Harris County Sheriff's Department FAQ on Covid responseFrequently Asked Questions
COVID-19
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is working diligently to maintain a high level of public service during the
Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Ensuring the public safety – including the safety of
Sheriff’s Office employees and the inmates entrusted into our care – is our top priority. The following are
answers to frequently asked questions about how COVID-19 is impacting Sheriff’s Office operations.Q: How has COVID-19 impacted law enforcement services?
A: At this time, the COVID-19 pandemic has had little impact on patrol and criminal investigation activities.
Deputies continue to patrol our streets and neighborhoods, responding to calls for service that require a
law enforcement presence. Investigators are still responding to crime scenes, particularly those involving
violence.In order to minimize unnecessary physical contact with our community, the Sheriff’s Office is restricting
public access to storefronts and substations. Residents may still access reports online.
Offense/Incident reports: harriscountyso.org/R ecords/HCSO_RAR_IFra me_02.aspx
Accident reports: cris.dot.state.tx.us /public/Purchase/app /home/welcomeThe Sheriff’s Office has also increased the number of deputies tasked with taking non-emergency reports
by phone at 713-221-6000 and via the department’s website: www.harriscountyso.o rg/ReportCrime/Onlin e_Reporting.aspxTypes of reports that may be taken by phone or online include:
 Burglary (only to add property)
 Criminal mischief/vandalism
 Theft (under $750)
 Fraudulent use of ID
 Forgery
 Credit card abuse
 Property lost/found
 Missing person/runaway
 Terroristic threat
 Stolen vehicle
 Telephone harassmentQ: What is being done to protect Sheriff’s Office deputies, detention officers, and other staff members?
A: All Sheriff’s Office staff members have been encouraged to follow the latest guidance from the CDC
Harris County Public Health: www.cdc.gov/coronavi rus/index.htmlIn addition to this guidance, the Sheriff’s Office has provided deputies and jail staff access to Personal
Protective Equipment that includes facemasks, eye goggles, gloves, and body suits. Patrol deputies have
been given cleaning materials that they are using to disinfect their vehicles any time they are called upon
to transport a suspect.Watch this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vn3zUd7DODw&feature=youtu.be) to learn more about how patrol deputies are protecting themselves and the community. Q: What else is being done to limit inmate exposure to COVID-19?
A: You can learn more about efforts to address the health of inmates in jail by watching this video: youtu.be/pR8jz5N75WkQ: What if I have concerns about a friend or loved one in the jail?
A: Additional staff members have been assigned to field calls on the Inmate Care Concern phone line at
(713) 274-7477, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Inmate Care Concerns may also be
submitted online: www.harriscountyso.o rg/JailInfo/inmate_i nfo_inmate_QOL.aspx through the web portal. Click online to be redirected to the Inmate Care portal.Attorney-client interviews and other essential visits are not be affected.Phone service provider Securus will offer each inmate five free calls per week while visitation is
suspended. To set up an account with Securus you need to know the inmate's SPN number, you can also
visithttps://www.harriscountyso.org/JailInfo/inmate_info_inmate_phonecalls.aspx or call Securus at 1-
800-844-6591.