The Harris County Sheriff’s Depart ment, over the past two years has  greatly expanded the number of and types of services available to the public.

     Started in the summer of 1997, our first K.O.P.S. (Kids Orientation to Police Services) program was provided.  Six weekly classes of instructions or field trips introduces 8 - 11 year old children to the world of law enforcement.  K.O.P.S. assists children in becoming better acquainted with their Sheriff’s Department.  Included in the curriculum is information on their personal safety relating to the home, firearms, bicycles, and fire.  All graduates receive a t-shirt and certificate, cost for these items and incidentals are paid for by sponsoring groups and businesses in the community.

     The talk of the town is the new R.A.D.. (Rape Aggression Defense) training we offer.  R.A.D. provides women the skills and additionally helps to develop a mind set and the self-confidence to effectively use those physical tools of self-defense.  The recent graduates have been positively effusive in their praise for this instruction.  Accordingly, the department is bringing the developers of this program in to teach ten additional instructors.  Should the demand outstrip our ability to provide this service, we will train an additional ten.

     The Sheriff’s Department is  presenting the Ninth Citizen’s Police Academy (C.P.A.)  at the District III Substation on Wallisville Road.  For the graduates of the other eight classes, our first and first in the region, Advanced Police Academy has started.  The Advanced Academy is open only to an alumni of the standard C.P.A.  The C.P.A. class provides an in depth look at what we do and why.  Over 60 graduates are enrolled.
 
 

     Commissioner’s Court has created, approved, and funded an additional 24 Communication Officers for Dispatch, along with other changes designed to attract, keep, and improve working conditions for them. 

     On Tuesday, February 24, 1998, Commissioner’s Court approved our purchase of in-car computers for every patrol car.  A project that has been in progress for over four years has come to fruition.  We anticipate all computers to be brought, installed, and in use by September.

     All of this could not have been accomplished without Sheriff Thomas, along with the strong support of Commissioner’s Court.  The direct beneficiary will be you, the public we serve.
Watch your mail for the next Sheriff’s Interaction Group (S.I.G..) meeting announcement.  Last Tuesday, the 24th, saw a rejuvenated SIG meeting at County Line Barbecue on Cutten Road.   Nearly 80 people attended.  Aside from a regular program time is set aside for questions, comments, and concerns from you.

     For information on any of the subjects discussed you may contact your district substation or storefront.  These numbers are listed inside the front cover.    ***