Sheriff's Office

The Harris County TX Sheriff's Office (HCSO) is a cornerstone of law enforcement in one of the largest counties in the United States. Established in 1837, it has grown into the largest sheriff’s office in Texas and the third-largest in the nation. Serving over 4.1 million residents, the HCSO is crucial in maintaining public safety across the vast and diverse landscape of Harris County, Texas. This article will explore the various divisions, services, and key aspects of the HCSO’s operations, detailing how it serves the residents of Harris County. Whether you’re seeking information on reporting a crime, finding someone in jail, or learning more about the sheriff’s office’s structure, this guide offers an in-depth look into the agency's crucial role in Texas law enforcement.

About the Harris County Sheriff's Office

The Harris County Sheriff's Office was founded in 1837, and since then, it has grown both in size and responsibility. With nearly 5,100 employees, including over 200 volunteer reservists, the HCSO provides a broad range of services, from law enforcement to community outreach. Harris County spans 1,788 square miles and includes 41 municipalities, making the Sheriff's Office essential in covering a large and diverse population.

Mission and Core Values

The mission of the HCSO is simple yet vital: "To enhance the safety and protect the trust of the citizens of Harris County by enforcing the law with integrity and professionalism." This mission is supported by core values, which include:

Merit and maintaining the public’s trust
Embracing and delivering professional service
Protecting citizens with honor and courage
Exemplifying ethical conduct at all times
Developing and caring for the Sheriff’s Office family

These values are reflected in every division and service the HCSO provides.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez: Leadership at the Helm

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez has served as the 30th Sheriff of Harris County, first elected in 2016. He was re-elected in 2024 for his third term in office. Under his leadership, the Sheriff's Office has prioritized community engagement, public safety, and transparency. Sheriff Gonzalez plays an active role in the office's efforts to foster better relationships between law enforcement and residents, ensuring that the office’s work remains aligned with the needs of the community.

Sheriff’s Leadership Structure

The HCSO’s leadership is organized into various bureaus and commands, each responsible for specific aspects of the department’s work. These include the Law Enforcement Command, Criminal Justice Command, and specialized units such as the Community Engagement Division.

Key Divisions and Services of the HCSO

The HCSO is structured to address a wide range of law enforcement needs, from daily patrols and investigations to specialized units focused on crime prevention, community support, and the management of incarcerated individuals.

Law Enforcement Command

The Law Enforcement Command oversees the agency’s patrols and tactical support services. This includes five geographic patrol districts that cover unincorporated areas of Harris County. Officers are responsible for maintaining peace, preventing crimes, and providing support in emergency situations. The Command also includes:

Patrol Bureau: Ensures continuous law enforcement coverage in unincorporated Harris County.

Criminal Investigations Bureau: Handles the investigation of crimes in collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies.

Special Enforcement Bureau: Focuses on responding to major incidents and providing tactical support for high-risk situations.

Criminal Justice Command

This command is responsible for managing the largest jail system in Texas, housing over 8,700 inmates daily. It includes several bureaus, such as:

Detention Support Services: Provides essential functions to support the jail system.

Justice Housing Bureaus: Oversee the various jail facilities, including 1200 and 701 Justice Housing.

Justice Management Bureau: Manages the intake and release processes for incarcerated individuals.

Support Services Bureau

The Support Services Bureau plays a critical role in coordinating the operational functions of the HCSO. Key components include:

Neighborhood Policing Division: Enhances community safety by fostering partnerships with local residents to address neighborhood concerns.

Emergency Dispatch Center: Handles emergency and non-emergency calls, providing the initial point of contact for many residents.

Roadway Management Division: Includes the Motorist Assistance Program (MAP) and Incident Management Unit (IMU), which work to clear accidents and assist stranded motorists.

Community Engagement Division

The HCSO’s Community Engagement Division is dedicated to fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the community. This division provides resources and education to help residents avoid victimization and reduce crime. Through programs and outreach, the division empowers the community to actively participate in crime prevention efforts.

Reporting Crime and Emergency Services

One of the primary functions of the HCSO is to respond to crime and emergencies. Residents of Harris County can access a variety of services for reporting crimes and seeking assistance.

Online Crime Reporting

For non-emergency incidents that meet specific criteria, such as lost property or theft, the HCSO provides an online reporting system. This allows residents to file reports directly through the Sheriff's Office website. It's an efficient tool for certain incidents that do not require immediate law enforcement intervention.

Report Crime Online

911 Emergency Services

For emergencies, residents are urged to dial 911. The HCSO’s dispatch center handles a wide range of emergency calls, routing them to the appropriate responders. This center is equipped to handle both law enforcement and emergency medical needs.

Non-Emergency Assistance

For non-emergency situations, residents can contact the HCSO at:

Non-Emergency Phone Number: (713) 221-6000

This number connects you to the appropriate unit for issues that do not require immediate intervention but still need attention.

Jail and Inmate Services

The Harris County Sheriff's Office operates a comprehensive jail system that houses thousands of inmates across multiple facilities. The system is designed to provide security, rehabilitative programs, and support for both inmates and their families.

Jail Information and Inmate Search

The HCSO provides a variety of resources for those seeking information about incarcerated individuals. This includes:

Inmate Information: Find information about inmates currently held in Harris County jails.
Inmate Bonding: Information about the process for bonding out an individual from jail.

For inquiries related to inmates, call the HCSO’s inmate information line at (713) 755-5300.

Inmate Visitation and Communication

Visiting an inmate or sending them mail is an important aspect of maintaining connections with loved ones. The HCSO offers detailed guidelines on inmate visitation and communication, including phone calls and mail policies.

Inmate Care Concerns

The HCSO is committed to providing quality care for incarcerated individuals. If you have concerns regarding an inmate’s welfare, you can contact the HCSO to voice your concerns and ensure that proper care is provided.

Harris County Sheriff's Office Departments and Contact Information

Here is the contact information for various divisions and services within the HCSO:

Main Line: (713) 221-6000
Inmate Information: (713) 755-5300
Non-Emergency: (713) 221-6000
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez: Sheriff.Gonzalez@sheriff.hctx.net

Community Engagement Division

Phone: (346) 286-3125
Email: communityengagementdiv@sheriff.hctx.net

Media Relations

Phone: (346) 286-1580
Email: media@sheriff.hctx.net

Internal Affairs Division

Phone: (713) 274-5003
Address: 5749 S. Loop E., Houston, TX 77033

Crime Victims Assistance Unit

Phone: (713) 274-9369
Fax: (713) 274-9354

Bonding Desk

Phone: (346) 286-1240
Email: bonding@sheriff.hctx.net
Address: 700 N. San Jacinto St., 1st Floor, Houston, TX 77002

Jail Facilities

700 N. San Jacinto (JPC): (713) 755-5300
701 N. San Jacinto: (346) 286-2840
1307 Baker Street: (346) 286-2600
1200 Baker Street: (346) 286-2211

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office remains a vital institution within the community, offering a comprehensive array of services to promote public safety and community engagement. Whether you’re seeking law enforcement support, information on jail services, or looking to get involved with community outreach programs, the HCSO stands as a pillar of security for Harris County’s diverse population.

Harris County Sheriff's Office FAQs

How can I report a crime to the Harris County Sheriff's Office?

The Harris County Sheriff's Office offers multiple ways for residents to report crimes. For non-emergency incidents, you can use their online citizen reporting system. This system allows you to submit reports for incidents like lost property, theft, or vandalism within unincorporated areas of Harris County. For emergencies, dial 911, and for non-emergencies requiring patrol response, call 713-221-6000.

What services are provided by the HCSO's Crime Victims Assistance Unit?

The Crime Victims Assistance Unit at the HCSO helps victims by providing crisis intervention, advocacy, and support. They assist with applying for Crime Victim’s Compensation and connect individuals to legal aid and financial resources. If you need assistance, you can reach them at (713) 274-9369 or visit the official site for further support.

Can I find out if someone is in jail in Harris County?

Yes, you can search for an inmate in the Harris County Jail system. The Sheriff's Office provides an online inmate search tool that allows you to find information about incarcerated individuals, including bond details and visitation policies. Visit the official Jail Information page for the most up-to-date information.

What should I do if I suspect human trafficking or need to report narcotics activity?

If you suspect human trafficking or need to report narcotics activity in Harris County, the HCSO provides dedicated channels for these types of tips. You can anonymously submit information through the department’s tips section. For more urgent matters, please dial 911.