Monica Hicks was driving with her five children on Saturday night when someone fired bullets into her vehicle, killing her precious 5–year-old daughter, Zah’layah Walter. Our detectives followed the evidence, which included information from automated license plate readers, and within 24 hours identified and arrested a suspect who’s now charged with capital murder. The tragedy brings to mind another Harris County mother, LaPorsha Washington, who lost her beloved 7-year-old daughter, Jazmine Barnes, in 2018. LaPorsha was diving with her children on a Sunday morning when gunfire from another vehicle claimed Jazmine’s life. That was before we had today’s network of automated license plate readers. Jazmine’s case required an intense, around-the-clock investigation, with detectives pursuing lead after lead until a critical tip helped break the case about a week later. Sadly, other families who have lost loved ones to roadway violence are still waiting for answers. Technology cannot replace good police work, but tools like license plate readers can give investigators valuable information when every minute matters. With that capability comes responsibility. Powerful technology must be used judiciously, with appropriate safeguards and accountability, if we are to maintain the public’s trust. We owe that to our community. And we owe it to children like Jazmine and now Zah’layah to use every lawful and responsible tool available to identify those responsible for violence and bring them to justice. (Photos of Jazmine & Zah’layah)

Yesterday, Harris County Commissioners Court sent a loud and clear message that they prioritize public safety. By committing to deputy pay raises that put us on par with HPD, Commissioners @AdrianGarciaHTX @LesleyBrionesTX and @TomSRamsey2 showed they heard our call to treat deputy pay as an emergency public safety issue, and I am truly grateful. I look forward to working with all Court members to finalize a competitive pay scale for Sheriff’s and Constables’ deputies this budget season.

While I support a proposal to grant meet and confer status to our HCSO employees, I also believe we must ramp up our effort to win competitive pay for all Harris County deputies. Recruiting strong candidates to serve and protect Harris County residents, and also keeping veteran peace officers who have already shown their commitment to public service, will require a significant investment. But the public safety stakes are too high for inaction, and it's time for some tough budget decisions. It's easy to say public safety is our top priority, but our spending decisions must reflect our values. Now is the time to step up and show all Harris County deputies that we truly value their work to keep us safe.

In unincorporated Harris County, call for service volume is low at the moment and almost no reported crashes. Thank you for staying off the roadways. With the sun rising, road conditions should steadily improve throughout the day. We should be all clear after 5pm more or less.

Last night around midnight, a bloody and wounded Dustin Nelson stumbled to a neighbor’s home at the 15600 blk of S. Champagne Circle, seeking help. Nelson had been shot. He collapsed and subsequently died from his wounds at the scene. @HCSOTexas 1/3

expectations. Thank you for this honor, and know that we will never take it for granted 3/3

vote to tell us once again that we’re getting it right. I will continue working with our many partners to put safety first. and ensure that our brave HCSO teammates have all the support and resources they need to meet your high 2/3

Every day for the last 8 years, our Harris County Sheriff’s Office team has strived to earn and keep your trust and confidence in our commitment to keeping every community safe. I am overwhelmed with gratitude to the people of Harris County for using your 1/3

We continue to increase enforcement efforts. Our goal is to prevent traffic crashes and curtail dangerous driving through periods of high visibility enforcement along major corridors. #HouNews

Great news. Upon arrival at the hospital, his prognosis is much better. Our deputy is said to be alert.

An off-duty @HCSOTexas Deputy was involved in a major crash while conducting a motorcycle escort out of county. He’s being transported to Memorial Herman hospital in critical condition. Please keep him in your prayers.

please contact us at 713-274-9100 or @CrimeStopHOU 713-222-TIPS (8477). If you reside in the neighborhood, pls check your surveillance cameras around the 3am hour and prior. 2/2