MESSAGE FROM THE BUREAU MAJOR

On behalf of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, it is an honor to present the 2021 Patrol Bureau Annual Report.

This report reflects our agency’s commitment to our mission and core values through community policing, meaningful collaborations, and holistic programs. With the community’s support, we have taken steps at all levels within the agency to improve our response to our community’s public safety needs through data-driven deployment decisions and further empowering and engaging residents.

The Patrol Bureau is the largest and most visible component of the agency. These deputies are on the front lines of our proactive policing efforts and community trust-building. They are often tasked with the initial response to calls for service. Across the nation, law enforcement agencies have reported a rise in violence during the pandemic. Harris County was not immune to this trend. We are proactively tackling the worst of crimes through a multifaceted approach – an approach grounded in research, data, transparency, and constant review. And an approach that engages communities as critical partners.

We’ve made real progress on equipping our deputies, investigators, and other frontline personnel with the proven training, innovative tools, and strategic overtime to protect our communities. And we have leaned into our partnerships in the community.

Despite these successes, the impact of the coronavirus is still felt, and we continue to navigate surges in Covid-19 cases. Sadly, we have lost four dedicated public servants this year after they contracted the virus. We miss them dearly.

We work hard to gain insight into the unique needs of each patrol district and to keep building trust. Each patrol district has two dedicated deputies from our Community Problem Oriented Policing Unit.

On December 13, 2021, we launched #HarrisCountySafe, a 120-day precision policing initiative that targets the most violenceprone areas in unincorporated Harris County using data mapping and analysis. It focuses on building community relationships while establishing effective methods for deploying our personnel and other critical resources to hot spot areas. We have seen promising results that have removed repeat violent offenders and their firearms from our communities. This is a compliment and force multiplier to our Crime Reduction Units across our patrol districts.

A strong neighborhood depends on strong relationships. We strive to be deeply ingrained in the communities we serve and pride ourselves on working with you to keep our neighborhoods safe.

It’s a tremendous honor to serve the residents of Harris County. Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement. We’re grateful for your partnership.

Major Susan Cotter

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