Purpose

Over the past few years, there has been a persistent issue of low morale within the department, largely attributed to ineffective leadership. At present, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) operates under a system characterized by supervision through intimidation, which compels junior officers to comply with practices they wouldn’t normally endorse, solely to safeguard their employment.

To address this concern, our administration is dedicated to implementing transformative changes that will foster a cultural shift within the HCSO. Our primary objective is to rebuild trust in the way our officers engage with both the community and one another.

To achieve this, I pledge to maintain an open-door policy and actively engage in regular dialogues with the 4,500 men and women who serve in the HCSO. This approach will encourage feedback, create an environment of open communication, and ensure that the voices of our officers are heard and respected.

The unfortunate incident that occurred in early September was entirely preventable. It is crucial for me to emphasize that the officers involved were acting under orders. This incident highlights a leadership failure rather than a reflection of the officers’ capabilities. Just as surgeons and pilots have checklists to ensure precision in their work, those engaged in the felony warrant process should also adhere to a meticulous 3-point confirmation procedure. Starting from the top, we will implement a process that guarantees officers are deployed to the accurate address, thereby mitigating grave errors of this nature. It is essential to rectify such mistakes as they erode the trust that civilians place in law enforcement. Restoring this trust is my utmost priority for Harris County.

Furthermore, I am determined to establish a technological connection between civilians and law enforcement by utilizing existing but currently untapped resources within the HCSO. Imagine having real-time information about active crimes occurring within a 2-mile radius of you, your loved ones, or your residence. To make this possible, we will introduce a dedicated app that will empower you to promptly respond to safety alerts and take necessary precautions. Together, we can enhance public safety and foster a stronger partnership between the community and law enforcement.

As Sheriff, I am committed to implementing the 1-Plus Rule, which will serve as a guiding principle for my officers. Under this rule, in normal circumstances, officers will be strictly required to limit their use of force to only one level above the amount of force exerted by the suspect, attacker, or adversary. This approach ensures proportionality and emphasizes the importance of responsible use of force.

Presently, within the HCSO, a concerning trend of supervision-by-intimidation exists. Such a system puts undue pressure on junior officers, compelling them to comply with actions they would not normally endorse in order to safeguard their employment. A prominent national case that vividly illustrates the detrimental effects of supervision by intimidation is the tragic incident involving George Floyd. In this case, three junior officers found themselves going along with the actions of their senior officer, highlighting the corrosive impact of this approach.

To address this issue, I am determined to foster a culture of trust, respect, and professional development within the HCSO. By promoting open communication, accountability, and a supportive environment, we will empower our junior officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity and provide them with the confidence to challenge any inappropriate actions. Together, we can cultivate a positive working environment that ensures the safety and well-being of both our officers and the community they serve.

Over the past few years, there has been a persistent issue of low morale within the department, largely attributed to ineffective leadership. At present, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) operates under a system characterized by supervision through intimidation, which compels junior officers to comply with practices they wouldn’t normally endorse, solely to safeguard their employment.

To address this concern, our administration is dedicated to implementing transformative changes that will foster a cultural shift within the HCSO. Our primary objective is to rebuild trust in the way our officers engage with both the community and one another.

To achieve this, I pledge to maintain an open-door policy and actively engage in regular dialogues with the 4,500 men and women who serve in the HCSO. This approach will encourage feedback, create an environment of open communication, and ensure that the voices of our officers are heard and respected.

Harris County is currently facing a significant safety crisis that demands urgent attention. Disturbingly, in 2019, rape cases were cleared at an alarming rate of only 11.5%. This means that if you are a victim of rape in Harris County, there is a staggering 90% chance that your assailant will escape justice. This unacceptable situation calls for immediate action, which is why, on my very first day in office, I will establish a dedicated special investigations unit focused solely on the resolution of sex crimes. By prioritizing these cases and providing the necessary resources, we can enhance the chances of bringing perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety of our community.

Equally concerning is the clearance rate for burglaries in 2019, which stood at a mere 2.29%. Such abysmally low rates undermine our fundamental sense of security, both at home and in the workplace. Recognizing the importance of addressing this issue, I am committed to implementing strategic measures that enhance our ability to investigate and solve burglary cases. By employing modern investigative techniques, leveraging technology, and strengthening partnerships with the community, we can improve clearance rates and restore a greater sense of security to Harris County residents.

Furthermore, it is disheartening to note that there are currently 101 unfilled patrol positions in the budget. Upon assuming office, I will take immediate action to fill these vacancies. Having a fully staffed patrol force is crucial for effective law enforcement and ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods. By bolstering our patrol capabilities, we can enhance our response times, strengthen community engagement, and create a safer environment for all residents of Harris County.

Addressing these critical issues head-on is essential to restoring public trust and improving the safety of our community. With determined action, enhanced resources, and a commitment to accountability, we can overcome these challenges and build a safer future for Harris County.

While bond reform may appear sensible in theory, its practical implementation has resulted in numerous issues. Without a standardized, statewide system that considers risk factors when setting bonds, the current bail reform measures have contributed to a decline in safety within Harris County. Over the past two years, lenient bond policies implemented by certain judges have undermined the efforts of law enforcement officers. Shockingly, there have been over 50 instances where violent, repeat offenders in Harris County have been released on excessively low, repeated bonds, only to go on and commit murder. In fact, just last week, a murder suspect with alleged gang ties was released for the sixth time on bond.

It is important to differentiate between cases involving minor offenses and those involving violent offenders with a history of prior convictions. Should an individual accused of shoplifting be held in jail for an extended period simply because they cannot afford bond? In cases where it is their first offense or previous offenses were nonviolent, it may be reasonable to explore alternatives to prolonged detention. However, if a shoplifter has multiple prior convictions indicating a propensity for violence, it is crucial for public safety that they remain in jail until their trial.

To address these concerns, it is necessary to establish a comprehensive statewide framework that considers the risks associated with granting bonds. By implementing a standardized system, we can ensure that bonds are set in a manner that prioritizes public safety while also taking into account the circumstances of individual cases. This approach will help restore the integrity of the bail system, prevent the release of dangerous individuals, and maintain the balance between fair treatment and community well-being.

Ultimately, the goal is to strike a balance between providing equitable treatment to nonviolent offenders and protecting the community from repeat offenders who pose a threat to public safety. By implementing a well-designed, standardized system, we can achieve a fair and effective bond process that prioritizes both the rights of the accused and the safety of our community.