilitydistricts(MUDs),andindependent schooldistricts(ISDs)tohavelawenforcementpersonnelassignedtoaspecificareatoprovidesupplementalpatrolservicestothat area.ThecostoftheprogramissplitbetweenHarrisCountyandtheneighborhood,MUD,orISD.TheHCSOoffersannualcontracts whereeither70%,80%,or100%ofthedeputy’sorsergeant’stimeisdedicatedtotheneighborhood,MUD,orISD.

ThecontractprogramwasestablishedbyHarrisCountyCommissioner’sCourtinthe 1980sandisoverseenbytheHCSONeighborhoodPolicingDivision.HCSOpersonnelworkingcontractshavefullaccesstothemanymodelprogramsinthe HCSO.Thespecificdetailsofthecontractaredevelopedcollaboratively betweentheHCSOandtheneighborhood,MUD,orISD.

TheHCSOcurrentlyhas125contractswith335personnelworking them.

NEWBODYWORNCAMERASYSTEM

Theplatform,providedbyUtility,includesabodycamera andmuchmore.Theplatformprovidesdigitalevidence management,in-carvideo,andadvancedbodycameras.

Thebodycameraiscontainedinapocketintheinsideof theofficers’uniforms.

Thelensofthebodycameraisbuiltintotheuniforms.The bodycamerafeaturesseveralautomaticrecordingfunctionalitiesdesignedtoremovetheofficers’burdenandallowthem tofocusentirelyonthesituationathand.Thetechnologymakes decisionsonwhentostartandstoprecording.Forexample,when anofficer’slightsand/orsirenareactivatedrecordingautomatically begins.

Thetechnologydetectsthemomentafirearmisremovedfromitsholsterandsends real-timealertstodispatchandnearbyofficers.

AnOfficerDownfeaturenotifiesallcarsinthedistrictthatanofficerneedsimmediate assistancewhenanofficerbecomesproneinthefieldorliesflatforseveralseconds (thedurationisdeterminedbytheindividualagency).

Theplatformdetectswhenanofficerisrunningandtriggerstherecordingofabuilt-in accelerometer.

TELECOMMUNICATOROFTHEYEAR

DatashaArce receivedthe9-1-1TelecommunicatoroftheYearawardfor herresponsetoasituationinvolvingthreedeputieswhowereshot.At approximately0221hours,whileworkingHarrisCountySheriff’sOffice CentralDispatch,CommunicationsOfficerArcehadaunitstateshots hadbeenfiredandadeputywasdown.Datashaquicklygotthelocation anddroppedanAssisttheOfficertogetadditionalunitstothescene.

Oneoftheunitscontinuedtoprovideupdates,advisingthatatotalof threedeputieswereshot,includinghimself.Datasharemainedcalmunderpressurewhilesheupdatedtherespondingunits.Whileputtingout radiotrafficwithsuspectdescriptionsandunitconditions,DatashacoordinatedwithherfellowdispatchersandherpartneronCentraltoget EMS,theHoustonPoliceDepartment,anddistrictunitsenroutetoassist andtogetthedeputieswhowereshotmuchneededmedicalassistance.Alldeputiessurvived.

Respondingtoacallinvolvingdeputieswhoareshotisaveryemotional experience.Addingtotheseemotionswasthelossthepreviousdayof hersupervisor,SergeantBruceWatson.Datashasetheremotionsaside andperformedherjobwithutmostprofessionalism.Herdiligence,calmnessunderpressure,quickaction,andrelayofvitalinformationthatday isareminderofthecriticalroleourtelecommunicatorshaveinsaving lives.Datashaistheepitomeoftheprofessionallawenforcementdispatcher.

CONGRATULATIONSDATASHA!

DatashaArce

#HARRISCOUNTYSAFEVIOLENTCRIMEINITIATIVE

The#HarrisCountySafeViolentCrimeInitiativeranfromDecember 2021throughSeptember2022.Thiswasasecondinitiativewiththe goalofreducingviolentcrimeinHarrisCounty.HarrisCountyCommissionersCourtprovided$2.6Mfortheprogram.ThefundsprovidedovertimetopersonnelintheHarrisCountySheriff’sOfficeandparticipating

constableofficestoworkinsevenareasofthecountywiththemostviolentcrime.Theseareasarereferredtoasmicro-zones.Overall,violent crimeoffensesweredowninfiveofthesevenmicro-zoneswhencomparedtothesametimeperiodthepreviousyear.

ResultsoftheInitiative

Micro-Zones

VIOLENTCRIMEREDUCTIONINITIATIVE

TheViolentCrimeReductionInitiative(VCRI)ranfromMay2021through September2022.Theprimarygoaloftheinitiativewastoreducetheoverwhelmingbacklogofviolentcrimecasesandtofocusonviolentcrimes againstpersons.HarrisCountyCommissionersCourtprovided$3.57Mto fundtheprogram.ThefundsprovidedovertimetoHCSOpersonnel.

Thebacklogofcasesatthestartoftheinitiativewas1,327.Onaverage,the numberofnewaggravatedcasesreceivedeverydayforinvestigationbythe HarrisCountySheriff’sOffice(HCSO)CriminalInvestigationBureauis 14.58.ThenumberofcasesintheCrimesagainstPersonsDivisionbacklog hasdecreasedsteadilysincethestartoftheinitiative.Theinitiativehasalso beeninstrumentalinreducingtheamountoftimerequiredtomakefirstcontactwithavictim.

TheinitiativeallowedCrimesAgainstPersonsDivisioninvestigatorsto makemorescenes,severaltheywouldnothavebeenabletorespondto withouttheinitiative.Withtheinitiative,supervisorswereabletodispatch investigatorstomorescenesafternormalbusinesshourswhichgreatlyincreasesthelikelihoodofidentifyingoffendersandwitnessesandaidingin evidencecollection.Duringtheinitiative,assaultsandaggravatedassaults reportedtotheHCSOsteadilydeclinedandrobberytrendeddownward.

418

Formoreinformationon SafeCamvisittheHCSO websiteat: https://harriscountyso.org/Services/SafeCam

SAFECAM

DEFINITION

SAFECAMisacrimepreventionand investigativetoolwhereresidentsand businessownersregistertheirexterior surveillancecameraswiththeHCSOin anefforttohelpsolvecrime.

CAMERAACCESS

TheHCSOcannotaccesstheresidentorbusiness camerasystemandcannotaccessvideofootage withouttheresident’sorbusinessowner’sconsent.

REQUIREMENTS

Thereisnorequirementtoprovide footageatanytime.

BOMBUNIT

TheBombUnit’sresponsibilitiesincludedisarming improvisedexplosivedevicesandassistingwithinvestigationsonallbombrelatedincidents.Thisincludesincidentsinvolvingweaponsofmassdestruction.Theunit’sprimaryfocusissafety,incidentstabilization,evidencecollection,andpropertyconservation.Thepersonnelassignedtotheunitarehighly trainedandmotivatedemployees.

2022STATISTICS

▶ 13deviceshandled/recovered

▶ 8suspiciouspackages/threats

▶ 34SWATsupport

▶ 15specialevents

▶ 4,173traininghours

MARINEUNIT

TheMarineUnit’smissionistocontributetohomelanddefense byensuringthesafe,secure,andefficientflowofcargoand cruisepassengersthroughouttheHoustonShipChanneland adjoiningwaterwaysofHarrisCounty.TheMarineUnitserves toenhancetheeffectivenessoffederal,state,andlocallawenforcementagenciesintheprotectionofthecriticalinfrastructurethatisthePortofHoustonbyprovidingcoordinatedproactivehighvisibilitymaritimepatrolsandinvestigativeservices.

2022STATISTICS

▶ 8marinecall-outs

▶ 41divecall-outs

▶ 5,168watersideinfrastructurechecks

▶ 175watersidepatrols

▶ 144landinfrastructurechecks

HONORGUARD

TheHonorGuardwasformedinDecember1977primarilyforthepurposeofprovidingappropriatehonorsforthefuneralservicesofHarrisCountySheriff’sOffice deputiesslaininthelineofduty.TheHonorGuardsubsequentlyexpandedto includeescortsofhonorforpeaceofficersfromotheragenciesandparticipation infuneralsforretiredandactivedutypersonnelwhodiebynaturalcauses.The HonorGuardalsoappearsinparadesandotherpublicfunctionsasrequested.

2022STATISTICS

▶ 3HCSOIntheLineofDutyfunerals

▶ 4outsideagencyactivedutyfunerals

▶ 10HCSOactivedutyfunerals

▶ 10HCSOretiredpersonnelfunerals

▶ 7outsideagencyretireefunerals

▶ 29presentationofcolors

▶ 3HCSOsingerperformances

SECURITYMONITORINGANDASSESSMENTGROUP

TheSecurityMonitoringAssessmentGroup(SMAG)isa24/7,365 days-a-yearoperationlocatedinsidetheUnitedStatesCoastGuard (USCG)CommandCenteratSectorHouston-Galveston.Deputies monitorvideofeedsfromcamerasplacedontheHoustonShip Channelathigh-riskinfrastructurelocationsandsecurityzones.

Thisisthe only USCGCommandCenterinthenationthat houseslawenforcementpartnersfromstate,local,andmilitarypersonnelinoneroom.AllSMAGcamerashavepan,tilt, andzoomcapabilitieswithazoomoftwomiles.

2022STATISTICS

▶ 335securityzoneviolations

▶ 216investigations

▶ 53liaisoncontacts

▶ 117partnerwarrantchecks

▶ 434traininghours

Theunitconsistsof28K9teamsthatassistthe agencyinthefollowingareas:explosive/odordetectionforconductingsweepsofinfrastructure andtodetectbodywornIEDsuicidebombs; patrolforapprehendingfleeingsuspects; contrabandprimarilyusedindetentionfacilitiestodetecttobacco,narcotics,cellphones, andelectronicstoragecomponents;narcotics;andoneteamtoassistSWAT.

Eachpatroldistricthasdedicatedtrafficenforcementdeputiesandaspeedradarmessageboard displaytrailerthatcollectsspeeddata.Thetraffic enforcementdeputiesreviewmonthlyreportsof highspeedareas,trafficaccidents,andincidents ofstreetracing.Strategiesaredevelopedtoaddresstheseconcerns.

NATIONALNIGHTOUT-OCTOBER4TH

Accordingtotheirwebsite,NationalNightOutenhancestherelationshipbetweenneighborsandlawenforcementwhilebringingbackatruesenseofcommunity.Neighborhoodstypicallyhostblockparties,festivals,parades,cookouts, andvariousothercommunityeventstohelpresidentsgettoknowthepeoplein theircommunity.Policeandotherfirstresponderstypicallyattendmultiple eventstoincreasecommunity-policepartnerships.

“NationalNightOutwasintroducedinAugust1984throughanalreadyestablished networkoflawenforcementagencies,neighborhoodwatchgroups,civicgroups, stateandregionalcrimepreventionassociations,andvolunteersacrossthenation.ThefirstannualNationalNightOutinvolved2.5millionacross400communitiesin23states,”theirwebsitereads.

TheHCSOattended97NationalNightOuteventsaroundtheHarrisCountyarea.

BEHAVIORALHEALTHPROGRAMS

TheHarrisCountySheriff’sOffice(HCSO)hasthreespecializedpatrolbehavioralhealthresponseprograms.Thefirstprogram,the CrisisInterventionResponseTeam(CIRT),wasimplementedinSeptember2011.Itisaco-responderprogrampairingaCITtraineddeputywithamasters-levelclinicianfrom HarrisCounty’slocalmentalhealthauthority.TheHCSOhasnineteamsthat respondtothemostseriouscallsinvolvinganindividualinmentalhealthcrisis, performproactiveandfollow-upinvestigations,actasaresourceatSWAT scenes,andassistotherlawenforcementagencies.

Thesecondprogram.the HomelessOutreachTeam(HOT),wasimplemented inNovember2015.HOThas11deputiesandonesergeant.Fivetwo-deputy teamsaddresshomelessnessinallpatroldistricts.OnedeputyandaHarris Centerclinicianareassignedtoadowntowndistrictcontract.Manyindividuals

experiencinghomelessnesshavementalillnessandthusHOTisconsidereda behavioralhealthprogram.

Thethirdprogram,the ClinicianandOfficerRemoteEvaluation(CORE) programisaninnovative,modelapproachtorespondingtoindividualsinbehavioralcrisisbyremotelyconnectingdeputiesandindividualsinthefieldtoabehavioralhealthclinicianviaacomputertablet.COREhelpskeepconsumers anddeputiessafeandmaximizespreciousresourcesnecessarytokeeppeopleoutofovertaxedhospitalemergencyrooms,mentalhealthfacilities,andjail.

CRIMEREDUCTIONUNIT

Theseunitsareaproactiveenforcementeffortaimed atthereductionofcrime.Eachofthefivepatroldistrictshasitsownunitwithadedicatedsergeantand sixdeputies.

CrimeReductionUnit(CRU) deputies areactivelypresentandvisibleintheir districts,fosteringpersonalconnections withresidentsandidentifyingthetypeof criminalactivityoccurringinthatarea.

2022STATISTICS

▶ 1,589felonyarrests

▶ 1,340felonywarrantscleared

▶ 963misdemeanorarrests

▶ 1,652misdemeanorwarrantscleared

▶ 642firearmsseized

PARKSUNIT

The ParksUnit seekstobridgeandstrengthen thecommunitypartnershipsbetweentheHarris Countycommissionersofprecinctsoneandtwo withtheircitizens.TheParksUnitrespondsto andeliminatescriminalactivitywithinHarris Countyparksinprecinctsoneandtwo.TheParks Unitpracticescommunitypolicingstrategiesutilizingmarkedpatrolvehicles,bicycles,all-terrain vehicles,andfootpatrols.

2022STATISTICS

▶ 79hikeandbiketrails

▶ 39facilities

▶ 478trafficcitations

▶ 90,970parkschecks

▶ 20felonyarrests

CRIMESCENEINVESTIGATIONS

Theunitconsistsofspecializationsandtechnologies includingbloodstainpatternanalysis,3Dforensic scanning,theNationalIntegratedBallisticInformationNetwork(NIBIN),andachemicalprocessinglab.CrimeSceneInvestigations (CSI)collaborateswiththeTexasRangers andMontgomeryCountySheriff’sOfficeon masscasualties/majoreventsandcrime scenes.CSIisaccreditedthroughtheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI)NationalAccreditationBoard(ANAB).

Theunit’sprimaryobjectiveistoreducemotorvehicletheftandburglaryofamotorvehicle.This objectiveisaccomplishedthroughinvestigation, arrestandprosecution,proactivestingoperations,recoveryofstolenvehicles,andpublic awarenessandinformationcampaigns.Theunit alsohasstaffassignedtopreventfraudulenttitles andregistrationofstolenvehiclesandaddressinsurancefraud.

CRIMESAGAINSTPERSONS

TheCrimesAgainstPersonsDivisionincludesthefollowingunits:FamilyViolence,Child Abuse,ViolentPersons,Homicide,andAdultSexCrimes.

TheFamilyViolenceUnit (FVU) reviewsthefollowingcases:aggravatedassaultfamily violence,assaultfamilyviolence,bigamy,domesticviolence,familyharassment,injury totheelderly,kidnapping,stalking,terroristicthreatofthefamily,andtheviolationofprotectiveorders.

IncludedintheFVUisoneSheriff’sMobileAdvocacyResponseTeam(SMART)consistingofonecivilianadvocateanddomesticviolenceinvestigator.Theteamprovidesemotionalsupport,crisisinterventionandadvocacy.

InadditiontoSMART,theFVUhasvictimadvocatestrainedtosupportvictimsofcrime.

TheChildAbuseUnit investigatesthefollowingcases:injurytoachild,seriousbodily injurytoachild,injurybyomission,infant/childdeaths,neglect,abandoningorendangeringachild,indecencywithachild,aggravatedsexualassaultofachild,continuous sexualabuseofachild,andothercasesasdirectedbytheSheriff.

TheViolentCrimesUnit(VCU) investigatesassaults,robberies,threats,harassment, andkidnapping.Offenderscanrangefrom13to71yearsold.TheVCUalsohastask forcepersonnelwhoworkwiththeFBItoidentifyandapprehendindividualslinkedto gunviolenceandorganizedcrime.

TheHomicideUnit investigatesmurders,deathincustody,officerinvolvedshootings, andothermiscellaneousscenes.Thisunithasoneofthehighestmurderclearance ratesinthenationclearing89%oftheircasesin2021and86%in2022.

TheAdultSexCrimesUnit investigatesaggravatedsexualassaults,sexualassaults, andindecentexposures.

PROPERTYCRIMES

ThePropertyCrimesDivisionincludesthefollowingunits:BurglaryandTheft,FinancialCrimes,andMetalTheft.

TheBurglaryandTheftUnit investigatesthefollowingcases:burglaryofa building,burglaryofabusiness,burglaryofahabitation,criminalmischiefgreater than$100,andtheft.

TheFinancialCrimesUnit investigatesthefollowingcases:forgery,identify theft,fraud,andcreditcardabuse.

TheMetalTheftUnit investigatesthetheftofcopper,brass,aluminum,and bronze.TheunitalsoenforcesHarrisCountyregulationsgoverningscraprecyclers.Thisinvolvesinspecting60to80scraprecyclersinunincorporatedHarris County.TheunitalsoassistsAutoTheftwithcatalyticconverterthefts.

CatalyticconvertersrecoveredbytheMetalTheftUnit

VEHICULARCRIMES

TheprimarydutyoftheVehicularCrimesDivision(VCD)istheinvestigationoffatal crashes,severecrashesinvolvingseriousbodilyinjury(whereamedicalhelicopter responds)andcollisionsinvolvingvehiclesownedorleasedbytheHarrisCounty Sheriff’sOffice.

TheVCDisalsoresponsiblefortrafficenforcement,removingintoxicatedandaggressivedriversfromtheroadways,inspectionofcommercialmotorvehicles,and conductingfollow-upinvestigationsonhit-and-runcrashesinvolvingfailuretostop andgiveinformationandfailuretostopandrenderaid.

TheTowingandStorageUnitregulatestowing andstorageofnon-consentpolice towsandnon-consentprivate propertytowsinunincorporatedHarrisCounty.

2022STATISTICS

▶ 762DWIarrests

▶ 24Kstrandedmotoristsassisted

▶ 6,578trafficstopsbymotorcycles

▶ 2,562commercialvehicleinspections

▶ 575commercialvehiclecitations

▶ 1,481wreckerIDsissued

SPECIALINVESTIGATIONS

TheSpecialInvestigationsDivisionincludesthefollowingunits:Vice/Narcotics,AssetForfeiture,HumanTrafficking,MissingPersons,Gang,Auto Theft,andHighTechCrimes.

TheVice/NarcoticsUnit investigatescrimesrelatedtoprostitution,gambling,andnarcotics.

TheAssetForfeitureUnit isdesignedtodeprivecriminalsoftheproceeds oftheircrimes,tobreakthefinancialbackboneoforganizedcriminalsyndicatesanddrugcartels,andtorecoverpropertythatmaybeusedtocompensatevictimsanddetercrime.

TheHumanTraffickingUnit investigatesandprosecuteshumantraffickingcrimes,stabilizesandsupportstraffickingvictims,andexpandsoutreachandtraining.

TheMissingPersonsUnit investigatesreportsofmissingpersonsofall agesincludingrunawayjuvenilereports.Reportsaretaken24/7.

TheGangUnit reviewsandverifiesallgangrelatedcrimesinunincorporatedHarrisCounty,documentsandinputsgangandgangmembers’informationintoadatabase,andconductsproactiveinvestigations.

TheAutoTheftUnit’s primaryobjectiveis toreducemotorvehicletheft andburglaryofamotorvehicle.

HighTechCrimes istaskedwiththeinvestigationoftechnologicallyfacilitatedoffensesincluding,butnotlimitedto,fraud,forgery,breachofcomputersecurity,socialnetworkingoffenses,andchildpornography.

2022STATISTICS

▶ $691,709seized

▶ 1,214activehumantraffickinginvestigations

▶ 2,977missingpersonscasesreceived

▶ $3MdrugvalueseizedbyGangUnit

▶ 369closedcasesbyHighTechCrimes

ARMEDDETENTIONOFFICERPROGRAM

TheArmedDetentionOfficerProgram(ADOP)is120hoursoftraininginfirearms,use offorce,taser,de-escalation,hand-to-handcombat,fieldtraining,andseveralonline classes.Thetrainingisdesignedtotraindetentionpersonnelandmeetstaterequirementstoallowlicensedjailerstocarryfirearmsinanofficialcapacitywhiletransporting andguardinginmatesoutsidetheconfinesoftheHarrisCountyJail.AsofDecember 2022,thereare90activearmeddetentionofficersintheDetentionCommand.

BROTHERSINARMSPROGRAMFORMILITARYVETERANS

TheprogramwasstartedinFebruary2019byChaplaincyCaseManagerHeideLaser.Thisisa72-manunitformalemilitary veterans.Thisisthelargestjustice-involvedveteranservicesunitinTexas.Currently,therearenot sufficientnumbersoffemaleveteranstojustifyaunitforwomen.Theprogram/unitislocated intheJointProcessingCenterinadirectsupervision/sharedcellblockwithinspirational quotesandmilitary-inspiredmuralsonthewalls,24windowstoallowsunlight,doors onthetoilets,showerstallsforprivacy,andarecreationalspace.Themeninthe programhaveaccesstoeducationservicesrelatedtosubstanceabuse,lifeskills, andmentalhealth.Infouryearstherehavebeenonlyeightphysicalaltercations intheunit.Theprogramwouldnotexistwithoutthecollaborationandcoordinationofcommunitypartnersfromacrossthecityandcounty.Themainpurposeoftheprogramistodetermineeligibilityforresourcesandconnecting veteranstoresourcesatthecounty,state,andfederallevelinpreparationfor releasefromthejusticesystem.

INCARCERATED VETERANS

AccordingtotheBureauofJusticeStatistics,8percentofthenation’sprisonandjailpopulationsaremilitaryveterans.Corereasonsincludealcoholanddrug usecausedorexacerbatedbytraumaencountered duringtheirmilitaryservice,difficultyadjustingtocivilianlife,andeconomicdifficultiesassociatedwith beingunemployedandhomeless.

NATIONALTRAININGINITIATIVE

SergeantJoseGomezandDeputyEricUriegas,oftheBehavioralHealthTrainingUnit,wereinvitedtoparticipateinaworkgroupinIllinoisto developanationaltrainingcurriculumforjailpersonnel.Theeffortwasledbythe PoliceExecutiveResearchForum(PERF).PERFdeveloped theIntegratingCommunicationAssessmentandTactics(ICAT)classwhichisanewwayofthinkingaboutuse-of-forcetraining.ICATtakesthe essentialbuildingblocksofcriticalthinking,crisisintervention,communications,andtactics,andputsthemtogetherinan integratedapproachtotraining.ICATisanchoredbyaCriticalDecision-MakingModelthathelpsofficersbetter assesssituations,makesafeandeffectivedecisions,anddocumentandlearnfromtheiractions.

ICAT,whichisbeingimplementedbylawenforcementagenciesacrossthenation,wasdevelopedprimarily forpatrolpersonnel.PERFisintheprocessofdevelopinganICATcurriculumspecificallyforjailpersonnel. TheHarrisCountySheriff’sOffice(HCSO)wasinvitedtotheworkgroupbecauseSergeantGomezand DeputyUriegashavemodifieditandhavebeenprovidingtheclasstoHCSOjailpersonnelforthepast year.

PERFisnotawareofanotherlawenforcementagencythatisprovidingICATtojailpersonnel.

PERFisanindependentresearchorganizationthatfocusesoncriticalissuesinpolicing.Sinceitsfounding in1976,PERFhasidentifiedbestpracticesonfundamentalissuessuchasreducingpoliceuseofforce; developingcommunitypolicingandproblem-orientedpolicing;usingtechnologiestodeliverpoliceservices tothecommunity;andevaluatingcrimereductionstrategies.

PERFstrivestoadvanceprofessionalisminpolicingandtoimprovethedeliveryofpoliceservicesthroughthe exerciseofstrongnationalleadership;publicdebateofpoliceandcriminaljusticeissues;andresearchandpolicy development.

Photos:(Top)DeputyEricUriegas(standingonleft)andSergeantJoseGomezatPERF workgroup.

(Bottom)DeputyUriegasduringanICATtrainingfordetentionspersonnel.

WOMEN’SEMPOWERMENTCENTER

Gender-Responsive,Holistic,Reentry-FocusedFacility

Thedetentionfacilitylocatedat1307BakerStreet,knownas“LittleBaker,”isthe homeofadedicatedWomen’sEmpowermentCenter.Thefacilityisamoreholisticenvironmentthatismoresuitableforthecareofwomen,reducingharmto womenincustody,betterpreparingthemforrelease,andsupportingpositive health,safety,andrecidivismoutcomes.

Thevastmajorityofwomeninthecriminaljusticesystemhavesignificanttrauma histories.Womeninvolvedinthejusticesystemalsoreporthighratesofmental healthproblems.Additionally,womenaremorelikelytobeincarceratedasaresult ofnonviolentoffenses,suchassubstanceabuse.

Thefacilityisashiftawayfromadetention-focusedcorrectionsmodeltowardsa

morepositivemodelthatprioritizesrehabilitationandreentry.Thisinvolves providingintensivecasemanagement,engagementinwraparoundservices, creatingagender-responsiveandtrauma-informedculture,expandingthe roleofsecuritystafftomoreofasupportivementorshiprole,involvingstaffin greaterareasofcare,andequippingstaffwithgender-responsiveand trauma-informedapproaches.

Thefacilitywillholdanestimatedaveragedailypopulationofroughly372 womenfreeingupbedsinthemainjailcomplex.Thismayreducetheneed tooutsourceincarceratedindividualsproducingbetween$8.15millionto $13.3millionincostsavingsayear.

HEIDELASERRECEIVESCONGRESSIONALRECOGNITION

HeideLaser,theBrothersinArmsProgramProgramCoordinator,andtheHarrisCountyChaplaincyServiceswererecognizedbyRepresentativeSheilaJacksonLeeofthe18th Congressional DistrictinTexas.HeidewaspresentedwithacertificateonMemorialDayforherservicetotheHarrisCountySheriff’sOffice,includingherworktowardscreatingandimplementingtheBrothersin ArmsprogramandherworkwiththeChaplaincy ServicesUnit.

Heidegraduatedin2014fromtheUniversityof HoustonDowntownwithaBachelorofScience DegreeinCriminalJustice-MagnaCumLaude. ShejoinedtheHarrisCountySheriff’sOffice shortlyaftergraduation.Sheworkedasaprogram managerinReentryServicesforthefirstfour years.ShethentransferredtotheChaplaincyServicesUnitin2018.Sheiscurrentlytheprogram coordinatorfortheBrothersinArmsProgram.

Pictured:(lefttoright)HoustonMayor SylvesterTurner,HeideLaser,Representative SheilaJacksonLee.

AVERAGEDAILYPOPULATION

HARRISCOUNTYJAIL

TheHarrisCountyJailisthelargestjailinTexasandthethirdlargestinthenation.The averagedailypopulationin2022was9,751inmates.Thepopulationwashigherthan usualduetoabackloginthecriminaljusticesystem.ThebacklogstartedwiththefloodingofthecountycourthouseduringHurricaneHarveyinAugust2017.Thesituationwas furtherexacerbatedwiththeCOVID-19pandemicwhichpreventedin-persontrialsfor monthsin2020.Thisbackloghititspeakinthesummerof2021withabout54,000active casespending.Abacklogofover40,000casescontinuedthrough2022.

AverageDailyPopulation2022

INMATEASSAULTS

HARRISCOUNTYJAIL

In2022,therewere1,250incidentsofinmatesassaultingstaff. Therewere4,037incidentsofinmatesassaultingotherinmates. ThededicatedgroupofmenandwomenoftheDetentionCommandremaindiligentintheirproactiveapproachtodirectsupervisionofandtheirimmediateresponsetopotentialsecuritythreats.

AVERAGELENGTHOFSTAYINDAYS

MENTALHEALTHSERVICES

HarrisCounty’slocalmentalhealthauthority, TheHarrisCenterforMental HealthandIntellectualandDevelopmentalDisabilities (TheHarrisCenter),provides158full-timebehavioralhealthstaffintheHarrisCountyJail throughseveraldifferentcontracts,includingHarrisCounty,theStateof Texas,thefederalgovernment,andtheHarrisCountySheriff’sOffice.The servicesprovidedbyTheHarrisCenterincludethefollowing:

▶ 24/7PsychiatricCoverageforIntakesandCrises

▶ Outpatient/GeneralPopulationServicesIncludingaChronicCareClinic

▶ MentalHealthInfirmary

▶ MentalHealthStepDownUnit

25% PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATIONS

▶ SpecialtyProgramsIncludingCognitiveBehavioralTreatment(CBT)

▶ PeerRe-EntryProgram

▶ CompetencyandAssessmentUnit

▶ ForensicPortalCommunicationfortheCourts

▶ JailDiversionUnits

▶ ForensicClinicalCourtInterviewUnit

▶ JailBasedCompetencyRestoration

▶ CommunityAssistanceResourceProgram

MENTALHEALTHSTATISTICS

Onadailybasis,25%oftheinmatepopulationwasononeormorepsychotropicmedicationsin2022.Thatwasadailyaverageof 2,438inmatesaday.

79% MENTALHEALTH ISSUE

Throughvariousscreenings,processes, andprocedures,79%oftheinmatesin2022 werefoundtohavesometypeofmental healthissue.Thatwasadailyaverageof 7,703inmatesaday.

MENTALHEALTHSTATISTICS

OURANNUALREPORTTEAM

KatrinaistheExecutiveDirectoroftheHarrisCountySheriff’sOfficeFoundation.The missionofthefoundationistohelpprovide theHarrisCountySheriff’sOfficewithresources.

ForinformationontheHarrisCountySheriff’sOfficeFoundationvisittheirwebsiteat: https://hcsof.org

CarlosistheDigitalGraphicsCoordinator fortheHarrisCountySheriff’sOffice.Carlos providesgraphicandphotographicassistance.HehasaBachelorofFineArtsDegree.Carlosworkedatanewspaper,print shop,andtaughtartbeforejoiningthe HCSO.

MeganistheAdministrativeSergeantto ChiefDeputyMikeLee.AlongwithFrank Webb,Meganmanagedtheresearch,writing,coordinating,publishing,anddistributionofthisreport.ShehasaBachelorofScienceDegreeinCriminalJusticeandispursuingherMasterofScienceDegreeinCriminalJustice.

FrankisaProjectManagerintheExecutive CommandoftheHarrisCountySheriff’s Office.HehonorablyretiredfromtheHoustonPoliceDepartmentafter36yearsofserviceandjoinedthesheriff’sofficein2017.

HehasaBachelorofScienceDegreein TechnologyandaMaster’sDegreeinEducation.

KatrinaArnim ProofReading

MeganHerrin

CarlosRangel

ProjectManagement Graphics

FrankWebb ProjectManagement

REPORTASSISTANCE

NeighborhoodPolicingDivision

Gisellejoinedthesheriff’sofficein2018asaSocialMediaSpecialist.ShewaspromotedtoMediaManagerin2020.Gisellewasinstrumentalinprovidinginformationanddata.

Sheajoinedthesheriff’sofficein2009andiscurrentlyassignedto theExecutiveCommand.Shehasassistedwithvariousspecial projectsthroughouttheagencyandworkswiththemediarelations team.ShewasinstrumentalintakingphotographsoftheWomen’s EmpowermentCenter.

DeputyRamirezisassignedtotheBehavioralHealthInvestigations UnitwithintheNeighborhoodPolicingDivision.Hejoinedthesheriff’s officein2009andhasworkedinvariousareaswithintheagency. JosephcreatedtheInMemoriamandbackcoverpagephotographs/ graphics.

GiselleBueno CommunicationsManager

SheaJohnson AdministrativeCoordinator

JosephRamirez

Deputy

MediaRelationsUnit

MediaRelationsUnit

DeputyDarrenAlmendarezpassed awayonMarch31,2022afterbeinginvolvedinanoffdutyincidentinvolving threemenattemptingtostealacatalytic converter.

DeputyAlmendarezwas51yearsold andleavesbehindhiswifeFlorand threechildren:Andrea,Kayla,and Danny.

DeputyAlmendarezhadbeenemployed withtheSheriff’sOfficefor23yearsand hadheldvariousassignments.Hislast assignmentwastotheAutoTheftTask Force.

SergeantRamonGutierrezpassed awayonJanuary24,2022afterbeing struckbyadrunkdriver.

SergeantGutierrezwas45yearsold andleavesbehindhiswifeLupitaand threechildren:Natalia,Alfredo,andNomar.

SergeantGutierrezhadbeenemployed withtheSheriff’sOfficefor20yearsand heldvariousassignmentsinboththe DetentionandLawEnforcementCommands.

DeputyRobertAdamHowardpassed awayonMay11,2022afterbeinginvolvedinatrafficaccident.

DeputyHowardwas27yearsoldand leavesbehindhiswifeMaryandtwo children:AJandAubrey.

DeputyHowardhadbeenemployed withtheSheriff’sOfficeforthreeyears. Hismostrecentassignmentwastothe GangUnit.

FormoreinformationvisittheHarrisCountySheriff’sOfficeFoundationFallenPeaceOfficers

MemorialGardenat: https://hcsof.org/memorial/

SERGEANTRAMONGUTIERREZ

DEPUTYDARRENALMENDAREZ DEPUTYROBERTHOWARD