Gonzalez: 'We are grateful for the success and support' of Violent Persons Task Force

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and the Harris County Commissioners Court provided an update on Wednesday on a task force that was established more than six months ago. 

Houston NBC affiliate KPRC reported that since the creation of the Violent Persons Task Force last September, it apprehended violent criminals as well as took care of more than 1,300 outstanding warrants.

“We remain committed to utilizing strategic collaboration and partnerships to combat dangerous criminals and are grateful for the success and support of this task force,” Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said, the station reported. 

KPRC reported that the five-member commissioners court voted on Tuesday to give the task force – which consists of 23 HCSO deputies and the Harris County Precinct 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 8 – constables’ offices, another year.

Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, a predecessor of Gonzalez, said that the task force shows the county’s efforts to combat crime are working, KPRC reported. 

“This first-of-its-kind multi-agency partnership – the sheriff and constables – effectively addresses the warrant backlog of violent cases,” Garcia said in the report. “This team is working around the clock to track down the most violent offenders who, if remain free, are likely to victimize again and continue to pose a threat to our community.” 

The county used American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the program, per KPRC.

To illustrate the success of the task force, officials discussed the arrests of three men in their 20s earlier this year who were wanted for a few robberies. 

According to the station, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones said the program makes the community safe and quickly delivers justice to victims and their families. 

“I am grateful for the service and partnership of Sheriff Gonzalez, his team and the participating constables, and am strongly committed to continuing to work closely with them and other justice stakeholders on this collaboration, the Holistic Assistance Response Team and other data-driven initiatives that take a comprehensive approach to public safety,” Briones said.