Harris County Sheriff's Office 2025 Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT 2025

Year in Review

SERVINGWITHINTEGRITY

HARRIS SHERIFF

EdGonzalez,Sheriff SINCE1837

A look at the work, progress, and partnerships that shaped public safety in Harris County during 2025

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is committed to transparency, accountability, and open communication with the community we serve. This Annual Report reflects that commitment by providing an accessible overview of our agency’s activities, accomplishments, and major initiatives throughout 2025. By sharing clear and accurate information with residents, county leaders, partner agencies, and stakeholders, we strive to build trust, strengthen collaboration, and ensure that our operations align with the needs and expectations of Harris County.

The contents of this report highlight key achievements across all divisions, underscore the dedication of our personnel, and demonstrate our ongoing efforts to improve public safety, modernize operations, and deliver high-quality service. We believe that an informed community is an empowered community, and we remain committed to offering insight into our work and progress each year.

1,788 SQUARE MILES COVERED

2.5 MILLION POPULATION SERVED

8,940 AVERAGE DAILY JAIL POPULATION

1.3 MILLION CALLS RECEIVED BY DISPATCH

4,762 EMPLOYEES

AGENCY PERFORMANCE

A message from

To our team and community members,

This year, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office delivered measurable results for the residents we proudly serve. Our mission remains unwavering: protect the public, uphold the law with integrity, and support the people who make that work possible—our deputies, detention staff, civilian professionals, and volunteers. In 2025 we sharpened our approach to data-driven policing, strengthened accountability, and invested in the tools and training that help us perform at a higher level.

Across patrol, investigations, and detention operations, we focused on outcomes. Field Operations expanded proactive enforcement and community engagement while implementing the new Detective rank to drive case ownership and investigative quality. Our analysts and investigators worked shoulder-to-shoulder with patrol to identify repeat offenders and prioritize the cases that matter most to victims. Detention Operations advanced safety and consistency through the new Security Operations Center at 1307 Baker Street—providing real-time situational awareness and coordinated incident response across our facilities. Strategic Operations continued to prepare the agency for complex threats through rigorous training, technology upgrades, and partnerships at the local, state, and federal levels.

The results are tangible:

1,393,296 calls for service

96% murder clearance rate

20% decline in robberies from 2024 to 2025

9.7M

meals served in the jails 99%

911 service level score which refers to how effectively and efficiently 911 calls are routed – all 911 calls were answered by a call-taker within 15 seconds or less

Performance is not just about big numbers—it’s about how we get those results. We strengthened internal review through policy updates and audits, expanded training with an emphasis on tactics, wellness, and leadership, and continued our commitment to transparency. We also deepened collaboration with community partners, from behavioral health to victim services, because longterm safety depends on a network of support beyond any single agency.

I am proud of our people. Their professionalism and courage were on display every day—on the street, behind the scenes, at the call-taking console, and in the courtroom. We will carry this momentum into 2026, with a relentless focus on accountability, innovation, and service.

Thank you for your trust and partnership. Together, we are building a safer, stronger Harris County for all.

THE FOUNDATION OF OUR SUCCESS

A message from

Chief Deputy Thomas Diaz

At the heart of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office are the men and women who serve with dedication, professionalism, and courage every single day. Whether responding to emergencies, safeguarding our detention facilities, or engaging directly with the community, our personnel remain the foundation of our agency’s strength.

In 2025, one of our most significant accomplishments was securing historic raises for sworn personnel. This achievement is more than a financial milestone—it is a recognition of the extraordinary service our deputies provide and a demonstration of our commitment to ensuring their sacrifices are valued. Competitive pay not only honors the work of those currently serving but also strengthens our ability to recruit and retain the next generation of dedicated professionals.

Alongside this achievement, we advanced critical initiatives in training, wellness, and leadership development, ensuring our personnel are equipped to meet the evolving challenges of law enforcement. From enhancing crisis intervention and investigative capabilities to expanding opportunities for professional growth, we continue to invest in our greatest resource—our people.

As we move forward, I remain deeply proud of what we have accomplished together. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is not defined by buildings or equipment, but by the extraordinary individuals who wear the badge and those who support them. Their resilience, innovation, and commitment to service inspire confidence that we will continue to meet the needs of our community with excellence.

Executive Leadership Team

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, leading since 2017, emphasizes community trust, innovation, and humane, accountable care in Harris County.

Chief Deputy Thomas Diaz directs all HCSO operations, rising from detention officer to FBI National Academy graduate.

Assistant Chief Phillip Bosquez leads Detention Operations, applying statewide compliance expertise to ensure safety and professionalism.

Chief of Staff Robert Jackson, Army veteran, guides the Sheriff’s priorities, leveraging 30+ years of HPD and DA leadership experience.

Assistant Chief John Nanny leads Field Operations, bringing decades of service, advanced education, and FBI National Academy experience.

Providing care, counseling, and resources to help HCSO personnel remain healthy, resilient, and ready to serve

The Behavioral Health Division plays a vital role in supporting the wellness and resilience of HCSO personnel throughout their careers — from the academy through active service and into retirement. Recognizing the unique pressures of law enforcement, detention work, and public safety communications, the division is dedicated to ensuring that every member of the HCSO family has access to compassionate care, counseling, and resources that strengthen mental health and overall well-being.

In 2025, the division expanded its staff and broadened its outreach, now including three licensed psychologists, three licensed counselors, two peer support specialists, and two administrative staff. The division offers confidential support for employees dealing with the demands of the job, family challenges, or critical incidents. It

also developed new partnerships with external providers to connect staff with specialized services when needed, ensuring a full continuum of care.

Throughout the year, the Behavioral Health Division delivered extensive support and engagement across the agency. In 2025 alone, the division provided 2,239 clinic visits, conducted 183 acute consultations, and delivered 14,390 hours of education and outreach to employees across the organization. The Peer Support Program responded to 439 requests for assistance, while Behavioral Health personnel also supported the Crisis Negotiation Team with 41 training sessions and operational callouts. These efforts reflect the division’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the well-being, resilience, and readiness of the HCSO workforce.

Director Thomas McNeese (left) leads HCSO’s Behavioral Health Division, providing 24/7 crisis and noncrisis support, peer services, and innovative care that helps set national standards for law enforcement mental health. A clinical psychologist with multiple advanced degrees, Dr. McNeese is a contributor to national law enforcement and psychology forums (including the IACP), a clinical assistant professor, an expert witness, and a recognized authority in forensic and police psychology, trauma, personality disorders, and multicultural services.

Our goal is always to enhance our response and continue improving how we serve our communities.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez

As unincorporated Harris County continues to grow, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is enhancing service delivery through the establishment of a sixth patrol district. This additional district allows HCSO to better align patrol coverage with call volume and population growth, improving response times and ensuring resources are deployed where they are needed most.

The sixth patrol district strengthens public safety by increasing operational flexibility, reducing travel time for deputies, and enhancing proactive patrol efforts. It also supports stronger community relationships by fostering consistent engagement, improved visibility, and more responsive problemsolving—key elements of an effective and sustainable crime prevention strategy.

32 participants completed the inaugural program, strengthening investigative expertise across the agency. The comprehensive training emphasized evidence-based practices, interview and interrogation techniques, case management, courtroom testimony, and collaboration with prosecuting attorneys.

Advancing our investigative leadership.

In 2025, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office introduced a new Detective rank to strengthen investigative leadership and provide greater recognition for the expertise of our investigators. This rank creates a formal career path for deputies pursuing investigative work, offering advancement opportunities while ensuring consistency and professionalism across our investigations.

By establishing the Detective rank, the Sheriff’s Office reaffirms its commitment to supporting those who solve complex cases, seek justice for victims, and contribute to the safety and trust of our community.

200 deputies were promoted to detective in 2025.

Civilian Watch Commander: A New Era in Dispatch Leadership Enhancing Consistency, Oversight, and Career Pathways

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office established the new Civilian Watch Commander position in 2025 to strengthen leadership within the Emergency Dispatch Center (EDC). This role replaces the previous rotating lieutenant assignment, allowing sworn supervisors to focus on core law enforcement duties while ensuring dedicated oversight of dispatch operations.

The Watch Commander directly supervises seven to eight shift supervisors and oversees

approximately 70 employees per shift. As a permanent leadership role, it brings consistency to operations and provides a clearly defined career ladder for civilian personnel within the EDC.

By creating this position, HCSO is investing in the professional growth of its civilian workforce while enhancing operational efficiency, accountability, and service delivery.

New Security Operations Center: Strengthening Detention Oversight

In 2025, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office established a new Security Operations Center (SOC) at 1307 Baker Street to serve as the centralized hub for the Detention Operations Command. The SOC provides continuous video monitoring of all HCSO detention facilities, with the long-term goal of achieving full 24/7 staffing.

Already, the SOC has demonstrated its critical role in enhancing safety and coordination. It supported agency-wide responses during the “No Kings” protest in June 2025 and a September protest at

the Joint Processing Center, ensuring unified communication and rapid decision-making.

By consolidating oversight, the SOC strengthens communication between facilities, improves situational awareness, and enables faster responses to emerging threats or operational challenges. This proactive approach has streamlined coordination across detention operations while increasing safety for staff, inmates, and visitors alike.

“From horseback to electric patrol vehicles, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office continues to adopt modern tools that help our deputies serve the community more effectively.

Harris County Sheriff’s Office ”

In 2025, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office installed two new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at 1200 Baker Street, marking another step toward modernizing the agency’s fleet operations. These stations provide reliable, on-site charging for the Sheriff’s Office’s growing number of hybrid and electric patrol and support vehicles.

The addition of EV infrastructure reflects HCSO’s commitment to efficiency and environmental responsibility. The HCSO currently has 12 electric

vehicles in its fleet. By preparing today, HCSO is ensuring its fleet can adapt to changing technology and rising fuel costs.

The charging stations also reduce downtime by allowing vehicles to remain close to central operations while charging, rather than traveling to off-site locations. This investment strengthens both sustainability and mission readiness, ensuring deputies and staff have the resources they need to respond quickly and effectively.

Investing in detention staffing

Outsourcing inmates to facilities outside of Harris County remains the single most expensive budget item facing taxpayers. In fiscal year 2024–25, Harris County is spending nearly $58 million to house more than 1,400 inmates in Louisiana and Mississippi jails due to a lack of state mandated staffing ratios—an expense that Budget Director Daniel Ramos has called “the single most expensive thing” the county undertakes.

To address this challenge, county commissioners unanimously approved $2.85 million in February 2025 to fund 175 new jail staff positions. An additional $6.3 million was approved for salary increases to retain qualified staff. This investment will allow the Sheriff’s Office to reduce costly outsourcing, bring more inmates back to Harris County, and relieve unsustainable levels of mandatory overtime for detention officers.

The effort comes after years of staffing shortages. At one point, the Sheriff’s Office had more than 100 detention officer vacancies. Through raises, bonuses, and targeted recruitment efforts, the number of vacancies has now dropped to 38.

“We’re finally at a point now that we filled the slots,” Ramos said. “We can take the next step and start being strategic about our human capital— ensuring safe and sustainable staffing ratios.”

Jail costs overall continue to climb, with overtime expenses making up 16% of the Sheriff’s Department’s labor budget. The county’s approved $2.4 billion budget also included a $1.9 million increase in jail expenses for maintenance, inmate meals, and medical care.

This funding for new detention officers represents a critical step toward fiscal responsibility, workforce stability, and safer jail operations.

Gym Equipment

Slam balls Battle ropes Bench press stations Chest press

Shoulder press

Assisted dip machine

Multi-functional cable system Assisted pull-up

Leg press machine Smith machine

In 2025, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office completed a full renovation of the employee gym at the 701 Detention Facility, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to staff health and wellness. The updated space features modern fitness equipment, improved flooring, enhanced lighting, and expanded workout areas designed to support both strength training and cardio exercise.

The renovated gym provides employees with a convenient, accessible resource to relieve stress, build resilience, and maintain physical readiness for the demanding nature of law enforcement and detention work. By investing in wellness, HCSO continues to prioritize the overall well-being of its personnel, recognizing that healthier employees are better prepared to serve the community.

Stronger together: renovated employee gym at 701 detention facility

We often hear that the Harris County Jail is the state’s largest mental health facility. Chief Deputy Mike Lee (retired)

The Harris County Jail has tragically evolved into the largest mental health facility in Texas—serving as a de-facto psychiatric hospital for thousands in need. With approximately 9,000 detainees on any given day, the jail’s Mental Health Unit and related services treat more individuals with severe mental illness than all of Texas’ state-run psychiatric hospitals combined. Approximately one-third of inmates require psychotropic medications, and over three quarters carry a documented mental health indicator in their records.

HCSO has implemented pioneering efforts to address this crisis. A dedicated second-floor unit offers around 250 beds for those with serious

mental health issues, staffed by specially trained deputies, psychiatric staff, and caseworkers providing therapy, medication management, and discharge planning.

Despite these innovations, the underlying issue remains: the jail continues to house more psychiatric patients than traditional hospitals due to persistent gaps in community mental health infrastructure. Sheriff Gonzalez has highlighted this systemic failure, stating that the jail “is the largest mental health facility in our state” and advocating for increased investment in community-based treatment to relieve pressure on the jail system.

160 Behavioral health professionals working in the jail

32% Inmates on psychotropic medication

78%

Inmates with a mental health indicator

$1.1M Money spent on psychotropic medication

9

Number of psychiatrists working in the jail

Reducing Jail Stays: Improved Efficiency and Collaboration Lower Average Length of Stay

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office continues to make progress in reducing the average length of stay for inmates in the county jail. Through stronger coordination with the courts, prosecutors, and defense counsel— combined with improved case management practices—the Sheriff’s Office has shortened the time individuals remain in custody while awaiting trial or case processing.

Shorter stays help relieve overcrowding while lowering costs associated with inmate housing, meals, and medical care. By improving coordination across the criminal justice system, Harris County is creating a more efficient process while maintaining public safety.

CAID analysts transform data into intelligence that guides operations, identifies emerging threats, and supports investigators across Harris County.

Crime Analysis & Intelligence Division (CAID): Turning Data Into Actionable Intelligence

Established in 2021, the Crime Analysis and Intelligence Division (CAID) provides both an investigative support and strategic guide for the Sheriff’s Office. By leveraging tens of millions of data points, CAID helps inform operational decisions that improve public safety across Harris County.

To date, CAID has completed more than 23,000 documented analytical activities and has assisted over 90 external law enforcement agencies.

The division provides tactical, strategic, and administrative analysis—often supporting detectives with suspect identification, intelligence workups, and analytical reporting that helps guide enforcement strategies.

CAID is also a regional leader in facial recognition and advanced analytics, producing dashboards, maps, and intelligence reports that have drawn national and international recognition.

HCSO Report

SocialMediaSearch

FacialRecognition

PersonWorkup

DataRequests

OPERATIONAL IMPACT

23,000+ analytical activities completed

90+ agencies supported

Monthly violent crime intelligence reports produced

Formed in July 2025, the Detention Intelligence Operation Center (DIOC) quickly became a critical force multiplier for the Criminal Investigation and Security Division. The unit provides continuous intelligence support, generating actionable leads that strengthen investigations both inside and outside the jail system.

One of the DIOC’s most significant impacts has been improving the detection and seizure of prohibited items within detention facilities— including narcotics sheets, shanks, and other contraband. These efforts have led to increased interdiction and reduced risks to staff and inmates alike.

Beyond contraband suppression, the DIOC has produced intelligence that has initiated multiple criminal investigations, uncovering organized crime networks operating within the jail, employee misconduct, and narcotics trafficking organizations functioning on the street.

Through real-time and retrospective analysis of inmate communications, cellphone data, and jail records, the unit maps relationships between individuals and groups to identify criminal networks and emerging threats.

A New Force in Detention Security: Enhancing Safety Through Data-Driven Intelligence

Record Year for Basic Peace Officer Training: Three Classes Mark the Highest Number in the History of the HCSO

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office reached a historic milestone in 2024 by hosting three Basic Peace Officer (BPOC) academy classes—the most ever conducted in a single year. These classes began in 2024 and resulted in 161 cadets graduating in 2025. Through comprehensive training in Texas law, firearms, defensive tactics, crisis response, and community engagement, the program strengthens operational readiness and reflects the Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to preparing well-trained deputies to serve Harris County.

Pioneering Training: Virtual Reality Enhances Team

Member Skills

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is revolutionizing deputy training with the acquisition of cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) equipment, funded by a $100,000 congressional earmark grant received in 2025. This advanced VR system equips the Behavioral Health Training Unit with immersive deescalation scenarios to prepare deputies for mental health crises.

Launched in 2025, this program strengthens preparedness and community trust, advancing HCSO’s mission to address mental health incidents compassionately and effectively.

Training Benefits

Immersion: Replicates real-world stressors

Safety: Allows practice without risking officer or public safety

Stability: Supports solo or team training

Evaluation: Tracks progress over time

Deputy constables with the Harris County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office utilizing the iPad to connect a behavioral health clinician with a person in mental health crisis.

Expanding Horizons: CORE Telehealth Program’s Regional Impact

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) CORE Telehealth Program continues to lead the nation in innovative mental health crisis intervention, connecting patrol deputies with master’s-level clinicians via iPad for real-time evaluations. Launched in 2017 as a pioneering pilot, CORE enhances officer safety, diverts individuals from jail to treatment, reduces unnecessary hospital transports, and ensures swift access to behavioral health expertise—now serving as the largest program of its kind with over 250 equipped deputies.

A hallmark of 2025 was CORE's remarkable expansion, drawing participation from a total of 18 law enforcement agencies across Harris County. This includes the foundational partners—HCSO, Houston Police Department, and Harris County Constable Precincts (eight offices strong)—alongside additional police departments and regional collaborators. By enabling remote assessments for calm, consenting individuals, CORE has diverted thousands from incarceration, earning a 2020 National Association of Counties Achievement Award.

Participating Agencies by Year

• Harris County Constables precincts 1-8 (2021)

• Baytown Police Department (2021)

• Harris County Fire Marshal (2022)

• Laporte Police Department (2022)

• Houston Police Department (2022)

• Metro Police Department (2023)

• Pasadena Police Department (2022)

• Southside Police Department (2022)

• Rice University Police Dept. (2024)

• Lonestar College Police Dept. (2024)

• Harris County Veterans Services (2025)

• Tomball Police Dept. (Pending)

“ By consolidating these critical functions into one area, we’re not just upgrading infrastructure; we’re strengthening our ability to deliver justice more effectively and transparently.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez

The October 7, 2025, groundbreaking ceremony, attended by county officials, law enforcement leaders, and community stakeholders, marked the launch of the Criminal Investigations Public Safety Center—a $157 million complex designed to centralize operations and strengthen public safety. This milestone reflects HCSO’s continued commitment to modernizing infrastructure, enhancing coordination, and advancing regional security.

Currently, HCSO’s Criminal Investigations Bureau, Crime Scene Unit, and other critical divisions operate across multiple, fragmented locations, placing strain on resources and limiting operational efficiency. The new, state-of-the-art

”

facility, located along Navigation Boulevard, will bring these functions together into a unified 200,000-square-foot hub built for collaboration, efficiency, and innovation.

Key features of the facility include advanced forensic laboratories, secure evidence storage, and integrated workspaces equipped with cuttingedge technology to streamline investigations, improve information sharing, and accelerate response times. Once complete, the Criminal Investigations Public Safety Center will serve as a cornerstone of HCSO’s mission to deliver more effective, coordinated, and responsive public safety services. The project is slated for completion in 2027.

In April 2025, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team upgraded from FEMA Type II to Type I status, a major milestone that strengthens tactical readiness, training, and response capabilities across the region.

As a Type 1 Team, we officer peak readiness with expanded staffing and skills in entry tactics, sniper/observer, crisis negotiation, technical support, and command—enabling long-termed operations in high-risk scenarios like hostage rescues, terrorist threats, active shooters, and multi-site events.

TYPE I CAPABILITIES

Advanced tactical response operations

Expanded staffing & specialized roles

Ballistic protection & breaching tools

Tactical medicine integration

Incident command inter-operability

SWAT Achieves FEMA Type I Designation Elevating Tactical Excellence

In 2025, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) marked significant advancements in its Air Operations and Tactical Division. A new permanent tactical division hangar was acquired at David Wayne Hooks Airport in North Harris County, consolidating all Tactical Division assets—including Air Operations and Tactical Response Sections— into a 1.5-acre, 21,500-square-foot facility.

This state-of-the-art hangar houses the agency’s aircraft and tactical vehicles, boosting operational efficiency, coordination, and readiness.

The fleet expansion included an Airbus AS350 B3 AStar, a highperformance, single-engine helicopter known for its versatility and reliability in law enforcement public safety.

• 10 targeted operations

• 72 criminal investigations

• 27 suspects arrested

• Organized crews dismantled including one multi-state operation 2025 Impact

New Banking Jugging Unit Targeting Enforcement Against Organized Financial Theft

Bank jugging is a criminal tactic in which offenders watch individuals exiting banks or financial institutions, identify those who appear to have withdrawn cash, and then follow them to another location to commit a theft or robbery. These crimes often involve organized crews who coordinate surveillance, target victims, and rapidly flee the scene — sometimes across jurisdictional lines. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office established the Bank Jugging Unit to proactively investigate these incidents, dismantle criminal groups, and increase community safety through focused enforcement and intelligence-driven strategies.

In its inaugural year, the Bank Jugging Unit launched 10 targeted operations that resulted in

the investigation of 72 cases and the arrest of 27 suspects connected to coordinated theft crews and repeat offenders. Through collaborative investigations and inter-agency partnerships, the unit successfully dismantled multiple organized theft groups, including one crew operating across state lines, disrupting their ability to continue victimizing residents and businesses.

The creation of this specialized unit demonstrates the Sheriff’s Office’ commitment to addressing emerging crime trends with precision, innovation, and teamwork.

Modern emergencies demand modern capabilities. Upgrading Mobile Command Posts will ensure HCSO can respond quickly, coordinate effectively, and support operations across the region.

Modernizing command: new mobile command posts.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office secured $6 million in funding in the FY 26 County Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and an additional $1 million in Congressional funding sponsored by Representative Lizzie Fletcher for three modern Mobile Command Posts to replace vehicles more than 20 years old and limited by outdated technology. These units will provide rapid deployment and serve as centralized coordination hubs during critical incidents. Equipped with satellite connectivity, integrated communications, and live camera feeds, they will support regional operations, disaster response, investigations, and major public events.

“ Young leaders bring new

energy and vision to making

our

communities safer. We are investing in the future by mentoring the next generation of change makers who will be ambassadors for public safety.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez

Launched in 2024, the Youth Leadership Council was established to strengthen connections between law enforcement and the next generation of community leaders. Through structured meetings, mentorship opportunities, and hands-on exposure to key divisions, participants gain a deeper understanding of public safety while developing leadership, communication, and civic engagement skills that extend beyond the program.

PROGRAM IMPACT

20 YOUTH LEADERS SELECTED

12 SCHOOLS REPRESENTED

6 LEADERSHIP WORKSHOPS

4 COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROJECTS

2025 Youth Leadership Council

Honoring a Fallen Hero: Deputy Darren Almendarez

Deputy Darren Almendarez passed away on March 31, 2022 after being involved in an off-duty incident involving three men attempting to steal a catalytic converter.

Deputy Almendarez was 51-years-old and left behind his wife Flor and three children: Andrea, Kayla, and Danny.

Deputy Almendarez was employed with the Sheriff’s Office for 23 years and held various assignments.

On March 31, 2025, a stretch of the Eastex Freeway was officially renamed the Deputy Darren Almendarez Memorial Highway.

Cypress Station Crime Reduction Initiative: Community Partnerships Fighting Crime

Intelligence-led deployment in partnership with Harris County Public Health helped reduce significant crime through targeted enforcement and community outreach.

Using crime-trend analysis, hot spot deployment, and coordinated operations with patrol districts and specialized units, the team targeted repeat offenders and high-risk locations.

Beyond enforcement, the team strengthened community trust through outreach events, business safety analysis, and neighborhood meetings.

36% OVERALL REDUCTION IN CRIME

Data-Driven Policing

Used crime trend analysis to identify and suppress high-crime locations.

Community Partnerships

Strengthened trust through business safety checks and neighborhood meetings.

Targeted Enforcement

Conducted hot spot operations to disrupt repeat and high-risk offenders.

50% FEWER FAMILY VIOLENCE CASES

34% DROP IN ROBBERIES

Violent Persons Warrants Task Force

5,000+

FELONY WARRANTS CLEARED

Removing violent offenders from our communities

Intelligence-Led Investigations

Targeting offenders using crime analysis and coordinated intelligence

Multi-Agency Partnerships

Working alongside local, state, and federal partners

High-Risk Warrant Operations

Safely apprehending violent offenders across Harris County

An agency first

Awards in Excellence Luncheon

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office proudly hosted its first Awards in Excellence Luncheon in 2025, a celebration honoring the dedication, professionalism, and achievement of our employees. This special event brought together deputies, detention officers, civilian staff, and community partners to recognize those who exemplify excellence in service. From acts of courage to innovative leadership, the luncheon highlighted the individuals and teams whose contributions made a lasting impact on our agency and the community. The following are the award recipients in alphabetical order.

Austin Bradford

Sworn Rookie of the Year

Nessa Esquivel

Detention Officer of the Year

Christopher Fulkerson

Detention Supervisor (Sergeant) of the Year

Larry Kissam

Sandeep Dhaliwal Community Impact Award

Cherif Diedhiou

Detention Rookie of the Year

Larisa Flores

Support Services Employee of the Year

Isis Garcia

Professional Staff Employee of the Year

Mike Lee

Joseph Trapolino Mental Health Professional of the Year

CONGRATULATIONS!

Benjamin Luce

Sworn Supervisor (Sergeant) of the Year

Eric Moya

Deputy of the Year

Gregory Pinkins

Lifetime Achievement Award

Daniel Shaw

Reserve Deputy of the Year

Cynthia Mayer Telecommunications Officer of the Year

Roger Niesporek

Detective of the Year

Lauren Sauceda

Support Services Supervisor of the Year

Orlando Trevino

Field Training Officer of the Year

Remembering

KatrinaArnim

ExecutiveDirector

HarrisCountySheriff’s OfficeFoundation

Katrinapassedawayin2025.Katrinafoundherlife’scallinginsupportingthemenand womenoftheSheriff’sOffice.ShehelpeddesigntheFallenPeaceOfficersMemorialGarden andledfundraisingtoprovidedeputieswithvitalequipmentandtraining.Apassionate supporterofHouston’sculturalandphilanthropiccommunity,sheservedinleadershiproles withtheHoustonBallet,HoustonSymphonyLeague,andJuniorLeagueofHouston.Married toherbelovedhusband,Cecil,for29years,Katrinaisrememberedforhergenerosity, leadership,anddevotiontoothers.

Inaugural

Katrina Arnim Civilian Impact Award

Inherhonor,theKatrinaArnimCivilianImpactAwardrecognizesthosewhose serviceandsupportupliftthemissionoftheHarrisCountySheriff’sOffice, ensuringherlegacycontinuestoinspirefuturegenerations.

Picturedbelow(lefttoright)Mr.CecilArnim,husbandofKatrina,award recipientsChaplainTimEngelandK9Gabriel,andSheriffEdGonzalez.

In appreciation

Awards in Excellence Luncheon Committee

SENIOR MANAGEMENT TRAINING

Ten personnel from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office completed management training. Two graduated from the FBI National Academy (FBINA), while eight completed the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP).

The FBI National Academy offers advanced training in investigative techniques, management, and fitness for senior officers who are established leaders. The 10-week program, held at Quantico, emphasizes physical fitness with academy instructors. Established in 1935 following a 1930 Wickersham Commission study advocating for standardized law enforcement training, it was supported by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Congress, and the Department of Justice. Initially named the "FBI Police Training School," it included courses like Scientific Aids in Crime Detection and Criminal Investigation Techniques, with Espionage and Sabotage added during World War II.

The Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP), offered by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), delivers intensive management training to senior police executives using modern business and government practices. This rigorous three-week residential program, held at Boston University School of Law, features faculty from top universities, experienced law enforcement leaders, and private sector experts, targeting upper-level executives poised to lead police agencies.

Performance Insights

The Information & Technology Division maintains the systems that keep the agency connected and operational. This includes supporting over 5,000 computers and mobile devices, managing critical software systems for dispatch and jail operations, and enhancing cybersecurity measures to protect agency data and operations.

5,500

Number of computers and laptops supported by Information & Technology

4,960

Number of body worn cameras supported by Information & Technology

18,941

Number of evidence files transmitted for prosecution by Information & Technology

The Emergency Dispatch Center received 1.3 million calls in 2025. With newly implemented tele-triage protocols, the center distinguished emergency from non-emergency calls more efficiently, allowing resources to be deployed where they were needed most, ultimately improving citizen safety and officer response.

1,393,296

99%

The 911 service level score which refers to the quality and features of the emergency call service, especially how effectively and efficiently 911 calls are routed. All 911 calls in the HCSO were answered by a call-taker within 15 seconds or less.

The Motorist Assistance Program (MAP) offers complimentary aid to stranded motorists across all Harris County area freeways. Operating Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (excluding Harris County holidays), MAP provides essential assistance to stranded motorists, swiftly clearing minor incidents and aiding stalled vehicles to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

NOTE: The areas of assistance listed above are not exhaustive; they represent the most common types of calls responded to by MAP.

The Special Enforcement Bureau includes the Tactical Division housing SWAT, the Bomb Squad, and Air Operations and the Special Operations Division housing the K9 Unit. In 2025, the Tactical Division executed 78 tactical operations, ranging from barricaded suspects and hostage negotiations to counter-terrorism drills. Notably, 96% of these incidents were resolved safely without injury, a testament to the division’s professionalism and strategic precision. Within Special Operations, the K9 Unit conducted 125 narcotics and explosives sweeps, resulting in 380 seizures and over 42 arrests..

579

Number of missions conducted by Air Operations

5,890 Searches conducted by the Canine Unit

96%

Percent of Tactical Operations that were resolved safely with no injury to deputy or suspect

A striking number of incarcerated women enter jail with a history of trauma, substance use, or mental illness. Studies show that incarcerated women are significantly more likely than men to experience mental health disorders—such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress—often linked to past abuse or poverty. At the Harris County Jail, behavioral health professionals work daily to identify, treat, and support these women, connecting them to counseling, medication management, and reentry services aimed at breaking cycles of crisis and incarceration.

104,551 M: 78% F: 22%

68%

According to the most recent national data (2011-2012), 68% of women in jail were diagnosed with a mental health disorder.

The Jail provides every inmate with a full set of linens—including mattress, sheets, blankets, and towels—on a regular cycle. These items are exchanged and laundered weekly to maintain hygiene and sanitation. Extra linens are supplied when needed—whether due to damage, contamination, or health concerns.

In alignment with state standards, every individual in custody is served three nutritionally balanced meals per day.

$680K

Annual cost of linens and supplies (uniforms, sheets, blankets, towels, antisuicide blankets, janitorial supplies)

9.7M

Number of inmate meals served annually $16.4M

Annual cost of inmate meals

Murder clearance rate in 2025. One of the highest in the nation.

Robbery clearance

Aggravated assault clearance rate in 2025.

Gunshot

40,000 VEHICULAR DEATHS

Number of vehicular deaths nationally in traffic crashes in 2024.

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT FAMILY CLEARANCE RATE

Aggravated assault family clearance rate in 2025.

SHERIFF ED GONZALEZ

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