Media Relations General Policy
The Harris County Sheriff?s Office (HCSO) Media Relations Team strives to be responsive and professional, acting in compliance with the Texas Public Information Act and in the best interest of the department, its employees and the people of Harris County. Routine media inquiries and records requests are handled as expeditiously as possible during normal business hours. You may contact a member of the HCSO Media Relations team at mediarelations@sheriff.hctx.net.
In theIn the event of an emergency or a significant breaking news event during after hours and weekends, an on-call public information officer can be reached at 713-687-1717
Requests for Inmate Booking Photos (mug shots):
- Requests must be made in writing between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
- Send email requests to mediarelations@sheriff.hctx.net, fax requests to 713-755-6228.
- If the inmate is still in custody, or if charges are pending
adjudication, the arresting agency must approve release
of the booking photo.
- Booking photos for prior charges for which the defendant
is no longer in custody, and that did not result in a criminal
conviction, may not be released.
InmateInmate Interview Requests
- Inmate On camera interviews, if permitted, will be done within
the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
- Requests for interviews must be made in writing.
- Send email requests to mediarelations@sheriff.hctx.net, fax requests to 713-755-6228.
Request for interviews must be accompanied by a signed letter on letterhead stationery from the defendant's attorney of record in the criminal proceedings, reflecting the attorney's approval of the interview request. (Faxed letters are acceptable but the fax must be from the attorney's office.) The letter must state that the judge having jurisdiction over the criminal proceeding has been informed of the interview request.
Any media representative who conducts an interview within the boundaries of the institution waives their personal right to be free from search of his/her person or property so long as he/she remains within the boundaries of the institution grounds.
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