Harris County Sheriff Deputies for Mental Health Crisis Response

Harris County approved an agreement to place two sheriff's deputies at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD starting May 2026. These deputies will provide specialized law enforcement services for mental health emergencies and crises. The Harris Center serves people with mental health conditions and intellectual disabilities across our county. When someone has a mental health crisis, these trained deputies can respond quickly and safely. They understand how to work with people experiencing mental health emergencies. This partnership connects law enforcement with healthcare to better serve our neighbors who need mental health support. The deputies will work directly with Harris Center staff to handle situations that need both medical care and safety support. This matters because mental health crises can happen to anyone in our community. Having specially trained officers means better outcomes when someone needs help. Instead of regular patrol officers who might not have mental health training, these deputies will know how to de-escalate situations and connect people to care. Harris County Commissioners Court passed this agreement in May 2026 after careful review. To learn more about this program or share feedback, contact Tiffany Williams at the Harris County Sheriff's Office. You can also attend Commissioners Court meetings to stay informed about how our county supports mental health services and public safety partnerships.

When someone in our community has a mental health crisis, specially trained deputies will respond instead of regular officers. This means safer, better help for people experiencing mental health emergencies and their families.