Harris County Sheriff’s Office
The Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) is a local law enforcement agency serving the over 4 million residents of Harris County, Texas. The HCSO holds jurisdiction over the county, providing public safety services and maintaining the peace and security of the county. This includes handling active arrest warrants, criminal records, and managing the sex offender registry.
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Contact Information
Harris County Sheriff's Office
1200 Baker St.
Houston, TX 77002
Non-emergency phone number: (713) 221-6000
Emergency phone number: 911
For more specific divisions within the HCSO, you can refer to their contact page.
Services Offered by the Sheriff's Office
Criminal Records and Background Checks
The Harris County Sheriff's Office provides access to criminal records and offers background checks for individuals. To request these documents, you can go to the HCSO Records Division or call the Records & Information Service Bureau at (713) 755-5300.
Sex Offender Registry
The HCSO maintains a sex offender registry for the county. The registry provides information on convicted sex offenders living in Harris County. To search the registry, you can use the HCSO Sex Offender Registry.
Most Wanted List
HCSO maintains a list of the most wanted individuals in Harris County. This list includes individuals with active arrest warrants. To view the current list, visit the HCSO Most Wanted page.
Harris County Arrest Warrants Search
The Harris County Sheriff's Office maintains a database for active arrest warrants in the county. You can perform a Harris County warrant lookup through the HCSO Active Warrants page.
Bail Bonds
Bail bonds are used to secure a defendant's release from jail while awaiting trial. Several Bail Bond companies work in Harris County. You can find a list of licensed bail bond companies on the Harris County Bail Bond Board's website.
Cooperation with Local Police Departments
The HCSO works closely with various local police departments in Harris County to maintain law and order. They share information and resources to help keep the county safe. Information about these police departments can be found on their respective websites.
Online Resources and Tools
In an effort to provide convenient, user-friendly access to critical information and services, the Harris County Sheriff's Office has a wide array of online tools available to the public.
Crime Reports and Statistics
For those interested in staying informed about crime trends within the community, the HCSO Crime Reports and Statistics page is an invaluable resource. Here, you can find detailed breakdowns of criminal activity within Harris County, along with updates on ongoing investigations.
File a Report
The Harris County Sheriff's Office provides an online portal for non-emergency incidents that allows citizens to file a report from the convenience of their own home. This includes incidents such as minor theft, vandalism, lost property, and car burglary.
Request Public Information
In line with the Texas Public Information Act, the HCSO offers an online form to request public information. This can include reports, photographs, or any other public record held by the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
Community Programs and Outreach
The Harris County Sheriff's Office is not only committed to law enforcement but also to fostering a strong relationship with the communities it serves. They offer several community programs aimed at crime prevention, safety education, and strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the public.
Citizens Police Academy
The Citizens Police Academy is a 13-week program providing community members with an in-depth look at HCSO operations. Participants get to learn about different facets of law enforcement such as the K-9 Unit, homicide investigations, and SWAT operations.
Homeless Outreach Team
The Homeless Outreach Team is a dedicated unit working to help Harris County’s homeless population. The team connects individuals to social services and works towards finding long-term solutions to homelessness.
Crime Prevention Tips
The HCSO offers Crime Prevention Tips to educate the public on how to protect themselves and their properties from common crimes.
HCSO's Role in Emergency Management
The Harris County Sheriff's Office plays a vital role in emergency management within the county. Working in conjunction with the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, the HCSO participates in disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts.
The Harris County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to serving and protecting its community. With a wide range of services and resources available to the public, the HCSO continues to uphold its commitment to maintain peace, prevent crime, and ensure justice is served. For more information on their services, or to engage with their online resources, visit the Harris County Sheriff's Office official website.
Jail Facilities Managed by Sheriff's Office
The Harris County Sheriff's Office manages several jail facilities that house inmates who are awaiting trial or serving their sentences. They provide services and programs that promote safety and rehabilitation.
Harris County Jail
Harris County Jail, located at 1200 Baker St, Houston, TX 77002, is one of the facilities managed by the HCSO. The jail provides services such as medical and mental health care, educational programs, and spiritual services to inmates. For more information, you can visit the Harris County Jail page.
Inmate Trust Fund
The Inmate Trust Fund is used to deposit money for inmates, which they can use to purchase commissary items during their incarceration. Money can be deposited online, by mail, or in person. To learn more about the Inmate Trust Fund, visit the Inmate Trust Fund page.
How to File a Complaint or Commendation
The HCSO values the feedback of the residents of Harris County and has set up processes for filing both complaints and commendations about its employees.
Filing a Complaint
If you have a complaint about the conduct of a member of the HCSO, you can file it through the Internal Affairs Division. You can call the division at (713) 274-5090 or visit them at 1301 Franklin, 7th Floor, Houston, TX 77002.
Filing a Commendation
If you wish to commend an employee of the HCSO for exceptional service, you can do so by contacting the HCSO directly via phone, mail, or the commendation form on their website.
Transparency and Accountability
In the interest of transparency and accountability, the HCSO provides multiple avenues for the public to stay informed and engaged.
Newsroom
The HCSO Newsroom offers the latest updates on ongoing cases, department initiatives, and community outreach events. It's a reliable source of information for local news and public announcements.
Open Records Request
HCSO adheres to the Texas Public Information Act by making many of its records available to the public. You can make an Open Records Request by following the instructions on their Public Information Request page.
Career Opportunities
The HCSO is always seeking individuals committed to public service and law enforcement. For those interested in a career with the HCSO, check out the Careers page for current job openings and application details.
Victim Services
The Harris County Sheriff's Office is committed to providing support for crime victims through its Victim Services Division. This includes crisis intervention, accompaniment, advocacy, and assistance in understanding the criminal justice system.
Crime Victims Assistance
The Crime Victims Assistance Unit offers emotional support, assistance with Crime Victims' Compensation applications, and court accompaniment to crime victims. If you need their help, you can reach them at (713) 274-9360.
Domestic Violence Unit
The Domestic Violence Unit of the HCSO is focused on providing support to victims of domestic abuse. It collaborates with other local resources to ensure victims receive necessary assistance and protection.
Trafficking Unit
The Trafficking Unit is dedicated to combating human trafficking in Harris County. It conducts investigations and collaborates with local organizations to provide support to victims.
Volunteering with Sheriff's Office
The HCSO encourages public participation through its volunteer programs. These programs provide an opportunity for community members to get involved in various aspects of law enforcement, community service, and public safety.
Citizens Volunteer Initiatives
The Citizens Volunteer Initiatives include opportunities like Citizens Patrol, Clerical Assistance, and Special Events Support. By volunteering, citizens can help the HCSO in their mission to maintain peace and security in the community.
Chaplain Program
The HCSO Chaplain Program is made up of volunteer chaplains who provide spiritual guidance and counseling to HCSO personnel, inmates, and their families.
Explorer Program
The Explorer Program is designed for young individuals aged 14-21 interested in a career in law enforcement. This program provides hands-on experience and knowledge about the field.
Future Plans and Developments
The HCSO constantly works towards improving public safety standards and ensuring efficient law enforcement. It is involved in numerous future plans and developments to further enhance its services.
Technological Innovations
The HCSO is working on implementing new technologies to improve crime prevention and detection. This includes advancements in data analysis, communication systems, and surveillance equipment.
Community Engagement Programs
The HCSO plans to introduce new community engagement programs to build stronger relationships with the citizens of Harris County. These programs aim to involve the public in crime prevention efforts and improve communication between law enforcement and the community.
To stay updated on the latest news and developments, visit the Harris County Sheriff's Office official website.